BY WHAT AUTHORITY ARE YOU DOING THESE THINGS (10)
The Two Types of Authority
It is my hope that in our study thus far we have established the importance of authority in all that we do. We have noted the three valid ways to establish how and what we do as well as why appealing to God’s silence is not a valid way. Understanding these things, in this article we want to address the two types of authority – Generic and Specific. Like the ways that authority is established, these are common sense methods implemented in every aspect of life and demonstrated in New Testament times.
What do we mean by generic and specific authority? The word generic has many definitions including, “1. Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy. … 3. Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; …” (Webster, © 1913). As we use the word in this study we mean commands and instructions in God’s word that are not specified. The word specific is defined, “1. Of or pertaining to a species; … possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; … 2. Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement” (Webster, © 1913). In this study, the word specific means instructions given in God’s word that limit our options in carrying out a specific command.
The first thing to understand about determining what type of authority we have to do something is that all that we do MUST be based upon God’s commands. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When we speak of generic and specific authority it is with the understanding that a command has already been given. The type of authority we use only affects HOW that command is carried out. The second thing we need to understand is that where God specifies something, it restricts how it can be done. Third, when God’s command does not specify how something is to be done, we are at liberty to choose the manner in which we accomplish that. HOWEVER, we are still confined to the rest of scripture. In other words, while we may have options in fulfilling a command, we cannot include an option that violates some other command within scripture. Fourth, consider that many commands involve both specific and generic instructions that need to be determined. We shall see these things in the examples to follow.
Consider God’s instructions to Noah. Genesis 6 tells us that God decided to destroy the world with a flood because of wickedness. However, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (8). Then in verses 14-16 God instructed Noah as to what he needed to do. He said, “Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.” Notice how God specified what Noah was to do. In fact He was VERY specific with him. According to this text, Noah was limited in the type of wood he could use, the size of the ark, the number of stories for the ark, how many windows and doors could be in it, etc. Now I ask, what if Noah had chosen to use a different type of wood or add a 4th story to the ark, or windows all around it? The answer is he would not have been obeying God. Why? Because God specified what was expected and that excluded everything NOT specified. Had Noah done things his own way, I’m not sure God favor would have remained with him. But he did obey God completely (Genesis 6:22, Hebrews 11:7). Let us keep this in mind as we determine what we ought to be doing for Him.
Next notice Mark 16:15. Jesus gives His apostles instructions as He is about to ascend to heaven. He says to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” First we notice some specific instructions here. Jesus told them to GO and to PREACH - they were called to action. In this command we find that they could not obey Him if they chose to STAY and do nothing. They also had a commission – PREACH. To not go to the lost was to disobey this command. Thus we see what was specified for them to do. However, Jesus did NOT specify HOW they were to go. Because of this, they were at liberty to choose the mode of transportation in going. They could walk, ride an animal, go by chariot or by boat. Regardless of which way they traveled, they were fulfilling the command to GO. In this example we can see how a command can involve BOTH specific and generic instructions.
Let us make an application to our studies. In the New Testament one element of proper worship is singing. Colossians 3:16 tells us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” There are two different types of music – singing and instrumental music. In this text and many others, God has specified what type of music we are to direct toward Him – singing (see also Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 14:15, etc). In specifying the type of music we are to use, that excludes all other types of music. That is why we should NOT use mechanical instruments of music in our worship to God. Such is not following what God has specified us to do. Many arguments are made to justify their use, but when you study all God’s word has to say about singing and instrumental music in the church, you find that they are not authorized. God also specified the types of songs we are to sing – psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. That means we cannot play secular music or sing secular songs in the name of worship. Where God specifies, we are limited as to what we can do. However, in commanding us to sing, He did not specify HOW to sing – we can sing in unison or in harmony or some other style of singing provided is it singing ONLY. Again we see both specific and general authority.
But how do we determine what is specific and what is general? While it sounds simplistic, the answer is by looking at the text. In most cases, with honesty and careful study we can know what we have authority to do and in what ways we are forbidden. Simply remember where God specifies, we are limited, but where He does not specify we have general authority as to how to fulfill the command.
Thus we can see the types of authority to consider in striving to please God. He expects us to follow His commands exactly as they are given – nothing more and nothing less. Remember, He said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways ," says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Are you following His commands in all you do?