Scripture Reading: Leviticus 10:1-7
"It Doesn't Say 'Thou Shalt Not'"
Intro.
1. God’s word says we must have positive authority for what we believe and do, 1 Ths 5:21. In effect, must have a “thou shalt” / “thus saith the Lord”, Col 3:17.
2. “Thou shalt” is the same as having God’s (Bible) authority (established by: command, apostolic approved examples and necessary inference).
3. “It doesn’t say ‘thou shalt not’”! We expect the world to offer this exasperating rationale for immoral conduct and doctrinal error. Yet, brethren succumb to its temptation and deception.
4. Reaffirm the revealed truth that silence does not give consent; it constrains us to what has been revealed to us by God.
I. BIBLE SILENCE DOES NOT GIVE DIVINE CONSENT FOR HUMAN ACTION.
A. The Secret things Belong to God, Deut 29:29.
-Inspired Scripture (writings) contain all we need, 2 Tim 3:16-17.
B. Do Not Go Beyond What is Written, 1 Cor 4:6 (2 Jno 9).
1. What is written is the fullness of God’s affirmation (positive authority), 1 Cor 4:6.
2. The doctrine of Christ is the line of demarcation, 2 Jno 9.
C. Do not add to God’s Revelation, Deut 4:2; 12:32; Prov 30:5-6; Rev 22:18.
1. We don’t have the power/right to do so.
2. We don’t have knowledge or wisdom to do so (Job 42:2-6).
II. WHEN MEN JUSTIFY THEMSELVES BY “SILENCE” IT USUALLY MEANS THAT GOD HAS ALREADY SAID WHAT HE WANTS, BUT MAN WANTS TO ADD SOMETHING ELSE.
A. Nabab and Abihu, Lev 10:1-3 (9:16, 21, 24).
B. King Saul and the Amalekites, 1 Sam 15:18-23.
C. Moving the Ark, 1 Chrn 13:7-10. How? 13:12…15:13-15
D. King Uzziah (from Judah) Burned Incense, 2 Chrn 26:16-20.
1. 26:18: “It is not for you”, Sons of Aaron (Num 3:10).
2. 26:18: You have trespassed!
3. Heb 7:12-14: Moses was silent about priests from Judah because he spoke about priests from Levi!
E. Circumcising Gentiles for Salvation, Acts 15:5, 24 (God said: “No distinction,” Acts 10:34-35). (cf. Plan of salvation)
III. WE MUST POSSESS POSITIVE AUTHORITY FROM GOD IN ORDER TO ACT WITH HIS APPROVAL, Col 3:17.
A. “What does the Scripture say?” (Rom 4:3; Gal 4:30)
- Isa 8:20: If not according to “this word,” no light in them.
B. “Test All Things” (1 Ths 5:21; cf. 1 Jno 4:1, 6).
1. Cf. Examine/prove the genuineness of precious stone/metal.
2. This means there is an objective standard to use for testing.
a. Apostolic traditions that were taught, 2 Ths 2:15.
b Apostolic commands, 2 Ths 3:4.
c. Pattern of sound words heard from apostle(s), 2 Tim 1:13.
d. Continue in things learned from Scriptures, 2 Tim 3:14-17.
e. The doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno 9.
IV. WHEN GOD REVEALS SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS WE CANNOT PLEAD “GOD DIDN’T SAY NOT TO” TO JUSTIFY OUR CHANGES.
A. Music in Worship (Eph 5:19). (Specified the kind of music)
-Sing + Play = Beyond Christ’s authority!
B. How to Baptize (Rom 6:4). (Specified the action)
-Immerse + Sprinkle = Beyond Christ’s authority!
C. Subject of Baptism (Mk 16:16). (Specified the person)
-Adult believer + Infant = Beyond Christ’s authority!
D. When to Eat the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). (Specified the day)
-First day + Thursday = Beyond Christ’s authority!
E. Where to Eat the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:18, 20, 33). (Specified the congregation)
-Congregation + Small Groups = Beyond Christ’s authority!
F. Work of the Local Church (Eph 4:11-12). (Specified the work)
-Spiritual food + Physical food = Beyond Christ’s authority!
G. Organization of the Local Church (Acts 14:23). (Specified independent churches with local oversight)
-Local oversight + Sponsoring church = Beyond Christ’s authority!
H. Cause for Divorce and Remarriage (Matt 19:9). (Specified fornication)
-Fornication + Desertion = Beyond Christ’s authority!
Conclusion
1. Reverence demands that when God speaks, we listen and obey (1 Sam 3:10).
2. To use silence of the Scriptures as authority for faith and practice elevates human wisdom above the commands of God, Mk 7:9-13.