The Silence of God

 

Introduction.  (Psalm  50:1-3)   There have been many lessons preached on the Word of God and the importance of listening when God speaks.  In this passage it tells us of a time when God “shall not keep silent.”  This would suggest to us that when God does not speak it is for a definite purpose that we would do well to heed.  This morning let’s think a little bit about the silence of God looking to Psalm 50 as our text.

 

I.  When God Speaks.

            A. Things begin to happen.

                        1. Natural laws began and ceased.

                        2. By His Word, things were created.

                        — Planets revolved in their respective orbits.

                        3. The bush was burned, Sea parted, Jordan stopped, Sun stopped . . .

                        4. Man was created. Dead shall rise. Bodies shall be transformed.

 

II. When God keeps silent.  It doesn’t necessarily communicate approval (Psalm 50: 16-21).

            A. When one member of the Godhead speaks the others remain silent.

                        1. God spoke, Christ spoke (Hebrews 1:1,2).  The Holy Spirit spoke (John 16:8-14).

Note:  He speaks now through New Testament (Hebrews 4:12;  Ephesians 6:17) “the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God”

 

III. While God remains silent…

            A. Men sin.

1. Offer bad sacrifice (Psalm 50:14-15).  In Christ our life and worship is a spiritual sacrifice.  Are we offering an acceptable sacrifice?

2. Failed to keep vows (Psalm 50:14).  When we come to Christ we pledge ourselves to Him.  Hebrews 10:23  –  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

3. Think God to be as one of them (Psalm 50:21).  It is awfully easy to imagine that since God does not speak to rebuke us that somehow that means that we are pleasing to him.  In this text we see that His silence can be simply patience rather than approval.  Illustration:  Unscriptural practices—interpreting growth as God’s approval.  It may be that He is simply delaying the declaration of His condemnation.

4. Hate instruction (Psalm 50:17). 

5. Become partakers with adulterers (Psalm 50:18).  Illustration:  There was a television show on the other day that was rather controversial because it involved a story line in which two women were married.  (Being approved in Hawaii).  The ceremony “there is nothing that God loves more than when two people love one another.”  God wants us to love but there are bounds to all relationships.  Can’t love parents/neglect spouse.  Can’t love children/neglect mate.  Can’t establish an intimate relationship with anyone when you do not have the right!

7.  Frame deceit (Psalm 50:19).

8. Hate and speak against a brother (Psalm 50:20;  Matthew 18:15-20)  Go to the person!

 

IV. His Silence Indicates…

A. His infinite wisdom. He speaks with Authority.  Illustration.  An arguing parent or teacher has no control.

B. The Infallibility of the Word. No need of another Law. This one is sufficient.

C.  We need to keep silent where He has not spoken.  God was silent to Saul (I Samuel 15:17-23; 28: 15).

D.  He is patient.  Christ was silent before His accusers. Isaiah 53:7  -  “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth” (II Peter 3:9).

 

Conclusion.  One day the Lord will not keep silent.  One day He will speak with the fury of judgment.  (Psalm 50:3-8, 21-22)  Are you ready for such a day?