Untitled Sermon (30)

1689 Baptist Confession - Chapter 26: Paragraph 7

Of the Church: Autonomy

--Matthew 18:15-17--

Ἐκκλησίᾳ in the New Testament

1. Secular Assembly Acts 19:39

2. Christian Assembly (visible) 1 Cor. 11:18

3. Christendom (invisible) Acts 9:31

Chapter 26, Paragraph 7 – Autonomy of the Ἐκκλησίᾳ

· Autonomy =

o self-governance (under Christ’s headship)

o no higher, ecclesiastical authority

o mainly seen in congregational discipline

§ 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

§ 1 Corinthians 5:13

§ 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

· Connectionalism =

· Presbyterians

o Sessions (local congregations)

o Presbytery (regional governing body – ruling elders)

o Synod (intermediate governing body of reps)

o General Assembly (highest governing body)

· Key Passage

o Presbyterians – Acts 15:22-23

o Baptists – Acts 15:1

Point: Christ vested authority in the local ἐκκλησίᾳ to govern itself under his

headship.

Questions

1. How does the Southern Baptist Convention honor the autonomy of each congregation?

2. Does the 1689 teach “elder-ruled" or “elder-led, congregationally-affirmed?”

3. Do you see any dangers in an “elder-ruled” congregation?

4. Do you see any dangers in a “congregationally-ruled” congregation?

5. Can you think of a biblical example of “elder-led, congregationally-affirmed?”

a. Deacons Acts 6:5

b. Discipline Matthew 18:17

c. Doctrine 1 Timothy 4:3