THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

New Testament Church 2019

Does Silence Give or Restrict authority?

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 PETER 4:11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” The “oracles of God” refers to God’s inspired word (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12). When we preach we are to preach God’s word. We must speak ONLY His word and remain silent where He has not spoken. “We must speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.”

Two views of Silence SILENCE GIVES CONSENT: SILENCE PROHIBITS: What is not specifically forbidden in the Bible is permitted. SILENCE PROHIBITS: We are only permitted to do what God authorizes in His word. Direct commandment Approved example Necessary Inference

Only Divine Is Acceptable

When you SPECIFIED what you wanted, that EXCLUDED everything else. SILENCE GIVES CONSENT BELIEVE IN NO OTHER REALM. Principle of the Hamburger and Onion. Specifying Ketchup & Mustard excludes everything else. Hamburger comes back with onion on it. “You didn’t say not to put onion on it.” When you SPECIFIED what you wanted, that EXCLUDED everything else.

SAME PRINCIPLE IS TRUE OF GOD’S WORD When God specifies what we are to do and how we are to do it, that EXCLUDES everything else. No long list of what He doesn’t want us to do needed. When God specifies, He excludes.

NOAH AND THE ARK Gen 6:14 - "Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.” No long list needed of kinds of woods not to use. When God specified gopher wood, that excluded every other kind of wood. No oak, no pine, no cedar, no acacia, no aspen, no maple.

EXPEDIENCY In every command God has given to man, there is an area of expediency in carrying that command out. Things to remember about expediency. We cannot change or add to what is commanded. We can only do what is in harmony with Bible teaching.

N.T. is silent about mechanical instruments of music. THE COMMAND TO SING God specifies singing (Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13). We may chose whatever tools are necessary to carrying out this command. Song books – Pitch pipe. Still just singing. N.T. is silent about mechanical instruments of music.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” “Whatever” – Gk. “pas” (all); anything & everything. “you” – Christians. “do” – bring to pass; accomplish. “in word” – what you teach. “in deed” – what you practice. “do all” - the whole; anything and everything.

“in the name of the Lord Jesus” Acts 4:7-10 “…By what power, or by what name, have you done this?" (v.7) “or” indicates that “power” equals “name.” Matthew 28:18 same word as “power” translated “authority.” “by what authority, or by what name, have you done this?” “in the name of” equals “by the authority of.”

JESUS’ AUTHORITY IS HIS WORD Everything we teach or practice must be done by the authority of the New Testament. If we can't find an item authorized in the New Testament, then we can not do it and please God. And if we violate the Word of the Lord then we will be pleasing men and not God. For all we do, we must have BCV, and be able to prove that what we are doing is either: Direct command, Approve example, or necessary inference.

2 John 9-11 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

2 John 9-11 “Transgresses” one who "goes aside" or "goes beyond.“ “doctrine of Christ” “teaching of Christ” or “Christ’s teaching.” Jesus’ word is the boundary line. We must not cross the boundary and go beyond Jesus’ word. If we do that which Jesus’ word does not authorize – we have crossed the boundary – we are no longer in God’s fellowship.

Acts 15:24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law;" to whom we gave no such commandment…” The apostles were SILENT – gave no such commandment. Thus wrong to teach it. When the Bible is silent about any practice or teaching we must respect it’s silence.

WE MUST RESPECT THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES Prescription for penicillin. Take to pharmacist. Everyone understands that by specifying penicillin, all other drugs are excluded. Pharmacist has no authority to add to it or change it. No long list of things excluded needed. Pharmacist can use whatever tools are necessary to fill the prescription. When God authorizes something in His word, that excludes everything else.

Deut 4:2; 12:32; Joshua 1:7; Proverbs 30:6 The Biblical View Cain – (Gen. 4:7) – Heb 11:4 Nadab and Abihu – (Lev. 10:1,2) Moses – (Num 20:8-24) King Saul – (1 Sam. 13 & 15) David’s ox cart – (1 Chr. 13:7-12; 15:2) Jeroboam – (1 Kings 12:25-33) Uzziah – (2 Chr. 26:16-23) D O N T R E S P A Deut 4:2; 12:32; Joshua 1:7; Proverbs 30:6

If it did . . . What could be refused? Peanut butter on the crackers – Piano - Orchestras - rock bands - Pagan holiday observances – Political and other secular speeches- Fund raising campaigns - Social programs – Recreational activities – Entertainment centers . . . . Gambling . . . Etc. Silence Does NOT Authorize

May the Lord help us to respect when the Bible is silent.