Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Introduction

A. There are stern warnings against altering God’s word (Deuteronomy 4:2).

B. God’s Word needs no alterations, and the best possible practice is to speak “as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).

Discussion

I. We have no choice but to speak the truth.

A. The truth is sometimes unpopular, but we must preach it anyway (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 4:20).

B. We must speak the truth on God’s plan for the home (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8; Matthew 19:9).

C. We must speak the truth even on so-called “political” topics like abortion (Proverbs 6:17) and homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:10-11).

II. We must speak the truth boldly.

A. Jesus was bold in His teaching (John 7:26; 18:20-21).

B. The apostles were bold (Acts 4:13; 26:26; 28:31).

C. We must never be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16).

III. We must speak the truth in love.

A. There was always love in Jesus’ words (Matthew 23:37-38).

B. The same is true about Paul’s words (2 Corinthians 2:4).

IV. Where the Bible is silent we will be silent.

A. We must honor the silence principle in our worship (Acts 20:7; Ephesians 5:19) and organization (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3).

B. We must reject human traditions when they violate this principle (Matthew 15:8-9).

If the Scriptures thoroughly furnish us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:17), let us speak where they speak and remain silent where they are silent.