Introductory Thoughts
Respect in the Bible refers to looking at two different things and preferring one thing over the other. If there is anything in this world that is worthy of man’s respect, it is the written word of God. God’s word is far superior to any other book to which man may wish to compare it. The psalmist understood this and stated emphatically that he would “have respect unto” the Lord’s ways (Psalm 119:15) and His statutes continually (Psalm 119:117). With this being the case, the psalmist was confident he would “be safe” (Psalm 119:117) and would “not be ashamed” (Psalm 119:6). The Bible should be the source of man’s respect, preferred above any authority that seeks to dethrone the scriptures from its most lofty height.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): We need to respect God's word because of what it is (Psalm 12:6-7; Psalm 119:140, 160; Proverbs 30:5a) and what it can do (Hebrews 4:12; James 1:21b). Peter was glad he had respect unto God's word (Luke 5:4-6).
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(For everyone): Anytime we follow something other than the word of God, we are actually disrespecting the scriptures. Do you have respect unto the Lords commandments?
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Name some people in scripture who seemed to have respect unto the Lords commandments. Name some who did not. To which group would you be more similar?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you a greater respect for His word.
- Ask God to teach you the importance of respecting scripture.
Song
THE BIBLE STANDS
