Paul in his second letter to the brethren in Corinth made a contrast in 2 Cor. 1:24. On one hand you have the wording of “dominion over your faith” and on the other hand, the words of “helpers of your joy”. A reasonable mind would know that dominion over your faith is not consistent with what Jesus taught. He, on one occasion, washed the disciples feet to show them humility and not to exalt themselves one above another (John 13). A qualification for elders not mentioned too much is that one desiring the office would know that he is not to lord over God’s heritage of the church (I Peter 5:3). Jesus taught that the kingdom would belong to those who are poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3).
Paul, as an apostle of the Lord, surely had authority. Peter speaks about what Paul wrote as being scripture (2 Peter 3:16). Even though he had this authority from Christ he is showing to those in Corinth, do not see him as having dominion over their faith. He condemned the loss of unity in Corinth as told him by the house of Chloe (I Corinthians 1:11). Divisions were occurring around individuals. Two examples end the discussion about loss of unity. If one is divided over personalities, then the questions are raised; was Paul crucified for you or were you baptized in the name of Paul (I Cor. 1:13)?
Later in the same book Paul warns against elevating men above that which is written (I Cor. 4:6). The problem of loss of unity was taking place in the region of Galatia. Paul said if any man or angel taught something different than what God had revealed, let that being be accursed from God (Gal. 1:8). At one point the brotherhood was disturbed over whether Gentiles had to keep the law of Moses in order to be saved (Acts 15:1). There was a meeting held in Jerusalem to discuss the problem and find a solution. What then do we do today if such problems arise as to how we should conduct ourselves?
The Jerusalem conference was at a time when there were inspired men. The New Testament was being written by eight writers. God’s desire was for His people to be united. The revealed will of God pointed to a time when we would come to the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:13). The unity could not occur until the Bible was a finished product (ICor. 13:8). When that which was perfect (word of God) was finished then that which was
in part (gifts) would be done away (I Cor. 13:10). When the standard moved from inspired men it moved to an inspired Book. Hence, any questions today must be settled by that which the scriptures reveal. Brethren can certainly meet together to discuss matters or even have debates. What we cannot do is over ride the scriptures.
Some schools or works become so big that they are under no obligation to answer questions about their actions. The schools and or works are generally headed by good men. The church can reach a point due to earned respect to listen to the wisdom of good men at such institutions. What we cannot due is allow that respect to reach a point that the school and or work no longer has to answer for what they are doing.
As an individual Christian I am obligated to answer questions that arise due to my faith (I Peter 3:15). Insincere questions or individuals trying to create problems do not deserve to be answered. When the question arises, then the person asking the question must be evaluated on the basis of their conduct. Paul stated that those who create divisions should be marked and avoided (Rom. 6:17). This is not a shield for a school and or a work to hide behind as if they do not have to answer. The decisions that must be made by schools, works or individual is do we wish to have dominion or do we wish to help?