A Study of Authority Lesson 7 Authority and

A Study of Authority Lesson 7 Authority and Evangelism (Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)

Introduction Ø We have learned in past lessons the need for authority (Matthew 21: 23 -27) � Two kinds of authority (Generic & Specific) � Means of establishing authority (Command, Example, Inference) Ø With this lesson we seek to make application, recognizing our need for authority in the realm of evangelism. 2

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Evangelism Ø There is authority for such a work � While not in dispute, the fact remains that authority must be established Ø Approved by Direct Statement � 1 Timothy 3: 15 3

The Church is to Engage in the Work of Evangelism Ø Approved by Direct Statement � 1 Timothy 3: 15 Ø Approved by Apostolic Example � Jerusalem church (Acts 11: 22) � Philippian church (Philippians 1: 3 -5) � Thessalonian church (1 Thessalonians 1: 8) 4

Autonomous Churches • The work of evangelism. 1 Timothy 3: 15; 1 Corinthians 9: 14; Acts 11: 22; Acts 13: 3; Philippians 4: 15; 2 Corinthians 11: 8 -9; 2 Corinthians 12: 13 This: Ch. Not This: preacher Ch. Ch. Ch. preacher M. S. Or S. Ch. preacher Ch. 5

The Bible Pattern of Evangelism Divine Authority… Bible Pattern Hebrews 8: 5 Scriptural church cooperation in evangelism 6

Not The Bible Pattern of Evangelism Human Authority… Proverbs 14: 12; 2 John 9 Unscriptural church cooperation in evangelism 7

Violations of the Pattern Ø Missionary Society Ø Perversion of organization Ø Sponsoring Church Ø Perversion of function � Violates autonomy (Acts 20: 28; 1 Peter 5: 2) � Autonomy is God’s safeguard to apostasy. 8

Not The Bible Pattern of Evangelism Human Authority … Proverbs 14: 12; 2 John 9 Unscriptural church cooperation in evangelism 9

Questions ? Authority and Evangelism

Question 1 Ø Describe the principle established by 1 Timothy 3: 15 regarding the part the church plays in the spreading of the gospel of our Lord. The church is the foundation and support of the truth; she holds up and displays the gospel to the world. This is the major work of the church. 11

Question 2 Ø Do individuals have a responsibility to preach the gospel? What verses teach this principle? Certainly they do, and the first century Christians did so. (Jews persecuted, Acts 8; Barnabas, Saul, Timothy, Philip, Aquila and Priscilla, the Macedonians, etc. ) cf. (Acts 8: 4; 5: 42; 8: 5; 9: 22, 29) 12

Question 3 Ø Is there any example in the New Testament of churches sending monies to a central (Sponsoring) church which then coordinates the support of preaching? Does this violate any principle of truth? • No, churches sent support directly to the preacher (ex: Philippians support of Paul) • The practice violates the concept of silence “speak as the oracles of God, ” and autonomy (oversight of elders). 13

Question 4 Ø Is it scriptural for several churches to support a single man in preaching? If so, how is this to be done? (What is the pattern)? Certainly, Paul “robbed other churches” while preaching in Corinth (cf. 2 Corinthians 11: 8 -9). He received the support directly from these congregations. No “sponsoring church” was necessary. 14

Question 5 Ø Explain the similarities and differences between a Human Missionary Society and a Sponsoring church arrangement. Is there authority for either? One institution is human, one is divine. However, both violate: 1) Pattern of evangelism; 2) Local autonomy; 3) Principle of silence; 4) Limit of elder’s authority There is no authority for either. 15

Respect God’s Silence Colossians 3: 17; 2 John 9; 2 Timothy 1: 13 �Do not add to what God has said �Abide in the doctrine of Christ �Hold fast the pattern of sound words Salvation & fellowship with God hangs in the balance! 16