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) - 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)

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.”

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

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)

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

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

When Is An Example Binding? No. 1 - An example is binding when it is approved of God and not disapproved – 3 John 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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