Authority in Colossians

Many groups attack the Church of Christ for requiring authority for what we do. They raise the argument that we have no authority for song books, or church pews, or church buildings, and some other things. Therefore our system is unbiblical and hypocritical. They claim we demand bible authority in some areas but not others.

They miss the point because they aren't reading the text we use correctly.

Col 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to his name"

We see this as needing Christ's authority for what we practice. It is biblical to ask for authority. The problem is the verse doesn't ask for authority for everything we do, "in word or deed", does not mean every little thing we do from a secular point of view. Like sitting down or standing up, or eating foods that are unregulated, or using a song book, or putting in a water fountain for people to get a drink. These are common human needs and actions that aren't part of worship per se. Physical needs are part of life and only become an official work when we have a need to provide for others.

Romans 14:17

The kingdom of heaven is not eating and drinking.

Putting in a water fountain isn't a worship in the kingdom of God but providing for needs which is a service. Eating and drinking are fleshly needs not spiritual worship. When teachers use these types of things to divide the body, they become more satanic than spiritual. We can discern between common human need and commanded worship. Providing for needs is a command, a service to others, not a formal act of worship toward God. Sitting in a synagogue is biblical, James uses the word assembly and sitting together. It shows common mannerisms and we can work within that example.

James 2:2

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 

James 2:3

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 

James 2 speaks about providing for needs, this could be food or water. hospitality, and can be private in homes or public in a synagogue. Human hospitality is a biblical topic.

So not everything is covered under "word or deed", there are things we do that do not fall under Christ's worship regulations or service, since Christ himself created us with eyes to read and expressed his will and history in writing, bodies to sit, mouths to drink, and roofs to get us out of the weather, etc. God can regulate such acts as not turning the Lord's Supper into a common meal, but outside such regulations we have freedom to be human as God created us.

It is possible that Colossians is a slight mistranslation or misunderstood translation. The word "In" can be translated "By", so it is us following or "by" Christ's word and Christ's deeds. In such a case it isn't forbidding us from sitting in a pew or using song books, Christ went into buildings. Christ himself used the book of Psalms, quoting from books extensively. So,  we have an example of a song book being commonly used and written scripture. It was a need by God's design to implement writing. Also, the word "deed" is a little too generic, it can be translated "work", as if an official work given us by God. Our official works can be regulated, they often are. Sitting in a pew isn't an official work from God. Building a building to meet in isn't an official work but could be allowed because it may be a need. Our authorization can include needs and we are admonished to work together in providing for needs.

Matt 21:3 the Lord hath need of them,

Mark 2:25 Have ye not read what David did when he had need

John 13:29 buy those things that we have need of against the feast

All that is required is having a legitimate need to fulfill commands or fulfill prophecy. A need that fulfills God's will versus disobedience or circumventing his will. Notice, needs can be individual or plural. We have need expresses a group need.

It seems Colossians 3:17 is referring to things that are commanded "of Christ"and relating to the Kingdom of God. Like Colossians 3:16 mentions singing, teaching with songs, using the voice. It has nothing to do with regulating a song book or the type of chair, or buildings. Yet anything we need to fulfill such commands has been seen as approved by God. Any type of travel might be approved to go preach the Gospel. Go into all the world doesn't specifically mention boats, walking, running, wearing shoes, or by wagon.

The Church is right in requiring authority, we shouldn't abuse this into requiring authority for basic things. We could require authority for breathing. That is a deed. We breathe when singing. You see how people can become silly with their arguments.

Still, most of these arguments are over whether we can have musical instruments usually. So it is just arguments for people to get their way. The churches wanting bands and orchestras try to find any approach to justify it. Groups like the Conservative Christian or disciples of Christ can be the worst at this. Confusing kingdom authority with common human needs is satanic in a way. It divides the body of Christ.

Paul commanded Timothy to avoid foolish questions, and equating worship with everyday needs and activities is pretty deceptive. We can provide water, toilet facilities, food before or after services for travelers. We can provide places to sit. We can use projectors or songbooks since both require the common human practice of reading and learning the words and the melody.

Musical instruments, gold laden cathedrals or basillicas, separated priests etc, aren't needs but fall under extravagance and greed. As Isaiah mentions,

Isaiah 2:7

their lands are full of silver and gold...they worship the works of their hands

Fancy gold laid basilicas admired for their workmanship may violate God's purpose, but a place to meet is a basic need. It just takes discernment to know the difference.