How To Establish Authority

A Study of Authority - 2

WE are greatly divided in the religious world

Even among brethren no consensus

Yet the Bible emphasizes unity? John 17:20-21, 1 Cor. 1:10

Why are we not united? It is a question of authority!

Hermeneutics – the science of interpretation

Putting together everything associated with a text – context, word meaning, grammar, background, etc. we seek to accurately determine the original meaning of a passage

It also involves understanding HOW to properly establish authority for what we do

Establishing Authority We need authority in all that we do

There are 3 legitimate ways to establish authority – Command, Approved example and Necessary Conclusion

Establishing Authority All 3 used in a job Command – your job outlined

Approved example – taught by a mentor, etc.

Necessary Conclusion – you observe what is acceptable and what is not!

Establishing Authority All 3 used in driving Command – laws you are to follow

Approved example – taught by an instructor, learning from them

Necessary Conclusion – by observing proper etiquette, respect for laws, etc. you learn how to conduct yourself.

Establishing Authority All 3 used in our faith Command – specific instructions or prohibitions

Approved example – examples that help us understand how to obey God’s commands

Necessary Inference – reached by putting together all the facts on a subject and determining how to properly carry it out.

Direct Command Something specifically stated or

prohibited Ephesians 4:32 – forgiveness

(Col. 3:13, Matt. 6:14-15)Colossians 3:9 – do not lie Matthew 26:29, 1 Cor. 11:24-25 – we are to partake of the Lord’s Supper

Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized

The majority of our instructions come by direct command!

Approved Example An example that we ought to follow. It must be approved! Apostolic!

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me…”

Hebrews 13:7, follow the faith of elders

Philippians 4:9, do what you learned

Approved Example Acts 2:41, 8:36-38, 16:33, etc. Baptism – many examples

Acts 20:7, the Lord’s Supper – WHEN are we to partake? “First day of the week”

Necessary Inference Something necessarily concluded when we look at a text and all the facts of a subject. Usually based upon direct teachings and examples and involves HOW we carry out a command!

Jesus used Necessary inference John 5:39-40Matthew 22:31-32

Necessary Inference Concerning baptism – Acts 8:35-36, 38-39 – preaching Jesus included teaching baptism, also immersion!

Matthew 19:3-6, Jesus concluded that marriage is for life! Note vs. 9 – NI says that one who divorces FOR the cause of fornication can remarry

Necessary Inference Concerning the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7, How often should we partake?Consider 1 Cor. 11:20, 33 – done frequently; Ex. 20:8-11 – how often did they observe Sabbath?What about 1 Cor. 16:1-2 – concerning giving?

An Application – Acts 15 Apostles and others address what

was required of Gentiles as ChristiansDirect command - Acts 15:15-17, James appealed to Amos 9:11-12 – that day was coming for Gentiles to hear

Approved example - Acts 15:7 – Peter, 15:12 – Paul and Barnabas

Necessary inference – Acts 15:18-19 – the conclusion based upon putting all the facts together.

IF there is another way please teach me –

BUT do it without a command, an authoritative example or a

reasoned conclusion!

These are the only legitimate ways to properly

establish authority