"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet 4:11).

Is Silence License?

“For it is evident that out Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb 7:14). Jesus could not have been a priest when He lived on the earth - He would have been in violation of God’s Law - He would have been acting on the silence of the Scripture. The silence of the Scripture does not give us permission to act; it confines the actions by which we may serve God.

Many believe that if the Scriptures do not forbid something then it is allowable with God’s blessings. Can you imagine the “Pandora’s box” that principle opens? That kind of thinking will influence us to direct of our own lives, which God said we are not capable of doing (Jer 10:23)!

The apostles once wrote these words to Christians outside Judea. "We have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls” (Acts 15:24). The apostles said that anyone who speaks without their authority disturbs the unity of the church and unsettles the followers of Christ. That is why Peter commanded, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet 4:11).

We should all take a good hard look at the organization, work and worship of our churches. Do we align with New Testament instruction, or do we act on the silence of the Scripture? This principle applies to our personal lives as well.

- by Boyd Jennings