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!