Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:124-128
"It Doesn't Say Not To"
Intro.
1. This statement is often used to challenge binding Bible patterns and to advance the broadening of religious fellowship (unity in moral and doctrinal diversity, to rationalize disobedience).
2. When people justify themselves by “silence” it usually means God has already said what He wants, but they want to add something else to what God has revealed.
3. At first it may sound plausible, but upon examination it falls far short of respect for divine authority.
a. It comes from the wisdom of men, not the word of God.
b. It assumes that silence gives consent, Deut. 4:2; 12:32; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jno. 9. (“Hold fast the pattern...” 2 Tim. 1:13)
4. One way to know whether we are interpreting the Bible correctly is to apply our premise to other revealed subjects and occasions to see if it produces what is in harmony with God’s word. If it violates the Scriptures, it is the result of human wisdom, 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 Jno. 4:1.
5. Does Bible silence give consent, or does silence restrain us?
I. “GOD DIDN’T SAY NOT TO DO IT.” Yes, He did, by necessary inferences. Lk. 12:54-57 (“Do you not judge what is right?”)
A. Noah: God Didn’t Say Not to Use Oak to Build the Ark, Gen. 6:13-14. (cf. a life raft, in addition to the ark)
1. Grace was extended to Noah via God’s commandment.
2. By faith, Noah obeyed, and was counted righteous, Heb. 11:7; Gen. 6:22-7:1.
B. Nadab and Abihu: God Didn’t Say Not to Burn Incense before the Lord, Lev. 10:1-3.
1. What is not approved by God (He is silent) is (necessarily) forbidden; it is not permitted.
2. Regard God as holy by not adding to His word.
C. Levitical Priesthood: God Didn’t Say Not to Let Others be Priests, Heb. 7:14.
-Moses’ silence did not mean other tribes could be priests, in fact, others who tried were under a death penalty, Num. 3:10.
II. APPLICATIONS FOR US. (Bible silence is not our permission to act.)
-Must have revelation for what we teach and do, Matt. 21:23-25.
A. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to Use Instrumental Music in Worship.”
1. What the Bible says: Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Jas. 5:13.
2. Shall we “burn the incense” of instruments before the Lord?
-No, for such would be presumptuous and not regard the holiness of God. Judge what is right.
B. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to Baptize Babies.”
1. What the Bible says: Matt. 18:3; Mk. 16:16.
2. What we build an ark out of infant baptism for babies to obtain grace, through faith? 1 Pet. 3:20-21 (Heb. 11:7)
-No, because they are safe already (innocent). Judge what is right.
C. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to have Church-Sponsored Recreation.”
1. What the Bible says: The work of the local church is spiritual in nature, Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:26; 11:20-22, 34.
2. Shall we alter the work God has given the local church, and conclude it is a good thing to eat together (like Nadab and Abihu burning incense before the Lord)? Judge what is right.
D. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to Gamble.”
1. What the Bible says: Matt. 7:12; 1 Thess. 4:11; Col. 3:5; Heb. 13:5.
2. Shall we covet another person’s money, and gamble to deprive them of their money to enrich ourselves? Judge what is right.
E. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to Use Recreational Drugs (like alcohol, marijuana, designer drugs, etc.), Privately or Socially.”
1. Actually, it does. What the Bible says: 1 Pet. 4:1-3; Gal. 5:23.
2. Shall we look at the drug (alcohol, joint, pill, needle) when it sparkles in the cup – just so long as we do not linger at it until it bites like a snake? Prov. 23:29-32; 20:1
3. Shall we forego self-control and sober-mindedness to play with the snake? Judge what is right.
F. “Bible Doesn’t Say Not to Wear Bikinis, Short Shorts, Halter Tops…
1. What the Bible says: Dress with modest apparel, 1 Tim. 2:9-10.
2. Shall we expose the flesh that God covered? Gen. 3:7, 21 Judge what is right.
Conclusion
1. We must handle God’s word properly; Not to support pre-determined interests and desires, but to define our faith and lives of service to the Lord, 2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 3:17.
2. Silence of Scriptures is not our consent (permission); it restrains us.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: September 7, 2018