INTRODUCTION

The commandments of men posed a great danger in the early church. So much so, the apostle Paul encouraged Titus to warn his flock against accepting teachings that were extra biblical. These "fables" and "commandments" turned from the truth. Perhaps in the beginning one might be able to accept both, but eventually the acceptance of one would demand the rejection of the other. Titus was charged with the responsibility of making sure the saints of God made the right choice. Like in the days of Paul and Titus, God has given the church faithful men who are charged with warning the saints about accepting fables that turn from the truth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Paul gave Timothy a warning about the commandments or teachings of men (1 Timothy 4:1-5 [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
  See All...; 2 Timothy 4:4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
  See All...). He instructed Timothy what to do about these things (1 Timothy 4:6-7 [6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
  See All...; 2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
  See All...).
• Name some unscriptural traditions that men have accepted as truth. How have these traditions actually worked to turn those same men from the truth of God’s word?
• What was Titus to do with those who might teach or accept men’s traditions as the commandments of God (Titus 1:13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
  See All...)? What might happen if Titus fulfilled his responsibility?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to protect you from error.
• Ask God to help you “be sound in the faith.”

HYMN

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

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