Bible Authority Inferences and Examples

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Bible Authority Inferences and Examples

• Establishing authority through inferences and
  examples.
• 1 Corinthians 101-13

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Introduction

• We have looked at principles that are important
  in understanding Gods word and establishing
  Bible authority.
• Context who, what, when, where, how, why, etc.
• Commands and statements.
• Through commands and statements we have a good
  foundation from which we can understand Gods
  word.

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Introduction

• But, there are other principles that are just as
  essential in discerning truth.
• Without them we have an incomplete standard from
  which to consistently apply.
• When is a command or statement applicable to us?
  How do you know?
• What specific questions (who, what, when, etc.)
  help in understanding the context?
• With them we can systematically and properly
  reason through the scriptures.

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Introduction

• In this lesson focuses on inferences and examples
  that clarify or uphold the commands and
  statements in Gods word.
• Understanding how inferences and examples are
  derived in light of commands or statements.
• Applying the principles to scriptures.

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Understanding the Principle of Inferences

• Definition of inference to conclude to derive
  either by induction or deduction to conclude or
  arrive at by reasoning.
• By virtue of the definition it is clear that
  inferences do not (cannot) exist without commands
  or statements.
• With a simple statement or command, however,
  information is provided to make an inference or
  multiple inferences.
• Some inferences have a level of probability, but
  are not conclusive truths.
• Other inferences are described as inescapable
  conclusions.

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Understanding the Principle of Inferences

• Illustration Lk. 15-13
• Statement Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your
  prayer is heard and your wife Elizabeth will
  bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
  Lk. 113
• Inferences made from the passage (vss. 5-13)
• Inescapable conclusion Zacharias had been
  praying to God for a child. We know this because
  the angel said his prayer was heard and that his
  wife would give birth to a son.
• Inference (probability, but not conclusive) both
  Zacharias and his wife prayed to have children.
  We know this because both were righteous and
  walked in the ways of the Lord.

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Understanding the Principle of Inferences

• In properly understanding what defines an
  inference it is much easier to know when
  inferences can properly be used to establish
  Bible authority.
• Eternity and God exist In the beginning God
  created the heavens and the earth. Gen. 11
• That we are to follow the teaching of the
  apostles Go therefore and make disciples of all
  the nations... teaching them to observe all
  things that I have commanded you. Matt. 2819-20

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Understanding the Principle of Examples

• Definition of example A pattern, in morals or
  manners, worthy of imitation a copy or model
  one who or that which is proposed or is proper to
  be imitated a former instance, to be followed or
  avoided one held out as a caution or warning to
  others a particular case illustrating a general
  rule, position, or truth. (Websters Encyclopedic
  Dictionary)

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Understanding the Principle of Examples

• A closer look at the definition reveals that an
  example cannot exist unless there is first a
  general rule, position or truth.
• Examples provide an illustration of a given
  teaching. Phil. 49
• Finally, context combined with the principle of
  inference determines whether or not the example
  properly/soundly illustrates a given command or
  statement.

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Understanding the Principle of Examples

• Remember, this principle can only be biblically
  applied within the confines of a statement.
• It is the teaching of Gods word (given through
  commands or statements) that reveals biblical
  truths.
• The examples serve to illustrate the revelation
  of Gods will.

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Understanding the Principle of Examples

• Illustration of an example as used in Gods word
  
• Teaching saints commanded to assemble together.
  Heb. 1024
• Statement not forsaking the assembling of
  ourselves together.
• Inference (necessary conclusion) the need to
  assemble with one another.
• A passage of scriptures that serves to illustrate
  this teaching. Acts 242 Acts 207

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Conclusion

• Gods word sufficiently guides us into all truth
  it takes the exercising of our senses to discern
  and rightly divide His word of truth to learn
  those truths.
• Through context we should be able to either
  induce or deduce what is being taught and come to
  sound conclusions regarding Gods truths even
  noting scriptures that illustrate those truths.