Why do you believe the things you believe? Why do you practice the religious things that you practice? While all churches have beliefs and practices, many of those beliefs and practices are not found in the Bible.
After cleansing the temple of corrupt practices, the chief priests and elders asked Jesus a question about authority. In Matthew 21:23, they wanted to know, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
While the intent of these men was corrupt, their question was good. The Lord doesn’t condemn and rebuke their question about authority. Instead, He responds by asking His own question about authority (Matthew 21:24-27). His question implies that there are only two sources for religious beliefs and practices. Either the authority comes from heaven, or it comes from men.
False Standards of Authority
Comment on why the following are false standards of authority.
- Traditions (Matthew 15:7-9) — What are some of our traditions?
- Family (Acts 22:3-5; Philippians 3:4-7)
- Emotions (Acts 26:9-11)
- Conscience (Acts 23:1; 1 Timothy 4:2)
- Majority (Matthew 7:13-14; 1 Peter 3:20)
- Religious Leaders (Matthew 15:10-14)
- Human Wisdom (Proverbs 14:12)
The Right Standard of Authority
Comment on what these verses teach us about God’s standard of authority.
- 2 Timothy 1:13
- 2 Timothy 4:1-4
- Galatians 1:6-9
- John 12:48
- 2 John 9
- Matthew 7:21-23
