Understanding What God Intended To Imply Necessary Inference Understanding What God Intended To Imply Many who believe in the Divine inspiration of Scripture readily respect the power of things commanded and the legitimacy of examples that have God’s approval. But some struggle with the concept that God also communicates His will through implication. This lesson is designed to show that God intended to imply truths in His word which He expects us to understand and apply. Matthew 4:1-11

Necessary Inferences are Binding Jesus used necessary inference to prove the resurrection (Mt. 22:32) Peter used necessary inference to prove that Jesus’ resurrection was prophesied (Acts 2:25-31; Psalm 16) Paul and Barnabas used necessary inference to prove that uncircumcised Gentiles could be saved (Acts 15:12) Necessary inference proves that Christ’s priesthood is greater than Levi’s priesthood (Heb. 7:1-10)

Legitimate Necessary Inferences Jesus went down into the water when He was baptized (Mt. 3:16) Baptism is part of preaching Christ (Acts 8:35-36) Christ’s kingdom was established on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 36, 47) The Lord’s Supper is to be observed each first day of the week (Exodus 20:8; Acts 20:7) The church must have a place to assemble (Hebrews 10:25)

Unnecessary Inferences It is unnecessary to conclude that infants were baptized in household baptisms (Acts 16:15, 33) It is unnecessary to conclude that since individuals are to visit orphans and widows, the church is to build institutional homes for them (James 1:27) It is unnecessary to conclude that the church should support athletic teams because Paul was familiar with athletic competitions.