INTRODUCTION

The world is not short on teachings. Men have commandments. Some of these are decent and harmless, while some are dangerous. The problem comes when men elevate their doctrines or teachings to the level of God’s word. This is exactly what the religious leaders did during the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus. They elevated their own writings, thoughts, and opinions to the level of the word of God, until they would eventually give more reverence to their commandments than to the scripture. This is the propagation of false doctrine. Even now, there are multitudes of people propagating the commandments of men as though they are the words of God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read Mark 7:1-9 [1] Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. [2] And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. [3] For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. [4] And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. [5] Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? [6] He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. [7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. [8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. [9] And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
  See All.... The Pharisees found fault with Jesus' disciples because they didn't wash their hands. This wasn't a washing to get rid of germs, but an action performed in great detail with no real importance. God would rather they be clean in their hearts.
• Why is it imperative that we check the words of men against the words of God? When should we reject the words of men? When should we reject the words of God?
• What is the worst thing that could happen to someone who accepts the commandments of men rather than the words of God? How should this thought encourage us to stand for truth?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you keep the Bible as your authority.
• Ask God to help you discern right from wrong.

HYMN

The Bible of Our Fathers

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