Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence A very common question asked whenever God has not spoken re: a matter is “Why can’t we…?” This is basically decided by 2 extremes – Ê God’s silence is permissive Ë God’s silence is prohibitive

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence A key verse containing a guiding principle in this “debate” is Deut 29:29 What God has said belongs to us What God has not said is a “secret” – belongs to Him This is a principle that even earthly parents understand, employ with their children

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Principles re: God’s silence from the O.T. Israel at the Red Sea Ex 14:10-14 They had to “wait” for God’s answer vv They had already asked the “Why couldn’t we…” questions vv They were eventually told to “Go forward” toward the sea Ù God helps in “bleak” situations This teaches us to “wait” for God’s answer

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Principles re: God’s silence from the O.T. Israel during the Passover Num 9:1-14 They were told to observe the Passover as the Law directed vv. 2-3 A situation arose that was an exception vv. 6-7 Moses’ reply, “Wait…I’ll go ask the Lord” v. 8 God made additional provisions re: this situation vv

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Disregarding God’s silence from the O.T. Saul and his offering 1 Sam 13:8-14 Saul reasoned, “People are leaving…Samuel’s not coming…I’d better do something” vv. 8, After all, isn’t doing something better than doing nothing? Samuel rebukes the king’s “foolishness” and his “disobedience” v. 13

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Disregarding God’s silence from the O.T. Saul and his offering 1 Sam 13:8-14 The lesson Ù We cannot allow “the moment” to justify doing something God has not authorized God had already given the authorization re: who was to offer sacrifices Num 3:1-10 Did He say anything about a king offering them? What did this “silence” mean?

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Disregarding God’s silence from the O.T. David and the Temple 2 Sam 7:1-7 David planned to build God a house v. 2 How would you judge his intentions, his motive? He even had the “approval” or “endorsement” from Nathan the prophet v. 3 Modern-day equivalent Ù many act in ways because their preachers give their approval

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Disregarding God’s silence from the O.T. David and the Temple 2 Sam 7:1-7 God’s response to David’s plans is the theme for this lesson vv. 4-7 What does this “silence” teach us? Did God have plans for His house? vv cp. Isa 46:8-10 Rom 4:17 Acts 2:29-31 Practical lessons for us today? cp. Prov 14:12

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. The oracles of God 1 Pet 4:11 If any man is going to speak (teach), he needs to “speak as the oracles of God” “Oracles” = utterances, words God has spoken This limits us to only say what God has said If God hasn’t spoken about it (SILENCE), we must not speak about it

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. The superior Son of God Heb 1:5 He is Divine…He is a “Son,” a “Spokesman,” the “exact Representation of God’s nature,” and “better than the angels” vv. 2-4 No angel was ever told, “Thou art My Son…” God was silent about that…an angel could not assume such a vaunted position

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. The Priesthood of Jesus Heb 7:11-14 His Priesthood is perpetual… “after the order of Melchizedek” 5:1-10; 7:1-28 For Him to be a Priest now necessitates a change in the Law also 7:11-13 Moses (i.e. God) “…spoke nothing” (SILENCE) re: a priest coming from the tribe of Judah 7:14

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. Circumcising Gentiles Acts 15:24 Certain men decided to teach something v. 1 The apostles (Christ’s official ambassadors) “…had given no such instruction” v. 24 Their silence on this matter was prohibitive

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. A Final Word Of Caution… We must be careful not to confuse silence in the Scripture with the earlier study of General & Specific Authority Ù discussion of expediencies We should not conclude that silence in a specific matter constitutes a prohibition re: a general command

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. A Final Word Of Caution… The Scripture is silent about song books…but it is not silent about ________________ The Scripture is silent about church buildings… but it is not silent about ___________________ singing Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 assembling Heb 10:25

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Statements Re: God’s Silence From The N.T. A Final Word Of Caution… The Scripture is silent about gospel meetings… but it is not silent about ________________ preaching Mk 16:15; Rom 10:14-15

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 8 Ù Respecting God’s Silence Conclusion God’s silence is authoritative & prohibitive We must never think too much of ourselves or our ideas above God’s Rom 12:3 1 Cor 4:6 We must stay within Christ’s doctrine 2 Jn 9 Whatever we do must be done “in the name of” (by the authority of) Christ Col 3:17

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics