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Seeking the Old Paths #2 Introduction: A. In our last lesson we looked at the various ways authority can be established. We learned that authority is only established by direct command, approved example, or necessary inference. B. But in these three areas, we must also make a distinction between the nature of the authority that is given in each case. I. Kinds Of Authority A. General
1. Webster defines general as "pertaining to, affecting,
or applicable to, each and all of a class, kind, or
order; as a general law. Not limited to a precise
import or application; not specific."
2. This type of authority would include anything necessary
to carry out the command, example or inference.
B. Specific
1. This is defined as "precisely formulated or restricted;
specifying; explicit; as a specific statement"
according to Webster.
2. In other words, specific authority is very restrictive
in nature. It limits to a specific class, kind, or
order.
C. The law of exclusion.
1. This principle is used and understood in every field of
study.
2. It allows us to understand that to specify one thing
eliminates the need to specify others not wanted.
a. Black's Law Dictionary says, "The inclusion of one
is the exclusion of another. The certain designation
of one person is an absolute exclusion of all
others."
b. A will specifies who is to inherit one property, not
those who are not to receive it.
c. A deed specifies the property owned. It does not
specify all the property not owned.
D. Expediencies.
1. Only things that are lawful can be expedient.
a. 1 Cor 10:23 - "All things are lawful for me, but not
all things are helpful; all things are lawful for
me, but not all things edify."
b. 1 Cor 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me, but all
things are not helpful. All things are lawful for
me, but I will not be brought under the power of
any."
2. It cannot be specific. If something is specified, there
is no room for expedients.
3. It must edify
a. 1 Cor 10:23-33 - "All things are lawful for me, but
not all things are helpful; all things are lawful
for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek
his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Eat
whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no
questions for conscience’ sake; for "the earth is
the Lord’s, and all its fullness." If any of those
who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you
desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, ask-
ing no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone
says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not
eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and
for conscience’ sake; for "the earth is the Lord’s,
and all its fullness." "Conscience," I say, not
your own, but that of the other. For why is my
liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if
I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for
the food over which I give thanks? Therefore,
whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all
to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the
Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just
as I also please all men in all things, not seeking
my own profit, but the profit of many, that they
may be saved."
b. 1 Cor 14:26 - "How is it then, brethren? Whenever
you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a
teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an
interpretation. Let all things be done for
edification."
4. It must not offend (cause to stumble) another.
a. 1 Cor 10:32 - "Give no offense, either to the Jews
or to the Greeks or to the church of God,"
b. 1 Cor 8:7-13 - "However, there is not in everyone
that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the
idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an
idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
But food does not commend us to God; for neither if
we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are
we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty
of yours become a stumbling block to those who are
weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge
eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience
of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things
offered to idols? And because of your knowledge
shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ
died? But when you thus sin against the brethren,
and wound their weak conscience, you sin against
Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble,
I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother
stumble."
5. It must not be an addition to or substitution for God's
word.
II. Examples of authority A. General
1. Noah (Gen. 6:14).
a. May use whatever tools necessary to build an ark.
b. Saw, hammer, chisel, etc.
2. Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).
a. Go
(1). General
(2). May use whatever means we deem appropriate to
go.
b. Teach
(1). Once again general
(2). May use what ever means we desire.
(a). Radio
(b). Television
(c). Home classes
(d). Classes at the building
c. Baptize
(1). Both specific and general
(2). Places such as Acts 8:38, Rom. 6:4-9 and
Col. 2:12 show us baptism is a burial in water.
(3). But the command doesn't specify a place,
therefore, we may us any place that has a
suitable amount of water.
3. Assemble (Heb. 10:25).
a. Tells us to do so, but doesn't specify where.
b. May us house, rented building, owned building, etc.
B. Specific
1. Noah (Gen 6:14)
a. Ark - no other kind of vessel would do
b. Gopherwood - no other wood might be used
2. Passover (Ex. 12:1ff)
a. Lamb - couldn't use goat
b. Without blemish - couldn't use cull of flock
c. 1 year old - not old and sickly
d. Male - a ewe (female) would not do
e. To be done on 14th day of 1st month - did not have
to specify other time would not do
3. Sing - did not have to specify could not use mechanical
instrument
Conclusion.
A. When we have specific command from God, it automatically excludes doing anything else. Just because it doesn't say we cannot do something does not give us authority to change what God's word does tell us and go ahead and do whatever we might want. B. If God haws specified something to be done, but did not specify how, we are free to choose whatever method is appropriate at the time. |