Introductory Thoughts
One of the most important issues that every believer must face involves the question of ultimate authority. The Pharisees abused their God-given authority by “laying aside the commandment of God” and replacing it with “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). They simply transgressed “the commandment of God” in order to obey and follow their tradition (Matthew 15:3). Through these unwise actions, they plainly declared that the traditions of men were their ultimate authority rather than God and His word. As a result, the Lord Jesus said they made the word of God of none effect. This same truth applies today. When a man accepts men’s traditions as superior to the scripture, he makes scripture ineffective for God’s intended purposes. The Bible must be believed in order for it to be effectual (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Tradition places three wise men at the manger scene. The Bible never specifies how many wise men came but simply mentions three gifts. When the wise men reached Bethlehem, Jesus was a child living in a house (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11). Will you believe the Bible over any tradition?
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(For everyone): What are some beliefs that you hold dear? What is your authority for holding onto those beliefs? Are any of those unscriptural? If so, will you accept the traditions of men over the scripture?
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What are some common beliefs that people hold that are unscriptural? Where did those doctrines originate? Is there any scripture that plainly shows those doctrines unscriptural?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you maintain the proper authority.
- Ask the Lord to show you any unscriptural views you have.
Song
THE OLD BOOK AND THE OLD FAITH
