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When Is A New Testament Example Binding?

When Is A New Testament Example Binding?. Why This Study?. We are told in the N.T. to follow N.T. examples. - Jesus is our example (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6) - The Apostles are examples (Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-9; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10)

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When Is A New Testament Example Binding?

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  1. When Is A New TestamentExample Binding?

  2. Why This Study? • We are told in the N.T. to follow N.T. examples. - Jesus is our example (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6) - The Apostles are examples (Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-9; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10) - N.T. church members are examples (1 Thess. 1:7; 2:14; 1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3)

  3. Why This Study? • We must be careful what we say when talking with others about the Bible so as not to appear inconsistent and hypocritical. - “The N.T. is our guide and we do everything the Bible says.” - “We just follow the N.T.” - “We are supposed to do what is in the N.T.”

  4. Why This Study? • Do we follow these N.T. examples? - Walking on the water like Jesus - Speaking in tongues and working miracles like the Apostles - Washing feet, the holy kiss and wearing the veil like N.T. Christians

  5. Why This Study? • Some (including members of Churches of Christ) say that N.T. examples are not binding on us today. - They say commands only are binding, not examples or necessary inferences - The truth is that God has always used examples to teach (1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 4:11; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7)

  6. Why This Study? • We must avoid these extremes… - No example is binding - All examples are binding - A specific example is required before we may act

  7. Why This Study? • A binding example illustrates and illuminates that which God’s authority has bound. • An example is “binding” when it is to be done one way only and in no other way. • The “rules” used to determine what example is binding are not man-made, but come from examining the context of the example in light of the rest of the N.T. (Acts 20:26). • All “rules” (5 listed in this lesson) must be considered before accepting an example as binding

  8. When Is An Example Binding? • No. 1 - An example is binding when it is approved of God and not disapproved – 3 John 11. - Disapproved examples: the lying of Ananias and Sapphira; Corinth’s failure to discipline; the hypocrisy of Peter; etc. - Approved examples: conversion; work, worship, organization of the church; godly living; etc.

  9. When Is An Example Binding? • No. 2 - An example is binding when it is a part of the N.T. covenant and not belonging to the O.T. covenant – 1 Corinthians 9:21. - O.T. covenant examples: salvation without baptism; the Sabbath; the Synagogue; Paul’s shaved head; circumcision; etc. - N.T. covenant examples: baptism; the first day of the week worship; singing without an instrument; etc.

  10. When Is An Example Binding? • No. 3 - An example is binding when it has universal application for all people in all times and not temporary or limited to a few (limited in time, circumstance, or custom) – Titus 2:11. - Limited examples: the miracles of Jesus, the Apostles or the N.T. church; first-century customs (holy kiss, foot washing, the veil); Paul’s celibacy in 1 Cor. 7; etc. - Universal examples: obedience to the gospel; work and worship of the church; subjection; etc.

  11. When Is An Example Binding? • No. 4 - An example is binding when it is essential to carry out a command and not merely incidental (an aid) – Matthew 28:19. - Incidental examples: the cup; meeting in the upper room; place of baptism; place of preaching; travel methods; etc. - Essential examples: unleavened bread; fruit of the vine; assembling for worship; baptism by immersion; preaching the gospel only; etc.

  12. When Is An Example Binding? • No. 5 - An example is binding when there is uniformity of practice within the same activity and not variety – 1 Corinthians 4:17. - Examples of variety: posture in prayer; location of assembly meetings; greetings; gathering personal funds for contribution; etc. - Examples of uniformity: vocal singing; baptism by immersion; direct support of evangelism and benevolence; first day of the week L.S.; cases of conversion; elders over a local church only; etc.

  13. Binding Examples • Let us have binding authority for all that we do (Col. 3:17; 2 Jn. 9-11) • Let us bind what God has bound and not loose what God has bound (Mt. 16:19) • Let us be true N.T. Christians by following the N.T. examples that are binding upon us today

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