“A TIME TO KEEP SILENCE, AND A TIME TO SPEAK”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1

1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. For the last several weeks, we’ve been studying this subject.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:7c-d Our study resumes this evening with “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

I. “A TIME TO KEEP SILENCE”

A. In Reverence To God

1. Habakkuk 2:20

2. Zephaniah 1:7

3. Zechariah 2:13

B. When God Is Silent

1. 1st Peter 4:11; Revelation 22:18-19 God wants us to speak where He has already spoken, nowhere else.

2. Leviticus 10:1-3; 2nd Samuel 7:7 When we presume to act where He has not authorized, we displease Him.

3. Hebrews 7:12-14 New Testament writers acknowledged this principle in the scriptures.

C. When Others Are Speaking

1. Acts 12:17; 15:12-13 Notice these simple examples in which speakers pause for silence before proceeding with their words.

2. 1st Corinthians 14:27, 31

a. Such is more than just a good idea; it is a command!

b. Notice that in the church, speakers must go “in turn” or “one by one.”

3. 1st Corinthians 14:33, 40 The reasons are clearly stated:

a. Confusion is contrary to God’s nature and will.

b. To be properly edified, information must be relayed decently and orderly.

D. The Role Of Women In The Church

1. 1st Corinthians 14:34-35

2. 1st Timothy 2:11-15

II. “A TIME TO SPEAK”

A. Teach The Gospel

1. Luke 19:37-40

a. The fact of Jesus’ identity is so compelling that the proclamation of it cannot be restrained!

b. However, some are so shy about it that one may wonder if the stones will start shouting soon.

c. Let’s keep the faith, but let’s not keep it to ourselves!

2. Acts 4:13-20 Is the truth of the gospel something that you simply can’t keep quiet about?

3. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 We are commanded by Christ to preach His gospel.

a. Some seem to think that we can win souls by example alone.

i. Matthew 5:16; 1st Peter 2:11-12 A good example is invaluable and required of us by God.

ii. 1st Peter 3:1 Wives may even help convert their unbelieving spouses without much verbal effort.

b. Nevertheless, speaking is necessary.

i. Romans 10:17, 14 Faith cannot be achieved without hearing God’s word when it is preached.

ii. Acts 8:35; 11:14; 15:7 Consider some instances in which words came out of mouths in order to teach the gospel.

B. Warnings

1. Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:7-9

a. It is wrong “to keep silence” about another’s sin when you can warn him about it and turn him away from it.

b. To remain quiet would be tantamount to silently exiting a crowded building in which a time bomb is ticking away.

c. There are times when silence is golden, but other times it is just plain yellow!

2. Acts 20:26-27

3. 2nd Timothy 4:1-5

4. Jeremiah 20:7-9

C. Defend The Truth

1. 1st Peter 3:15

2. Colossians 4:6

D. Confess Sin

1. Psalm 32:1-5

2. 1st John 1:9

E. Confess Christ

1. Romans 10:9-10 2. Acts 8:37

CONCLUSION

A. Proverbs 15:23

B. Proverbs 25:11

Grace Be With You, Bryan Matthew Dockens

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