Understanding Specific Authority
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesSUBJECT: Hermeneutics
TITLE: Understanding Specific Authority
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we want to examine specific authority: We will look at 1) some very important preliminary Considerations, 2) the Concept of specific authority itself, 3) the Contrast with general authority, and 4) finally we will note some Concrete examples within sacred history.
OBJECTIVES: Everyone should be able to define what specific authority is and list a few examples of it from the scriptures.
AIM: To show as clearly as possible the definition of specific authority how that when we find it, it necessarily excludes all other possible substitutes for itself.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Hebrews 7:13-14 “For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.”
2. About the Text:
1) The Hebrew writer is discussing the relationship between the priesthood and the Mosaic law.
2) In order for there to be a change of priesthood, there must be a change of law.
3) Why? Because the Mosaic law was very specific as to which tribe could produce priests–the tribe of Levi.
4) The silence concerning the other tribes was exclusive of them.
5) To add a tribe to the list of tribes who could be priests would mean that 1) either the Mosaical law should change (which it could not) or 2) that a new law must take effect.
6) Since Jesus is our great high priest, he must be made that by a law other than the Mosaic law.
7) This is a biblical example of the principle of specific authority.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Some Preliminary Considerations
1. Inspiration–Cannot formulate a proper hermeneutic without understanding that all scripture is verbally and plenary inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 3:4). Specific authority means nothing without the proper understanding of inspiration.
2. Authority Principle–Colossians 3:17. Specific authority means nothing without the proper understanding of the authority principle.
3. Importance of Context in this study–Matthew 4:4; must look at all passages that deal with subject. Again, specific authority means nothing without the proper understanding of hermeneutical context.
II. The Concept of Specific Authority
1. Defined–The explicit enumeration of words or deeds in such detail so as to exclude all other details of similar kind not mentioned (e.g. the Ark; Genesis 6).
2. Some implications of this:
1) To supplement an item authorized in this manner is to change that item and the items upon which it is based (Hebrews 7:13-14 not only did priesthood have to change, law had to change; when we add mechanical instruments of music to singing, worship changes).
2) To ignore something that is explicitly authorized is to leave out something that is required.
3) Any change to a specifically authorized item must come from the one who originally authorized it in the first place.
4) Those who are proper subjects of the authority have no right to alter or modify the authorized item in any way.
3. The argument for specifically authorized items:
1) Major Premise: All explicitly enumerated words or deeds specified by God in sufficient detail are words and deeds that necessarily excludes all other details of similar kind not mentioned.
2) Singing (or Gopher Wood) is a word or deed specified by God in sufficient detail.
3) Therefore, singing (or Gopher Wood) is a word or deed that necessarily excludes all other details of a similar kind not mentioned.
III. Contrasting Specific Authority with General Authority
1. With specific authority when the item is supplemented, it changes the item and the items upon which it is based. With general authority, to supplement it is just another way to carry it out.
1) Compare and contrast these two examples:
a. “Worship God” (Rev. 22:9)
b. “Go ye into all the world” (Mark 16:15)
2) How do we worship? (Prayer, Study, Singing, Giving, Lord’s Supper).
3) How do we go? (Walk, Horse, Car, Plane, Ship, Train, etc.)
2. Expediency
1) Expediency is limited under specific authority.
2) Expediency is expanded under general authority.
3. Primary questions.
1) With general authority we can answer the questions “who, what, when, where, why, or how?” any way we choose.
2) With specific authority these questions are answered by God.
IV. Concrete Examples of Specific Authority
1. Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1ff)
2. Naaman (2 Kings 5:1ff)
3. New Testament Worship
4. Plan of Salvation
5. Organization of the Church
CONCLUSION:
1. Specific authority is: The explicit enumeration of words or deeds in such detail so as to exclude all other details of similar kind not mentioned.
2. Please remember:
1) Preliminary Considerations
2) The Concept of Specific Authority
3) The Contrast between specific and general authority
4) The Concrete examples of Specific Authority.