The Silence of God

Introduction:

What do you do when God says nothing? Men have characteristically adopted two very different attitudes toward the silence of God. Some argue that silence is permissive and others argue that God’s silence is prohibitive. Our goal today is to determine from scripture as to which of these methods of approach are correct.

I.  What Scripture Says About the Silence of God.

A.    We must respect what God has said in His word.

1.     Deut 4:1-2 – how were the Jews to treat God’s word?

2.     2 John 9 – this is a responsibility of Christians today.

B.    It is not silence that sanctions, but scripture.

1.     1 Corinthians 2:6-13 – We cannot know what is in the mind of God unless He tells us.

2.     Isa 55:8-9 - Just because something pleases us, that it pleases God.

C.    2 Tim. 3:16-17 - Everything that it takes to please God is found w/in Scripture.

D.    Sometimes God gives us generic commands:

                                    1.     Genesis 22:2 – Abraham told to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

a)  expedient: wood, fire, knife.

                                    2.     Mt. 28:18-20 – preach the gospel to every creature…

a)  expedient: radio, internet, TV, missions

                                    3.     Hebrews 10:24-25 – general command to assemble together.

a)    expedient: church building

                                    4.     Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 – singing in worship

a)    expedient: pitch pipe; song books

E.     The silence of God is prohibitive rather than permissive.

II. How God’s people have reacted to the silence of God.

A.    Numbers 9:1-14 –observance of Passover in wilderness of Sinai

1.     9:8 – Moses did nothing until he consulted with God.

B.    Numbers 15:32-36 – a man is found violating the Sabbath.

1.     15:34 – put him in custody until God could be inquired of.

C.    Acts 15:24 – the apostle’s reaction to the Judiazers.

1.     15:24 – Since no instructions had been given, the teachers had no right to speak.

D.    The silence of God is prohibitive rather than permissive…

III. How God has reacted toward those who did not respect His silence:

A.    Lev 10:1-3 – Nadab & Abihu – strange fire.

B.    2 Sam. 6:1-11; 1 Chr. 13:1-14 – Uzzah

1.     1 Chr. 15:12-15 - Way ark moved was a violation of the law.

C.    2 Sam. 7:1-7 – David’s desire to build the temple.

D.    Mk. 7:1-9 – The traditions of the Pharisees.

E.     The silence of God is prohibitive rather than permissive.

Conclusion:

A.    The principles in today’s lesson shouldn’t be surprising.

B.    In your life, does anyone have the right to presume on what you do no say?

C.    We dare not presume to act upon the silence of God.

D.    God has specified the way mankind can be saved from sin.

1.     Have you responded to God’s plan of salvation?