Theme: Principles of Bible interpretation

In this first message of the series, Mr. Crawford examines the groundwork for applying the scriptures to our practice.

“So they read in the book in the law of God, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” Neh 8:8

The Bible itself gives us principles of its own understanding. The following list of principles is how the Bible interprets itself when references are made to other scriptures.

Law of Context

No scripture should be taken out of its location. Some examples of quoted verses include Hebrews 2:6-9; Psalm 8:4-6; Hebrews 10:5-10; Psalm 40:6-8

Law of Relevance

The Word of God is revealed once for all time (Jude 3). The Word given to the early church applies for believers throughout the church age including today.

There is nothing lacking in the scriptures. “…the man of God may be perfect…” (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Law of Positive Pattern

Positive facts are given for an example. Silence of scripture does not condone a practice. A pattern is like a blueprint. If the final product matches the original pattern, then the product is right.

Law of Total Mention

Any subject that occupies a lot of space in the scripture must be important to God. The church is one of the major themes in the New Testament.

Law of Plain Sense

Plain sense could also be called the law of common sense. The literal meaning of words is the most logical way that God could use to reveal himself to us. The New Testament interprets the Old Testament literally. See Matthew 1:22; Matthew 2:6 for examples.

The most clearly understood verses should be used to understand other verses of similar teaching that are difficult to understand by themselves, not the other way around.

Law of Grammar

Proper sentence structure and understanding of Greek and Hebrew may sometimes help with understanding a verse. Galatians 3:16-18 is an example where the scripture makes special notice of the number of a noun.

Law of First Mention

The first mention of a subject in the Bible is the seed or embryo, which will develop further in other scriptures. Of course, not everything about a single subject can be taught in a single verse. Matthew 16:18 is the first mention of the body of Christ. Matthew 18:20 is the first mention of a local church.

Law of Progressive Mention

God makes the revelation of truth increasingly clear as the word proceeds to its consummation.

Law of Distinction

Distinctions between unequal meanings of truths of scripture will avoid a wrong view of one’s entire doctrinal beliefs

A simple description of the word Church.

In this session, the word "church" is defined as it is found in the Bible. Church refers to either a local company of believers or the Universal Church called in the Bible as "the church which is his body."

The meaning of the word "church"

The translation of church from Greek comes from ‘ekklesia’ - lit. out-calling. (ek = out, klesis = a calling).

In 112 occasions, the word ekklesia could be translated simply ‘assembly’. (Acts 19:32,39, 41 are the exceptions). The word ‘church’ is not used very often in Gospel Hall assemblies because modern day use of the word church can refer to (1) a building or (2) an organization that is made up of member congregations that has adopted a denominational name to distinguish it from other organizations. Neither of these two definitions fit the meaning of ekklesia.

Two meanings of ekklesia

Universal Church

The Church which is His Body (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18).

This refers to every believer who has been saved from the day of Pentecost to the day of the Rapture. See Acts 15:14 and Ephesians 3:10-11.

Local Church

An assembly of believers who meet in a geographic locality (1 Cor 1:1,2 etc.)

‘Church’ is never meant as a building (Romans 16:5; Acts 8:3; Acts 11:22)
‘Church’ is never meant as an organization .

Significant Distinctions Significant distinctions between the local church and the Church which is His Body. The local assembly is distinct from the Body of Christ. Hopefully everyone in the local fellowship is part of the universal church, but the reverse is not necessarily true. Believers can be outside of a local fellowship. The distinctions… The Body is a spiritual organization. The truths related to it are positional. A local assembly is geographical and truth related to it is practical. (Eph 1:22,23; 1 Cor 1:1-2) We enter the Body at conversion. The local fellowship is joined after conversion, baptism and acceptance by the assembly (1 Cor 12:13; Acts 2:41-42). There is neither male nor female in the Body (Gal 3:28). There are clear distinctions between the genders in the local fellowship (1 Cor 11:1-16; 14:34; 1 Tim 2:12-15). No believer can be separated from the Body (Rom 8:38,39). It may be necessary to put away a sinning believer from the local assembly (1 Cor 5). Nothing false can enter the Body. Satan cannot prevail against it (Matt 16:18). A local assembly can have wolves creep in (Acts 20:29) and Satan can corrupt it (2 Cor 11:1-3). There is perfect unity in the Body (Eph 4:4). A local assembly can be rent by schisms (1 Cor 3:3). The bride will be presented to Christ without flaw (Eph 5:25-27). A local assembly can be removed in judgment (Rev 2:5). The bride has an eternal relationship with Christ. A local assembly is terminated at the rapture (1 Cor 11:26; Rev 2:25). The Body is never together in one place at one time until the rapture (2 Thess 2:1). An assembly should regularly meet in its entirety (1 Cor 14:23; Heb 10:25). The Lord Jesus said he himself would “build my church” (Matt 16:18). Paul said that men are builders of local assemblies and he himself was the master builder (1 Cor 3:10).

The Lord's Supper

This session explores the scriptures that support a weekly communion service, who should participate and the spiritual meaning behind the event.

Readings

Acts 2: 41-47
41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

1 Corinthians 10: 16-17
16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

1 Corinthians 11:23-30
23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 Corinthians 16

1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 20:7

7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Priority of the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper should be the first scheduled event of every week for the believer. Acts 20:7-11; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 2:41-47.

The New Testament pattern shows that the regular habit of the church is to conduct the Lord’s Supper every week.

The first priority of a believer is to worship God. Therefore, the first event of the week is to remember the Lord.

The entire church practices the Lord’s Supper.

Institution

1 Cor 10:16 - Each believer partakes of the loaf. Participating in the breaking of bread means the believer is saying “My sins caused the Lord’s death.”

Instruction

The primary goal of the breaking of bread is to remember him and to proclaim his death.

Believers give thanks for the death of the Lord. Our worship is a result of previous meditation of Christ’s worth, sinnlessness, perfection and shameful death.

Injunction

“ye do shew the Lord's death till he come” means that we proclaim the truth of his death to God.

Inclusion

The bread and cup are emblems that represent his body and blood. They are still bread and wine. They do not become his body and blood. His presence is every meeting of the assembly, not just the breaking of bread.

Investigation

The mental state of a believer should be focused on Christ and His death. Failing to recognize him is a sin.

1 Corinthians 11:26-29
26. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Sovereign Display of Headship in the Assembly

Assemblies teach that women are to cover their head, wear long hair and be silent. Are these 19th century traditions or does the Bible say these practices are meant for today?
 

1 Corinthians 11

A covered head and long hair on a woman are some of the few physical practices of assembly practice chosen by God.

Relationships of Headship

1. The head of every man his Christ - no equality intended here.
2. The head of the woman is man - equality plus subjection.
3. The Head of Christ is God - equality yet subjection.

Principles taught by practicing headship

1. The man’s uncovered head teaches that Christ is unveiled in the gathering of saints (v.4 and 7).
2. The woman’s covered head teaches that the assembly is not the place to display the glory of men (v. 5, 7)
3. The woman’s long hair teaches the subjection of the assembly to the headship of the Lord Jesus (v. 6,10, 15)

The Long Hair of Women…

1. Is a sign of her subjection to the man (14, 15)
2. Is as important as the hat/veil head covering (6)
3. Is “long” (15).

Angels

The assembly is a classroom (10). The teacher is God. The students are angels. Headship is the subject. Believers are the object lesson.

Spiritual Dependence of an Assembly

Assemblies should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in all aspects. He is the leader of the assembly, the source of our worship and spiritual gifts.
 

Intro: Legacies Left to His Own by the Lord

1. The authority of his name (1 Cor 5:4; Matt 18:20)
2. The promise of his presence (Matt 18:20; 28:20)
3. The Word of God (17:14). Christ put his stamp of approval on the New Testament before it was ever written (John 16:12-15).
4. The promise of his Spirit (John 7:39; 14:7)

The Assembly Activities of the Spirit

1. The Spirit gathers.
a. Matthew 18:20 “gathered” is in the passive voice indicating that the two or three who are mentioned were gathered by someone else, namely the Spirit of God.
b. Pictures illustrating the Spirit’s gathering work.
i. Calling the guests for supper (Luke 14:16-25)
ii. Seeking a bride for the Son (Genesis 24)
iii. Leading to communion at the table (Mark 14:12-16)
iv. Providing for laborers in the field (Ruth 2:4-7)

2. The Spirit glorifies. Christ is the focus of the Sprits attention. (John 16:14)
3. The Spirit guides (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:13).
a. The guiding is constant (Romans 8:14).
b. The guiding allows the Word of God to make an effect on our lives (1 Cor 2:13).

4. The Spirit governs (Acts 20:17-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-9)
5. The Spirit gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11, 28-31). More is session #9.

The Rule of the House of God

1. Features of divine rule.
a. The Lord Jesus Christ is preeminent (Col 1:18)
b. The sole authority is in the Word (1 Cor 14:37)
c. The Holy Spirit presides (1 Cor 14)
d. Godly guides are esteemed and obeyed (1 Thess 5:12)

2. The Names used for elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1)
a. Overseers - implies careful responsibility.
b. Elder - implies maturity in spiritual things.
c. Stewards - implies accountability (Titus 1:7)
d. Pastor/Shepherd - implies teaching

3. Deacons
a. Deacon means ‘servant’ that do a particular service for God or for his people (1 Timothy 3:8-13). All elders function as deacons, but not all deacons are elders.
b. ‘Deacon’ is often used in the NT for doing spiritual work as well as physical service (1 Cor 3:5; Col 1:25; Eph 3:7)

Spiritual Requirements for Elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)

Relationships of the Elder

1. Elders are made by the Holy Spirit (Acts 29:28). This is done by putting an earnest care for the people of God in the heart of an elder (2 Cor 8:16)
2. Authority of the Elders resides in the Word, not in themselves. They govern by teaching and living as a good example of Christ (Heb 13:7,8; 1 Pet 5:1-4).

Functions of the Elder

1. Rule for God (1 Tim 3:4,5; 5:17; 1 Thess 5:12).
2. Guide (Heb 13:7)
3. Shepherd (1 Pet 5:1-4)
4. Objective (1 Tim 5:21)

Attitudes toward Elders

1. Recognized (1 Thess 5:12)
2. Acknowledged (1 Cor 16:18)
3. Esteemed (1 Thess 5:12)
4. Submitted to (1 Cor 16:15,16)
5. Obeyed (Heb 13:17)

Protection of an Elder

Slander is avoided by the caution in 1 Tim 5:17-21 where no charge is to be accepted except there are at least two witnesses.

Reward of Elders

1. Given in the presence of the Lord (Heb 13:17)
2. Given a crown of glory (1 Pet 5:4)

Gifts of the Spirit

Four Lists in the New Testament 1 Cor 12, Rom 12, Eph 4

1 Cor 12:4-11 1 Cor 12:28-31 Romans 12 Ephesians 4
Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discernment Tongues Interpreting Apostles Prophets Teachers Miracles Healers Helps Government Tongues Prophets Service Teaching Exhortations Giving Rule Showing Mercy Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers

1. 1 Cor 12:4-11 describes gifts that are given to saints by the Holy Spirit. All the gifts in the two lists of 1 Cor 12 have some element of supernatural function.
2. 1 Cor 12:28-31 is a list of men who were gifts to the assembly.
3. Rom 12:3-8 gives the list of activities of gifted believers. Prophecy still appears in the list, but the other six activities are still in use today.
4. Eph 4:4-11 are men who were given by the Lord Jesus to the body.

Priesthood of Believers

Worship is a product of the Holy Spirit’s Work

Assembly Gospel Testimony

Assemblies owe their existance to regular gospel outreach. What does the Bible say about an assembly's part in the Great Commision?
 

Mark 16:15
15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Matthew 28

16. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 1

6. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7. And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth

Reception to an Assembly

A controversy among assemblies - Should the membership of an assembly be restricted, or can any saved person join? Is the Breaking of Bread meeting different from other meetings? Hear our point of view.
 

Acts 9
26. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

Intro - The assembly is a group of believers who have both a gathering center (Christ) and a circumference that clearly defines a within and a without. The membership role of an assembly must be clearly defined. If not, then the command to elders to know the flock ( ) and for an assembly to expel a sinning member (1 Cor 5) have no meaning.

Meaning of Fellowship

Fellowship is a mutual relationship of acceptance and dependence between two people. An assembly receives a believer and the believer receives the assembly. Reception makes a believer part of an assembly (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 10:14-22,32). Reception brings a believer into both the privileges and the responsibilities of assembly fellowship. Nobody should be received merely to break bread. Occasional fellowship is unknown in the NT. “And they continued steadfastly…” Acts 2:42


Initial Reception of a new convert (Acts 2:41-47)

Illustrated by the conversion and reception of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:26-28).

1. Being in the body of Christ is distinct from being in the fellowship of a local church.
a. We enter the body as an act of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13)
b. We enter the assembly by an act of men (Acts 9:26-38).
c. Saints can be “within” or “without” of an assembly (1 Cor 5:13).

2. The seat of the unlearned
a. A place that is distinguished from the church (1 Cor 14). The unlearned believer is not part of ‘the whole church’. The term ‘unlearned’ does not only refer to the fact that he didn’t understand the tongue, the unlearned man was unlearned regarding the presence of God among his people (v.25).. Nobody in the company understood the tongue, not even the man who was speaking.
b. The “without” of the church may include believers who have sinned (1 Cor 5:11-13).
c. The seat of the unlearned is removed from the participation of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 10:16,17). “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”

3. Those who receive
a. The elders are responsible to receive (Acts 20:28-32)
b. Reception is an act of the whole assembly (Romans 16:1-2).

Reception of a visiting believer

1. “Some” need a letter (2 Cor 3:1-3)
a. 1 Corinthians 16:10
b. 2 Corinthians 8:22
c. Colossians 4:10
d. Acts 18:27
e. Romans 16:1-2

2. Receiving without a letter.
a. Barnabas gave personal testimony for Saul (Acts 9:27).
b. Caution should be used for reception (1 Cor 3:9-11).
c. Romans 14:1 and 15:7 refer to unity within an assembly, not reception of people not yet in the fellowship.

Reception of a relocated believer

1. The new assembly member comes with the intent of helping the church (Acts 18:27)
2. The new assembly should be a support to the new member (Rom 16:2).

Restoration of a restored believer (2 Cor 2:6-7)

1. Discipline is an act of the entire assembly.
2. Discipline is meant to be done with a warm, restorative, and comforting tone (2 Cor 2) as well as with a sense of mourning (1 Cor 5).

Reception of a teacher

1. Elders are responsible for what is taught in an assembly (Titus 1:7; Luke 12:42)
2. New Testament examples give specific caution toward receiving those who teach publicly (1 Cor 4:14-18; 16:10-12; Phil 2:19-20).

Assembly Discipline
 What does the Bible say to do when a believer in the assembly sins?