When Is A New Testament Example Binding?

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When Is A New TestamentExample Binding?
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Why This Study?

• We are told in the N.T. to follow N.T. examples.
• - Jesus is our example (1 Pet. 221 1 Jn. 26)
• - The Apostles are examples (Acts 2035
  1 Cor. 416 111 Phil. 317 49 2 Thess.
  37-9 1 Tim. 116 2 Tim. 310)
• - N.T. church members are examples
  (1 Thess. 17 214 1 Tim. 412 Tit. 27
  Heb. 137 1 Pet. 53)

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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.

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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

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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. 1011 Heb. 411 2 Pet. 26
  Jude 7)

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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

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Why This Study?

• A binding example illustrates and illuminates
  that which Gods 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 2026).
• All rules (5 listed in this lesson) must be
  considered before accepting an example as binding

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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 Corinths failure to discipline the
  hypocrisy of Peter etc.
• - Approved examples conversion work, worship,
  organization of the church godly living etc.

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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 921.
• - O.T. covenant examples salvation without
  baptism the Sabbath the Synagogue Pauls
  shaved head circumcision etc.
• - N.T. covenant examples baptism the first day
  of the week worship singing without an
  instrument etc.

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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 211.
• - Limited examples the miracles of Jesus, the
  Apostles or the N.T. church first-century
  customs (holy kiss, foot washing, the veil)
  Pauls celibacy in 1 Cor. 7 etc.
• - Universal examples obedience to the gospel
  work and worship of the church subjection etc.

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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 2819.
• - 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.

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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 417.
• - 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.

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Binding Examples

• Let us have binding authority for all that we do
  (Col. 317 2 Jn. 9-11)
• Let us bind what God has bound and not loose what
  God has bound (Mt. 1619)
• Let us be true N.T. Christians by following the
  N.T. examples that are binding upon us today