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Authority in Religion I. We Need Religious Authority

Authority in Religion I. We Need Religious Authority. Let’s be reasonable. Romans 12:1 Isaiah 1:18 Our approach will need to be… Logical Sensible Rational Practical Accountable. Authority in Religion I. We Need Religious Authority. Religion: good and bad

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Authority in Religion I. We Need Religious Authority

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  1. Authority in ReligionI. We Need Religious Authority Let’s be reasonable. Romans 12:1 Isaiah 1:18 Our approach will need to be… Logical Sensible Rational Practical Accountable

  2. Authority in ReligionI. We Need Religious Authority Religion: good and bad Bad: superstition, extremism, mysticism Acts 17:22 Good: piety, respect, discipline James 1:26, 27

  3. Authority in ReligionI. We Need Religious Authority Authority: The lawful right to rule over others By merit or appointment Matthew 21:33 Objectively: dominion over - the right to cause others to act Subjectively: under submission - the right to act by another’s cause Matthew 8:9

  4. Authority in ReligionI. We Need Religious Authority Subjective authority is a divinely appointed requirement. Colossians 3:17 Chaos and anarchy prevails without authority The one who acts is the one responsible to produce proof. 1 Peter 3:15

  5. Authority in ReligionI. We Need Religious Authority Ignorance is no excuse Understood secularly Sincerity alone is inadequate Acts 26:9; 1 Corinthians 5:8 A price to pay for violation Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10) Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:3-7) Matthew 7:21-23

  6. Authority in ReligionII. The Source of Religious Authority The starting point: revelation from heaven from men Matthew 21:23-27, Galatians 1:11, 12 One true source Christ (Matthew 28:18) Apostles, prophets (2 Peter 1:21) Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17) Divine oracles (Ex 4:15, 16; 1 Pet 4:11)

  7. Authority in ReligionII. The Source of Religious Authority Miracles and revelation Necessary for validation Exodus 4:1-5; Hebrews 2:3, 4 Acceptance of a standard Credible (1 John 1:1-4) Exclusive (Acts 4:12) Tangible (Ephesians 3:4) Accessible (Romans 10:8, 18) The scriptures meet these requirements.

  8. Authority in ReligionII. The Source of Religious Authority Wrong sources of authority: Anything not from scripture Friends and family Elders and preachers Commentators and scholars Colleges and lectureships Creed books and bylaws Fellow Christians Other churches Common practice

  9. Authority in ReligionII. The Source of Religious Authority Wrong sources of authority: Human Tradition Man’s opinion and reasoning Fallacy of influence (Gal 1:8-10) Fear of consequences (Jn 12:42, 43) Inconsistency of others “If you can do that, I can do this.” Personal feelings

  10. Authority in ReligionIII. The Silence of the Scriptures The mind of God revealed Apocalypse = removing the veil (Rev 1:1-4) Boundaries and Limitations Athletic competition (1 Cor 9:24-27) Rule = Canon (Gal 6:16) “a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one's power of influence is confined” (J. H. Thayer)

  11. Authority in ReligionIII. The Silence of the Scriptures Viewpoints on silence permit, include, loose? restrict, exclude, bind. “appeal to ignorance” “you didn’t say not to” “be reasonable” Application in scripture Hebrews 7:14 Acts 15:24

  12. Authority in ReligionIII. The Silence of the Scriptures Things practiced today by silence instrumental music in worship weekday church treasury collections church volleyball and bowling teams church dinner socials Silence not option area We can agree about what is stated. That which is unstated is indeterminate.

  13. Authority in ReligionIV. The Dispensations of God Ordinances Delivered Dispensation of Patriarchs Duration for Israel: until Moses Duration for other nations: until Christ Dispensation of Moses Duration for Israel: until Christ Dispensation of Christ Duration for all: until last day Never an age without law from God

  14. Authority in ReligionIV. The Dispensations of God Old and New Testament Differences Ratification: Old: animal blood (Hebrews 9:18-21) New: Christ’s blood (10:10) Duration: Old: temporary, obsolete (7:18; 8:13) New: enduring, changeless (7:21-28) Effect: Old: imperfect, resulting in death (10:1-4) New: perfect, resulting in life (9:11-15)

  15. Authority in ReligionIV. The Dispensations of God Old Testament Applicability Today No longer in force (Gal 4:1-11) We learn in principle from their examples. False Doctrines from misapplication Ten Commandments enjoined Instrumental music in worship Special class earthly priesthood Baptism not essential Divorce for indecency

  16. Authority in ReligionIV. The Dispensations of God Old Testament Applicability Today Old Testament references in the New Testament not binding Animal sacrifices (Heb 9:13) Feast days (Heb 11:28) Circumcision (Acts 16:3) Human traditions (Acts 21:26)

  17. Authority in ReligionIV. The Dispensations of God From God (binding): • Baptism • Lord’s supper • The church • Elders, deacons • Marriage From Man (not binding): • Washing feet • Greeting kiss • Woman’s veil • Therapeutic oils • Civil ceremony God-ordained or Man-originatedMatthew 21:25

  18. Authority in ReligionV. Communication Language God’s creation and gift to Adam Governed by rules Essential to law delivery Word Meanings Inflectional forms Fixed signification Source of disputes (2 Pet 3:16)

  19. Authority in ReligionV. Communication Context Reveals dual word meanings Exciting novels are rare. Rare books are expensive. Therefore, exciting novels are expensive. Rare #2 = unusual quality, distinctive Rare #3 = seldom occurring, uncommon

  20. Authority in ReligionV. Communication Context Reveals dual word meanings Exciting novels are rare. (#2) Rare books are expensive. (#3) Therefore, exciting novels are expensive. Rare #2 = unusual quality, distinctive Rare #3 = seldom occurring, uncommon

  21. Authority in ReligionV. Communication Figurative Language Rule of context Rule of impossibility Rule of contradiction Rule of absurdity Rule of revelation

  22. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Systematic Approach Divine author, unified message (2 Pet 1:1,2). Rightly dividing, not wrongly (2 Tim 2:15). Our Method: Logical (reasonable, sensible) Consistent (applicable in all contexts) Pure (unbiased, God-approved)

  23. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Direct and Indirect Authority Indirect: Necessary Inference Word implications Cause and effect relationships Not by possible or probable inference Forced conclusions Binding and mandatory

  24. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Romans 7:2, 3 Matthew 19:6, 9 Live Death Chastity Fornication Bound Not bound Bound ? Remarriage and adultery illustration: Remarry Remarry Remarry Remarry Adultery No adultery Adultery ? Adultery if married to one but bound to another. No adultery if married to one and not bound to another. No right to put away (bound) if no fornication. What is necessarily inferred?

  25. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Romans 7:2, 3 Matthew 19:6, 9 Live Death Chastity Fornication Bound Not bound Bound Not bound Remarriage and adultery illustration: Remarry Remarry Remarry Remarry Adultery No adultery Adultery No adultery Adultery if married to one but bound to another. No adultery if married to one and not bound to another. No right to put away (bound) if no fornication. Right to put away (not bound) if fornication.

  26. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Direct and Indirect Authority Direct: Statements and Commands Statement: indicative, informative. Command: imperative, directive. One dispensation of Christ. Necessarily inference: A command then is a command now.

  27. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Direct and Indirect Authority Indirect: Approved Examples Recorded examples of divinely approved early church actions necessarily infer the unrecorded commands were delivered. Binding only when the command is not recorded.

  28. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Methods Combined All recorded commands delivered to the early church are for our example and are by necessary inference binding upon us. All recorded approved examples of early church action necessarily infer that the empowering commands were delivered.

  29. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Methods Illustrated Jesus’ teaching: Necessary inference (Mark 12:26, 27) Direct command (Luke 10:26-28) Approved example (Matt 12:5) Debate at Jerusalem: Necessary inference (Acts 15:7-9; 11:17) Approved example (Acts 15:12-14) Direct command (Acts 15:15-18)

  30. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Consider Everything Recorded Matthew 18:20 “observe all things” Psalm 119:160“the sum of Your word” Not any one passage reveals all of God’s will on a particular subject. Variations in historian’s accounts are not contradictions but differing viewpoints. (Luke 1:1-4) Work to harmonize scripture.

  31. Authority in ReligionVI. Method of Interpretation Matters of Judgment and Opinion A weak brother’s conscience (Rom 14:1, 2; 15:1; 1 Cor 8:7-12) Things not inherently moral or immoral (Rom 14:3-6; 1 Cor 10:25, 26) Find common ground (Rom 14:13; 1 Cor 8:13; 10:27-33) Not a license for heresy(Rom 14:14, 22; 1 Cor 10:23)

  32. Authority in ReligionVII. When Are Examples Binding? The Rule Of Uniformity Binding if examples are all the same. The Rule Of Harmony Not binding if it creates a contradiction. The Rule Of Relevance Coincidental or immaterial details not binding. The Rule Of Applicability Not binding if circumstantially impossible.

  33. Authority in ReligionVIII. Specific and Generic Terminology Definitions Specific: Distinguishes from other kinds Wooden objects are distinguished from everything that is not wooden: carpet, light bulbs, concrete blocks, ink pens, microphones, etc. Generic: Includes all of the same class Wooden objects include communion tables, paneling, pews, lecterns, etc.

  34. Authority in ReligionVIII. Specific and Generic Terminology Characteristics of Specifics Restricts and confines Excludes and prevents Limits and binds Characteristics of Generics Permits and looses Includes and allows Liberates and sets free

  35. Authority in ReligionVIII. Specific and Generic Terminology Secular: • U.S.A. • Ohio • Hamilton Co. • Cincinnati • Walnut St. Scriptural: • Worship • Musical • Vocal • 4-part • Unison moregenericmorespecific Illustrating Specifics and Generics

  36. Authority in ReligionVIII. Specific and Generic Terminology Exodus 12:5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x sheep and goats one year male unblemished horses, cows, etc lambs over one year female lambs defective lambs

  37. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies • That which is convenient or personally advantageous. John 16:17; 2 Cor 8:10 • Suitable for achieving an end: Means for accomplishing (Jn 4:34) Ways of fulfilling a task (Jas 2:8) Methods of performing action (Lk 2:39) Expediency Defined

  38. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies Rules Of Expediencies Must not add, subtract, or substitute. (1 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Samuel 15:15) Must not be specified. (Genesis 6:14; Exodus 12:5) Must edify. (1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, 33; 14:26) Must not lead others to sin. (1 Corinthians 8:7-13) Must be lawful. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10)

  39. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies Walk: Sun or shade Shoes, cane Fast or slow Dog, iPod Bicycle, run incidental– aid– method– addition– substitution– Applications

  40. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies Walk: Sun or shade Shoes, cane Fast or slow Dog, iPod Bicycle, run incidental– aid– method– addition– substitution– Applications Incidentals have no bearing on the action. Aids and methods do not add or subtract.

  41. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies Walk: Sun or shade Shoes, cane Fast or slow Dog, iPod Bicycle, run Sing: Stand, sit Book, pitch pipe Loud or soft Piano, organ Whistle, hum incidental– aid– method– addition– substitution– Applications Incidentals have no bearing on the action. Aids and methodsdo notadd or subtract.

  42. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies Baptize: Flowing Baptistery Prone, supine swim, dive sprinkle, pour Teach gospel: Public, private Charts, outlines Lecture, discuss Drama, food Teach knitting incidental– aid– method– addition– substitution– Applications We should ask... WHERE DOES IT LEAD?

  43. Authority in ReligionIX. Expediencies The Use Of Tools The tool is authorized by its use: Teaching justifies computer and projector Assembling justifies meeting house Singing justifies pitch instrument The use is not authorized by the tool: Computer does not justify movie night Building does not justify game parties Instrument does not justify accompaniment

  44. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation • Applying Logic Proposition: Confirmed statement Premise: Starting proposition Argument: Grouped propositions Inference: Connection between propositions Deductive reasoning: Necessary inferences Conclusion: Deduced proposition • Sound Arguments True Premise + Valid Inference = True Forced Conclusion Sound Reasoning

  45. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation • Sound Arguments, Examples Sound Reasoning

  46. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation • False premise,valid inference Unsound Arguments Invalid argument – propositions unrelated

  47. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation • True premise,invalid inference Unsound Arguments Invalid inference!

  48. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation • False premise, invalid inference Unsound Arguments Conclusion not dependant upon argument!

  49. Authority in ReligionX. Reasoning and Argumentation Spirit and truth; attitudes and convictions: • Same belief, same attitudeno dispute, no conflict (Phil 2:1) • Same belief, different attitudepointless bickering (Titus 3:9) • Different belief, same attitudeagree to disagree or resolve (Acts 15:25) • Different belief, different attitudesenselessly irreconcilable (James 3:17) Resolving Doctrinal Disputes

  50. Authority in ReligionXI. Conclusion In Review: We need authority for religious practices. Our source is God’s word in scripture. Silence of the scriptures authorizes nothing. The New Testament is God’s final word. God’s word is unified and discernable. We have a logical interpretive method. Specific and generic terms are distinctive. Expediencies do not add or subtract. We must apply sound reasoning.

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