INTRODUCTION

The question concerning duly authorized or appointed authority is crucial. Although the question above originated with the chief priests and elders, it remains a good question. What was the Lord’s authority for the things He was doing, and from what or whom did this authority originate? It is under this microscope that everything in life should be examined. The Lord’s authority was Himself (or His Father), and so it should be with the New Testament believer. Everything believed or done should be believed or done because it is the will of the Lord. Unfortunately, the typical believer today has other competing authorities such as feelings, experience, and even peers that often lead to unscriptural beliefs and works.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Lord Jesus is God and we know Him through His word (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  See All..., 14; John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
  See All...). He is in complete control (Colossians 1:16-19 [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
  See All...; 1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
  See All...). As such, He is our authority and we do what He says (Matthew 28:18-20 [18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): What is your authority for the things you believe? What is your authority for the things you do in the work of the Lord? Is it possible that you have the wrong authority?
• How can having the wrong authority affect the believer? How can it eventually lead you out of the will of God, and into false doctrine?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you clarity on the origin of godly authority.
• Ask the Lord to help you have the right authority.

HYMN

‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

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