A Study of Authority

How do we distinguish between what we can and cannot do? How do we ensure that we are pleasing to God and not transgressing His will? 2 John 9

In previous lessons: We discussed, What is your source of authority? Authority means permission It should not be traditions, conscience, wisdom of men, family, the majority or even the Old Law. It is the teachings of Jesus through Him and His apostles

In previous lessons: We also discussed HOW to establish authority Command Approved Example Necessary inference Such is true in every aspect of life

TODAY Types of Authority Mark 16:15

Types of Authority In any statement of authority, there are generally 2 types of instructions: General Specific These apply in our service to God as well

Generic authority Instructions that give you liberty (options) as to HOW to carry out some aspect of a command.

INCLUSIVE “make an ark” Gen. 6:14 HOW?HOW? HammerSawAwl God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

INCLUSIVE “go” Mark 16:15 HOW?HOW? WalkRideFlySail God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

INCLUSIVE “preach”, “teach” Mark 16:15, Matt. 28:19-20 HOW?HOW? Publicly House to house ClassAssembly God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

INCLUSIVE “singing” Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 Type?Type? HarmonyUnisonSlowFast God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

INCLUSIVE “assemble” Heb. 10:25 WHERE?WHERE? TentHomeRental Meeting house God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

INCLUSIVE “apparel” 1 Tim. 2:9 Type?Type? DressPantsBlouseRobe God did not specify CHOICEGod did not specify CHOICE CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of optionsCHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options Generic Authority

Generic authority It is NEVER exclusive. Involves details of given commands - HOW a command is fulfilled

Generic Authority Expedients An aid or method used to expedite or facilitate the execution of a command Sing – song book, leader, pitch pipe Assemble – place, amenities to facilitate the assembly Teach – class rooms, chalk boards, PowerPoint, etc.

Specific Authority A command where something is specified and thereby all other options are excluded

Specific Noah,“Gopher wood” Gen. 6:14-16 GopherwoodGopherwood OakPineCedar No CHOICE givenNo CHOICE given Only specified action APPROVEDOnly specified action APPROVED To change pattern was to disobey GodTo change pattern was to disobey God NOT Specific Authority

Specific Moses,“Speak to the rock” Num. 20:8 SpeakSpeak Strike it Take personal glory No CHOICE givenNo CHOICE given Only specified action APPROVEDOnly specified action APPROVED Moses denied Promised LandMoses denied Promised Land NOT Specific Authority

EXCLUSIVE “music” Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, 1 Cor. 14:15 SINGSING Playing an instrument Humming, instrumental sounds, clapping No CHOICE givenNo CHOICE given Only specified action APPROVEDOnly specified action APPROVED NOT Specific Authority

EXCLUSIVE “Lord’s Supper” 1 Cor. 11:23-26 Unl. breadUnl. bread Fruit of vineFruit of vine Beans & cornbread Burger & coke No CHOICE givenNo CHOICE given Only specified action APPROVEDOnly specified action APPROVED NOT Specific Authority

EXCLUSIVE “Modest apparel” 1 Tim. 2:9 ModestModest Bikini Mini skirt Short shorts Only specified details APPROVEDOnly specified details APPROVED NOT Specific Authority

Most commands contain both generic and specific instructions. For example: Mark 16:15, “Go and preach” – excludes not going. Eph. 5:19 Singing – excludes instrumental, but generic as to type (4 part harmony, unison, upbeat song vs. solemn, etc.)

Dangers of Extremes Accepting only generic authority If not specifically forbidden, it is acceptable Such appeals to silence Heb. 7:13-14, 1 Cor. 4:6

Dangers of Extremes Accepting only specific authority Denies many options that are acceptable – binding where God has not bound. Examples – L.S. containers, no Bible classes, etc.

Respecting authority is the only way to ensure we are pleasing to God

Do you respect God’s word in your life?