Rebuking with Authority - Zechariah 3:2
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INTRODUCTION
Too many people have assumed that believers may freely rebuke in their own authority, but there exists no scriptural basis for this. The LORD gave us an excellent example when He said, “The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan.” When rebuking the Devil, the LORD emphasized the importance of authority. No believer should ever rebuke except according to the God-given authority of scripture. In Zechariah 3:2And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
See All..., the LORD was His own authority, but believers do not have any such authority in themselves apart from the Lord and His word. Paul spoke expressly about this when he charged Titus to “speak, exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
See All...). It is not sufficient to flippantly invoke the Lord’s name; one must base any rebuke upon the scripture. Henceforth, it is the Lord that rebukes, never the believer.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For children): Paul said the only way he knew right and wrong was from God’s word (Romans 3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
See All...b). We need to know God’s word (2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
See All...) so we can sufficiently warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14a) and warn one another (Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
See All...). The scripture is our authority. - (For everyone): How can we rightfully rebuke others apart from the authority of God’s word? How do we know that the actions of another are wrong if we do not have God’s word on the matter?
- What is the only source of truth that we have in this world? How can you accurately rebuke others apart from that source of truth? How could you harm others by doing so?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask the Lord to help you use His authority when rebuking.
- Ask the Lord to show you the importance of authority.
HYMN
THE KING’S BUSINESS
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