INTRODUCTION

Unscriptural authority undermines God’s true authority. Unfortunately, many well-meaning Christians have determined that their own experiences or feelings hijack God’s authority. Authority, however, is only proper when it is within the God-given boundaries established by God’s word. One example is the authority to teach and lead men. According to scripture, this authority is not given to women (1 Timothy 2:12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
See All...), and when a woman seeks to commandeer this authority, she does so apart from the Lord’s leading. The same holds true when children try to lead the home, or when others seek authority that the Lord never intended for them.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Children should not make the rules in the home. They do not know what is best for them and they need to be taught (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: [7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
  See All...; Isaiah 28:9Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
  See All...; 1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
  See All...). They need to be taught the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
  See All...; Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
  See All...; Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): What are some examples of improper authority within your home, church, workplace, or nation? How does this misuse of authority create problems and divisions?
• Why do you promote improper authority? Why do you allow your feelings or experiences to lead you in ways that are contrary to the written words of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to forgive you for exercising improper authority.
• Ask the Lord to teach you to obey scriptural authority.

HYMN

I SURRENDER ALL

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