Play

Necessary Implication DEFINED

Steven J. Wallace
10/06/19 - Sunday

Genesis 8:6-11

1. 1. “Implication” – “The conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.”[1]
   2. "Necessary" – required, , compulsory, imperative, essential, indispensable.

The example of Noah shows us four areas that establish Bible authority.

1. A statement of fact. Noah could preach by faith that a global flood is coming because of God’s statement (Gen. 6:17).
2. A direct commandment. By faith, Noah could build an ark of gopherwood with rooms, three levels, a door because of the direct or explicit commandment (Gen. 6:14-16; Heb. 11:7).
3. An approved example. Noah lived a life that was different from the course of the world. But it wasn’t being different that made him approved before God. It was that he lived a life exemplifying righteousness (Gen. 6:22; 7:1, “I have seen”). Where examples of corrupt living were modeled everywhere, Noah provided an example of how to find grace with God. Like Jesus, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (Jn. 13:15).
4. A necessary implication. What? Do you mean God expects me to reason (Isa. 1:18)? When we reason from the facts given to us from God, inescapable conclusions will surface. Logic and reason are not enemies to faith, self-will, sensitive feelings, and pride are enemies. Paul said in Acts 26:25, “…’I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.’” Because of what we gather from Noah’s life, we necessarily conclude that Noah lived life faithfully. He found grace in the eyes of the Lord (6:8). Noah would have necessarily inferred from God’s words that time, tools, and training were in order to fulfill the command to build a seaworthy vessel of gopherwood! He also made a necessary inference in Genesis 8:11, from the evidence collected,” Noah knew the waters had receded from the earth.” How? By the dove! If Noah could reason well from a bird, how much more should we from the Spirit's completed revelation?

--Steven J. Wallace