Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Introductory Thoughts
The world often accuses faithful believers of being arrogant or simply narrow-minded because of the believer’s unwavering certainty concerning the things he believes. Although there are times when believers reveal an unchristian arrogance, the godly believer is simply certain of his beliefs because he is certain of the authority substantiating those beliefs. According to Titus 2:15, the believer can and should “speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.” Why? Because the Bible is the word of the God that has all authority and it offers to the believer that level of authority. It is not, therefore, arrogance which causes a godly believer to be unwilling to waver on what he believes, but faith in the written word and words of his God.
Devotional Thoughts
- (For children): Jesus used scripture to teach (Luke 4:16-21; Luke 24:25-27) and to silence His enemies (Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 21:15-16). We need to know what we believe (Acts 17:11) and use the word (Acts 4:31; Acts 18:28; Acts 26:22).
- (For everyone): Is your authority tradition, or the doctrines and teachings of men, or your own emotions? How have you been influenced by these things?
- What is the end of an individual who has the wrong authority? How can that danger be avoided by simply putting faith in the written word of God?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you check your authority.
- Thank God for giving us His word.
SONG: MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE
Quotes from the next volume
(VOLUME 1, WEEK 6)
Subject: Courage (con’t)
Helping to build another’s godly courage remains one of the most effective ways to influence others.
We cannot always depend upon others to receive courage, but we can always depend upon the Lord.
By destroying a believer’s courage, the Devil wins the battle.