How do we know how fast we can drive on the interstate? How do we get precise measurements? How do we know the value of our currency? We can know these things by guides that help us measure a proper standard.
But it is not enough to appeal to a proper standard. We must also know how to use the standard correctly. A tape measurer doesn’t help us if we don’t know how to use it properly. Likewise, the standard of Scripture doesn’t help us please God if we don’t correctly apply it. This study will teach us how to apply God’s standard properly.
How Does God Authorize a Practice?
- God authorizes in the same way we do in everyday communication. How would I authorize my daughter to clean her room?
- I could tell her directly, “Go and clean your room.”
- I could provide her with an example of cleaning her room.
- I could make implications. “Go and clean your room” would imply that she would have to leave the dining room table, walk down the hall, and open the door to her room.
- Direct Statement
- This is when God tells us directly to do or not do something. This can also be called a “commandment.” See Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 11:24; John 15:12; 1 Corinthians 6:18.
- Provide some other examples of direct statements in the Bible.
- Example
- This is where no direct statement exists, but God has shown us by the approved actions of others that a certain practice can be done (Philippians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Acts 20:7; Galatians 2:11-14).
- Provide some other approved examples in the Bible.
- Implication
- Provide a good definition of “implication.”
- How does this slightly differ from “necessary inference?”
- Provide some examples of God authorizing through implication.
Direct Statement, Example, or Implication?
- Do any of these give us authority for a church building? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority for baptism? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority for a plurality of elders? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority to use the Lord’s money for benevolence to needy saints in other places? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority to take the Lord’s Supper every Sunday? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority to use the Lord’s money to support elders and preachers? If so, which one?
- Do any of these give us authority to train preachers? If so, which one?
