A Study of Authority 2 How To Establish

A Study of Authority - 2 How To Establish Authority

WE are greatly divided in the religious world Even among brethren no consensus Yet the Bible emphasizes unity? John 17: 20 -21, 1 Cor. 1: 10 Why are we not united? It is a question of authority!

Hermeneutics – the science of interpretation Putting together everything associated with a text – context, word meaning, grammar, background, etc. we seek to accurately determine the original meaning of a passage It also involves understanding HOW to properly establish authority for what we do

Establishing Authority We need authority in all that we do There are 3 legitimate ways to establish authority – Command, Approved example and Necessary Conclusion

Establishing Authority All 3 used in a job Command – your job outlined Approved example – taught by a mentor, etc. Necessary Conclusion – you observe what is acceptable and what is not!

Establishing Authority All 3 used in driving Command – laws you are to follow Approved example – taught by an instructor, learning from them Necessary Conclusion – by observing proper etiquette, respect for laws, etc. you learn how to conduct yourself.

Establishing Authority All 3 used in our faith Command – specific instructions or prohibitions Approved example – examples that help us understand how to obey God’s commands Necessary Inference – reached by putting together all the facts on a subject and determining how to properly carry it out.

Direct Command Something specifically stated or prohibited Ephesians 4: 32 – forgiveness (Col. 3: 13, Matt. 6: 14 -15) Colossians 3: 9 – do not lie Matthew 26: 29, 1 Cor. 11: 24 -25 – we are to partake of the Lord’s Supper Acts 2: 38 – Repent and be baptized The majority of our instructions come by direct command!

Approved Example An example that we ought to follow. It must be approved! Apostolic! 1 Corinthians 11: 1, “Imitate me…” Hebrews 13: 7, follow the faith of elders Philippians 4: 9, do what you learned

Approved Example Acts 2: 41, 8: 36 -38, 16: 33, etc. Baptism – many examples Acts 20: 7, the Lord’s Supper – WHEN are we to partake? “First day of the week”

Necessary Inference Something necessarily concluded when we look at a text and all the facts of a subject. Usually based upon direct teachings and examples and involves HOW we carry out a command! Jesus used Necessary inference John 5: 39 -40 Matthew 22: 31 -32

Necessary Inference Concerning baptism – Acts 8: 35 -36, 38 -39 – preaching Jesus included teaching baptism, also immersion! Matthew 19: 3 -6, Jesus concluded that marriage is for life! Note vs. 9 – NI says that one who divorces FOR the cause of fornication can remarry

Necessary Inference Concerning the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20: 7, How often should we partake? Consider 1 Cor. 11: 20, 33 – done frequently; Ex. 20: 8 -11 – how often did they observe Sabbath? What about 1 Cor. 16: 1 -2 – concerning giving?

An Application – Acts 15 Apostles and others address what was required of Gentiles as Christians Direct command - Acts 15: 15 -17, James appealed to Amos 9: 11 -12 – that day was coming for Gentiles to hear Approved example - Acts 15: 7 – Peter, 15: 12 – Paul and Barnabas Necessary inference – Acts 15: 1819 – the conclusion based upon putting all the facts together.

These are the only legitimate ways to properly establish authority IF there is another way please teach me – BUT do it without a command, an authoritative example or a reasoned conclusion!