General & Specific Authority Expediencies and Additions The New Testament Church 2017 Authority (8) General & Specific Authority Expediencies and Additions

Some seek to confuse types of authority Unless something is specified, it is not authorized (often misused to justify something they know is not specified) Unless something is specifically forbidden, it is permitted as generic authority. Understanding expedients and aids helps us address this

Expediencies and aids Expediency – something that assists or helps (profitable, aids, facilitates) us carrying out a thought or command we are given (by God). John 11:50:18, 14 – expedient for Jesus to die

Expediencies and aids Expediency – in scripture John 16:7, Jesus said, “it is to your advantage that I go away… Hebrews 12:10, He disciples us for our profit (our good) 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23, “helpful” (expedient – KJV)

Expediencies and aids Addition – to add to, join to something else. It involves adding something to specified instructions Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 12:32, cf. Matthew 15:3-9 – by your traditions you have made the law of no effect (6)

2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Uzzah struck dead for touching the ark Transporting the Ark 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Uzzah struck dead for touching the ark With Poles A new cart The LORD’s Instructions Exodus 25:12-14 Numbers 4:15 NOT authorized! An addition to the LORD’s words 1 Chronicles 15:11-15 – David repented

Expediencies and aids Singing – expedients would include song books, a song leader, a pitch pipe, etc. These elements AID us in being able to teach and admonish one another in song – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, etc. Also the number of songs and order is an expedient. Instrumental music is NOT an aid, it is an ADDITION!

Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa. Types of Music Singing Playing an Instrument Commanded Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 NOT commanded - Scripture???? Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa.

Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa. Types of Music Singing Playing an Instrument Expedients Song books and song leader facilitate singing Different type of music – adds to command Singing is NOT playing an instrument and vice-versa.

Expediencies and aids Assembling – Hebrews 10:25 Implies a place Many examples in scripture - Acts 5:12 – in the temple - Acts 19:9-10 – school of Tyrannus - Acts 20:7-8 – upper room - 1 Cor. 16:19 – in homes - 1 Cor. 11:22, 34 – a place OTHER than a home A building, and all the amenities are expedients to fulfill this command

Expediencies and aids The work of the church – evangelism & teaching – 1 Thess. 1:6-8, 2 Timothy 2:2 - spiritual edification – Ephesians 4:16 - limited benevolence – 1 Timothy 5:16 - worship – 1 Corinthians 14, 11:23-26 Whatever aids us carrying out these works is authorized. To ADD additional works or change the structure of the church is NOT an expedient

Work of the church Evangelism Edification, … Entertainment Social work I.e. teaching classes, work books, PowerPoint, bulletin, etc. facilitate teaching NOT authorized Scripture??? ANOTHER type of work!

Expediencies and aids Baptism – by command and example – it is immersion and for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, etc. Where we baptize is generic authority – in the ocean, a river, a pool, OR a baptistry! The baptistry is an expedient, along with the pump, etc.

A different type (addition) of “baptism”. NOT facilitating immersion! Sprinkling, pouring Place Baptistry, ocean, pool, river, etc. Expediencies to facilitate the command A different type (addition) of “baptism”. NOT facilitating immersion!

Rules for Expediencies First, it must be lawful! 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23, 32 (NOTE: Paul is not saying you have no boundaries, but WITHIN boundaries you have choices – cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Colossians 3:17) Additions and substitutions are NOT lawful! Cf. Galatians 6:6-9

Rules for Expediencies They cannot change the force or effect of what is commanded or authorized Respect God’s specifics! 1 Corinthians 4:6 Example: Instrumental music changes the force of singing. Example: Lord’s supper – containers are expedient. Using soda and cake are changing force of the command

Rules for Expediencies Expedients involve options or choices The choices are non-essential and unspecified. You are at liberty to do something a certain way. Example – we may use PowerPoint, workbooks, song books, pitch pipes, etc. But we don’t have to use a particular one. NOTE: We ask, “What is best and authorized?” Do we respect brethren who choose to do these things a different way?

Rules for Expediencies Expedients must edify 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 Edify means to build up. Our goal in doing what we must do is to be as efficient and considerate as possible.

Rules for Expediencies Expedients must not offend the conscience of a brother 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 “Offense” means to cause to stumble (not merely hurting someone’s feelings, though that might be involved). Romans 14:14-15, 19

Rules for Expediencies Expedients should not be self-serving 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 Philippians 2:3-4 Do not forget our purpose is to build up the body, not just me! Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:21, 3 John 9-10 - Diotrephes This is a two way street! Some demand things be done their way and are unwilling to consider another way. IS it fair when all yielding is one sided?

Rules for Expediencies WE cannot bind an expediency By its definition, it is a choice (hopefully a wise choice), but it is NOT a test of truth.

How important is God’s will to you?