Transcript When Is A New Testament Example Binding?

When Is A New Testament
Example Binding?
Why This Study?
We are told in the N.T. to follow N.T. examples.
- Jesus is our example (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6)
- The Apostles are examples (Acts 20:35;
1
Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-9;
1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10)
- N.T. church members are examples
(1
Thess. 1:7; 2:14; 1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7; Heb.
13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3)
Why This Study?
We must be careful what we say when talking with
others about the Bible so as not to appear
inconsistent and hypocritical.
- “The N.T. is our guide and we do everything the
Bible says.”
- “We just follow the N.T.”
- “We are supposed to do what is in the N.T.”
Why This Study?
Do we follow these N.T. examples?
- Walking on the water like Jesus
- Speaking in tongues and working miracles like
the Apostles
- Washing feet, the holy kiss and wearing the veil
like N.T. Christians
Why This Study?
Some (including members of Churches of Christ)
say that N.T. examples are not binding on us
today.
- They say commands only are binding, not
examples or necessary inferences
- The truth is that God has always used examples
to teach (1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 4:11; 2 Pet. 2:6;
Jude 7)
Why This Study?
We must avoid these extremes…
- No example is binding
- All examples are binding
- A specific example is required before we may
act
Why This Study?
A binding example illustrates and illuminates that
which God’s authority has bound.
An example is “binding” when it is to be done one
way only and in no other way.
The “rules” used to determine what example is
binding are not man-made, but come from
examining the context of the example in light of
the rest of the N.T. (Acts 20:26).
All “rules” (5 listed in this lesson) must be
considered before accepting an example as
binding
When Is An Example Binding?
No. 1 - An example is binding when it is approved
of God and not disapproved – 3 John 11.
- Disapproved examples: the lying of Ananias and
Sapphira; Corinth’s failure to discipline; the
hypocrisy of Peter; etc.
- Approved examples: conversion; work, worship,
organization of the church; godly living; etc.
When Is An Example Binding?
No. 2 - An example is binding when it is a part of
the N.T. covenant and not belonging to the O.T.
covenant – 1 Corinthians 9:21.
- O.T. covenant examples: salvation without
baptism; the Sabbath; the Synagogue; Paul’s
shaved head; circumcision; etc.
- N.T. covenant examples: baptism; the first day
of the week worship; singing without an
instrument; etc.
When Is An Example Binding?
No. 3 - An example is binding when it has universal
application for all people in all times and not
temporary or limited to a few (limited in time,
circumstance, or custom) – Titus 2:11.
- Limited examples: the miracles of Jesus, the
Apostles or the N.T. church; first-century
customs (holy kiss, foot washing, the veil);
Paul’s celibacy in 1 Cor. 7; etc.
- Universal examples: obedience to the gospel;
work and worship of the church; subjection; etc.
When Is An Example Binding?
No. 4 - An example is binding when it is essential
to carry out a command and not merely incidental
(an aid) – Matthew 28:19.
- Incidental examples: the cup; meeting in the
upper room; place of baptism; place of
preaching; travel methods; etc.
- Essential examples: unleavened bread; fruit of
the vine; assembling for worship; baptism by
immersion; preaching the gospel only; etc.
When Is An Example Binding?
No. 5 - An example is binding when there is
uniformity of practice within the same activity and
not variety – 1 Corinthians 4:17.
- Examples of variety: posture in prayer; location
of assembly meetings; greetings; gathering
personal funds for contribution; etc.
- Examples of uniformity: vocal singing; baptism
by immersion; direct support of evangelism and
benevolence; first day of the week L.S.; cases
of conversion; elders over a local church only;
etc.
Binding Examples
Let us have binding authority for all that we do
(Col. 3:17; 2 Jn. 9-11)
Let us bind what God has bound and not loose
what God has bound (Mt. 16:19)
Let us be true N.T. Christians by following the
N.T. examples that are binding upon us today