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Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 13:1-12

Does the Silence of the Scriptures

Grant Permission or Set Limits?

Intro.

1.  We must have Christ’s authority for all we do (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17).  His authority is conveyed via inspired Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

2.  Divine authority is revealed (& thus established) in three ways:

    a.  Direct statement or command, apostolic approved example &/or necessary inference (Acts 15:7-19).

    b.  Some say we promote “patternism” with such teaching. 

    c.  But, a failure to follow divinely revealed pattern is sin – Heb. 8:5.

    d.  Failure to have Bible authority for all things has caused division among God’s people.

3.  False reasoning: “It doesn’t say ‘not to’, so we are at liberty to do it”!

I.  OT TEACHES SILENCE SETS LIMITS (Rom. 15:4).

  A.  Moving the Ark of the Covenant:  God’s Law Revealed – Num. 4:1-6, 15; 7:9.  (Kohathites to bare the ark on their shoulders.)

  B.  Moving the Ark to Jerusalem – 1 Chrn. 13:1-8.

    1.  The Ark of the Covenant had remained in the house of Abinadab for 20 yrs. after returned by Philistines (on new cart, 2 Sam. 6:3; 7:1).

    2.  Now, David proposes to bring it to Jerusalem – 1 Chrn. 13:1-4.

    3.  Preparation & procession; death of Uzza – 1 Chrn. 13:5-10.

  C.  God’s Displeasure – 13:9-14.

    1.  What displeased God (“error” had occurred, 2 Sam. 6:7)?

      a.  Was it moving the ark?  Why (13:2-3)?  Who (13:4)?  How (13:7)?

      b.  Was it David’s attitude of heart?  (13:8)

      c.  Was it Uzza’s good intention?  (13:9)

    2.  15:2, 11-15 – Because they did not follow God’s pattern for transporting the ark!  When they did "as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord" 15:15).... succeeded!  (15:26)

  D.  Adding to God’s Word Violates the Silence of the Scriptures (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18). 

    1.  What God says is what God wants…the way He wants it…and all He wants!

    2.  Silence of the scriptures is not license…silence restrains!  (Heb. 8:5)

    3.  Silence defines the limits God sets within which we act.

    4.  It is presumptuous to change the pattern that God reveals for us to follow; it is to go beyond the doctrine of Christ.

II.  GOD’S JUDGMENTS AGAINST MAN DOING WHAT GOD DID NOT SAY TO DO.

  A.  Nadab & Abihu (Lev. 8:36; 9:2-24; 10:1-2).

    1.  God’s pattern had been followed:  animals had been commanded & offered, “as the Lord had commanded Moses” (Lev. 8:36; 9:2-24).

    2.  10:1 – Offered “profane (strange, foreign) fire” “which He had not commanded them.”  (Lev. 6:12-13; 16:12)

    3.  God’s judgment:  Death – 10:2.

  B.  Saul & the Amalekites – 1 Sam. 15:3, 9, 13-15, 22-23.

    1.  15:3, 9 – The command & the disobedience.

    2.  15:13-15 – The explanation (rationalization).

    3.  God’s judgment:  Disobedience / Rebellion (15:10, 22-23).

  C.  Priestly Tribe of the Law of Moses – Heb. 7:11-14.

    1.  If OT law still in force, Jesus is not a priest.  (Heb. 8:4)

    2.  Silence restricted the priesthood to tribe of Levi!

    3.  God’s judgment:  Only Levi.

  D.  Judaizers – Acts 15:1, 24; Gal. 2:5.

    1.  15:1 – Circumcision + gospel = Salvation (15:5).

    2.  15:24 – No commandment given - Acting alone.

    3.  God’s judgment:  Subverting souls / bondage (15:24; Gal. 2:5).

III.  ADDING TO GOD’S SILENCE IS GOING BEYOND HIS DOCTRINE & AUTHORITY – 2 Tim. 1:13 (Col. 3:17; 2 Jno. 9).

    -(False reasoning: “It doesn’t say ‘not to’, so we are at liberty to do it”!!)

  A.  Music in Worship (Eph. 5:19).

        -Sing + Play = Beyond Christ’s authority!

  B.  How to Baptize (Rom. 6:4).

        -Immerse + Sprinkle = Beyond Christ’s authority!

  C.  Subject of Baptism (Mk. 16:16).

        -Adult believer + infant = Beyond Christ’s authority!

  D.  Cause for Divorce & Remarriage (Matt. 19:9).

        -Fornication + desertion = Beyond Christ’s authority!

  E.   When to Eat the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7).

        -1st day + Thursday = Beyond Christ’s authority!

    -Many more examples of adding to the silence of God’s word…(Work of local church; organization of local church; women preachers, “ages” of creation, etc.)

Conclusion

1.  The silence of God’s word is respected when we do not add to its teachings:  we abide in the doctrine of Christ; we hold fast the pattern of sound words

2.  2 Jno. 9 – Our salvation & fellowship with God hangs in the balance!