1. Silence of the Scriptures Grant Permission or Set Limits?

2. 2 The Authority of Christ Complete – Matthew 28:18Complete – Matthew 28:18 Necessary – Colossians 3:17Necessary – Colossians 3:17 Inspired Scripture – 2 Tim. 3:16-17Inspired Scripture – 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Established by: (Acts 15:7-19)Established by: (Acts 15:7-19) –Direct statement (command) –Apostolic approved example –Necessary inference

3. 3 Bible Authority – Bible Pattern “See that you make all things according to the pattern…” (Heb. 8:5) “Hold fast the pattern of sound words…” (2 Tim. 1:13) “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Phil. 3:17)

4. 4 “But it doesn’t say ‘not to’!” Silence of the Scriptures

5. 5 Silence Sets Limits Moving the ark of the covenant – Num. 4:1-6, 15; 7:9Moving the ark of the covenant – Num. 4:1-6, 15; 7:9 –Levites (Kohathites), on their shoulders King David moves ark to Jerusalem – 1 Chrn. 13:1-8 [1 Sam. 6:7, 11; 7:1]King David moves ark to Jerusalem – 1 Chrn. 13:1-8 [1 Sam. 6:7, 11; 7:1] –Preparations, 13:1-4 –Death of Uzza, 13:5-10

6. 6 Silence Sets Limits God’s displeasure – 1 Chrn. 13:9-14God’s displeasure – 1 Chrn. 13:9-14 –“Error” (2 Sam. 6:7) –Why was God angry: Why? (13:2-3) Who? (13:4) How? (13:7)Why? (13:2-3) Who? (13:4) How? (13:7) –Was God angry with David’s attitude of heart? (13:8) –Was God angry with Uzza’s good intention? (13:9)

7. 7 Silence Sets Limits Did not follow God’s pattern for moving the ark! – 1 Chrn. 15:2, 13Did not follow God’s pattern for moving the ark! – 1 Chrn. 15:2, 13 –“…because we did not consult Him about the proper order” (15:13) No one may carry ark but Levites (15:2)No one may carry ark but Levites (15:2) Levites bore it on poles “as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord” (15:15)Levites bore it on poles “as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord” (15:15) –Then, God helped them! (15:26)

8. 8 Silence Sets Limits Adding to what God has said violates the principle of silence (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18)Adding to what God has said violates the principle of silence (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18) –What God says is what He wants…the way He wants it…and all He wants! –Silence is not permission to act, it restrains us from acting (Heb. 8:5) –Silence sets the boundaries within which we may act

9. 9 God’s Judgments Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 8:36; 9:2-24; 10:1-2)Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 8:36; 9:2-24; 10:1-2) –Had been following pattern, Lev. 8-9 –Offered “strange fire”, Lev. 10:1-2 “Which He had not commanded them” (cf. Lev. 6:12-13; 16:12)“Which He had not commanded them” (cf. Lev. 6:12-13; 16:12) God’s judgment: Death

10. 10 God’s Judgments Saul & the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15)Saul & the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15) –The command & the disobedience, 15:3, 9, 11 –Saul’s rationalization, 15:13-15, 21 –God’s explanation, 15:22-23 God’s judgment: Rebellion! Rejected as king

11. 11 God’s Judgments Priestly tribe (Heb. 7:11-14)Priestly tribe (Heb. 7:11-14) –Levitical priesthood, 7:11 –Order of Aaron, 7:11 None from Judah officiated at altar, 7:13None from Judah officiated at altar, 7:13 Moses, by saying “Levi,” was silent about priests from Judah, 7:14Moses, by saying “Levi,” was silent about priests from Judah, 7:14 God’s judgment: Only Levi

12. 12 God’s Judgments Judaizers (Acts 15:1, 24; Gal. 2:5)Judaizers (Acts 15:1, 24; Gal. 2:5) –Circumcision + gospel = Salvation, 15:5 –No commandment given, 15:24 Silent !Silent ! God’s judgment: Subverting souls!

13. 13 Adding To God’s Silence Music in worship (Eph. 5:19)Music in worship (Eph. 5:19) –Sing + Play = Beyond Christ’s authority! How to baptize (Rom. 6:4)How to baptize (Rom. 6:4) –Immerse + Sprinkle = Beyond Christ’s authority! Col. 3:17; 2 John 9; 2 Tim. 1:13

14. 14 Adding To God’s Silence Subject of baptism (Mark 16:16)Subject of baptism (Mark 16:16) –Adult believer + Infant = Beyond Christ’s authority! Cause for divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:9)Cause for divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:9) –Fornication + Desertion = Beyond Christ’s authority! Col. 3:17; 2 John 9; 2 Tim. 1:13

15. 15 Adding To God’s Silence When to eat Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)When to eat Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) –Sunday + Thursday = Beyond Christ’s authority! Many more examples…Many more examples… –Spiritual work of local church + Social –Autonomous churches + Sponsoring –Men preachers + Women preachers Col. 3:17; 2 John 9; 2 Tim. 1:13

16. 16 Respect God’s Silence Do not add to what God has saidDo not add to what God has said Abide in the doctrine of ChristAbide in the doctrine of Christ Hold fast the pattern of sound wordsHold fast the pattern of sound words Salvation & fellowship with God hangs in the balance! Col. 3:17; 2 John 9; 2 Tim. 1:13