1. Concepts of Authority Silence & Authority

2. What We Affirm Positive authority for a religious doctrine or practice can not be derived from silence (what the scripture does NOT say). Silence is by nature restrictive, rather than permissive. We are to speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent. Are these affirmations true?

3. Arguments: Silence is Restrictive God’s words are sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Arguments: Silence is Restrictive God’s words are sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It is necessary to follow the pattern (Hebrews 8:4-5)

6. Hebrews 8:4-5 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

7. Arguments: Silence is Restrictive God’s words are sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It is necessary to follow the pattern (Hebrews 8:4-5) Illustrations: Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) Cain (Genesis 4, Hebrews 11:4); Noah (Genesis 6:14-16)

8. Leviticus 10:1-3 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.'" So Aaron held his peace.

9. Genesis 4:4-5; Hebrews 11:4 (Genesis 4:4-5), “...And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” (Hebrews 11:4), By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

10. Genesis 6:14-16 Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.

11. Arguments: Silence is Restrictive God’s words are sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It is necessary to follow the pattern (Hebrews 8:4-5) Illustrations: Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) Cain (Genesis 4, Hebrews 11:4); Noah (Genesis 6:14-16) Application: Instrumental Music (Ephesians 5:18-20; Matthew 15:6,9)

12. Ephesians 5:18-20 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13. Matthew 15:6,9 (6), ‘then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. (9), And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

14. Conclusion “You didn’t say I couldn’t,” will ring hollow in the day of judgment as men seek to explain their actions while standing in front of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be respectful of God’s silence as we seek to serve Him “in spirit and in truth.”