1. How to Establish Authority Acts 15:6-21

2. Last week 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

3. Today We need authority in every aspect of life. HOW we establish that authority is important 3 valid ways – precept, example and necessary conclusion True also in our religion – 2 Tim. 2:15

4. Command (Precept) A specific statement that calls for us to do something or to avoid it. The “10 commandments”

5. Command (Precept) Heb. 10:25 – not forsaking the assembling of ourselves Acts 2:38 – repent and be baptized Eph. 4:31 - “all anger, wrath…be put away from you.” 1 Cor. 11:23-26 – the Lord’s Supper

6. Approve Example Observations of Jesus or others that demonstrate approved action These give us directions, usually about how to accomplish a command

7. Approved Example Acts 20:6-7 – “On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” The only example of WHEN they partook of the Lord’s Supper? It was approved!

8. Approved Example 1 Cor. 11:1 – “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” Jesus is our example – we learn from Him and follow Him. His disciples did the same! NOTE: Not all examples are approved or applicable – context!

9. Necessary Inference An unavoidable conclusion one reaches as a result of studying the teachings of scripture. Even though you do not have a specific command or example, you can reasonably conclude something to be necessary.

10. Necessary Inference Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” Established WHEN it was partaken, but HOW often? Every first day or only when you choose to? Necessary inference is that they did so every first day of the week ( cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2, How often is there a first day?, Sabbath? etc.)

11. Necessary Inference We need necessary inference because much of the Bible is principles – Even though written some 2000 years ago, it is still applicable in all aspects of life NI, deals with HOW to carry out a command.

12. Acts 15:6-21 An appeal to authority In Jerusalem as a result of false teachers demanding that Gentiles be circumcised and keep the law of Moses How did they determine what is truth?

13. Acts 15:6-21 Peter speaks (6-11) He recalls conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10). He notes that God wanted Gentiles to be saved and he did NOT demand circumcision for approval. Approves Example, Necessary Inference – NOTE vs. 11

14. Acts 15:6-21 Paul and Barnabas (12) They recount their work in preaching to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 13-14) NO call for circumcision (by God) as they obeyed Approved Example, Necessary Inference – God’s approval through miracles and wonders

15. Acts 15:6-21 James speaks (13-20) James appeals to cited examples, and Amos 9:11-12 – a precept to be fulfilled Precepts, Necessary Inference (15:19-20)

16. CENI Sometimes preachers accused of inventing this concept of how to establish authority? If so – present your case: BUT do so without showing me a command, approved example or necessary conclusion!

17. Types 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? 2 John 9 2 types of commands

18. Types of Authority Generic authority Instructions that give you liberty in how it is carried out Gen. 6:14, Noah commanded to build the ark – what tools he could use not specified.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Types of Authority Specific authority A command where something is specified and thereby all other options are excluded Gen. 6:14-16, Noah commanded to build the ark – with gopher wood, specific heights and requirements. To change the pattern would be to disobey God

22. Types of Authority Specific authority Num. 20:1-13, Moses as Kadesh. Commanded to speak to the rock, but he struck it. God specified what to do. Forbidden from entering Canaan as a result of this sin.

23. 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 Types of Authority

24. 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 Types of Authority

25. 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.)

26. 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

27. 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. Are they consistent? Rom. 2:1

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