Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Monday, January 19, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Lord, Thank you for a new day that you have created. I thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You do not change. I thank you for your special grace the enables me to live the Christian life. Help me not to get caught up in simple formula's to find you out, but reveal yourself to me and grant me your favor. Thank you for the authority of the spiritual leaders that taught me the way to follow you. Help me to know your Word, and not follow new ideas that is not what I have been taught through the Bible. This day, may I seek you with all of my heart. In Your name, Amen.
Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:17-19
Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.
Reflecting on God's Word
What does it say in verse 8 about the nature of Jesus Christ? And what does this mean for our lives?
Do I know of some "Christian" teaching that is taught today that is not based upon God's authoritative Word? If so, how have I responded to it? Why or why have I not rejected it?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Why do you think strange, new ideas (verse 9), are so attractive for people today? (for example: all religions eventually lead to God)
How do you respond to teaching that is done in the name of God, but contrary to the Bible?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
What are some traditions that you have learned when attending church?
Why are those traditions meaningful?
Do you do these traditions because you are used to them, or because you are seeking God's grace while doing them?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
If God and His Word are authoritative for our lives, how have spiritual leaders in your past helped to grow you in the knowledge of both God and His Word? Did they live it?
Was their spiritual leadership derived from the authority of God's Word? How so?
Thoughts
All of us have certain traditions that we have picked up along the way if we have been in the church long enough. Whether it is how and when we recite a prayer, do confessions, take communion, lift our hands in worship, or just about any thing that we commonly do because we have done it for a long time. There is nothing wrong with these traditions, in fact some of them are essential, just so long that we realize that true spiritual strength comes not simply through these certain expressions but rather through God's grace or "special favor" (verse 9). All of these can certainly be means by which His grace can work through. We just cannot get fixed on the traditions and miss grace.
In talking about authority in the church, the writer of Hebrews was writing his listeners about the importance of sticking with what the teachers and preachers of ages past have taught us. The problem is when we get focused simply on a "formula" or a tradition that is void of any power. In other words, the tradition is empty and fleshly. For the Hebrews, it was ceremonial rules about food. For us it could be anything. We must remember that true authority comes not from a certain ritual, formula, or tradition, but only by God's grace. For true authority is only derived from Him. Everything we do must be in alignment with God's Word, and we should never allow other teachings or ideas to come in the way of what He desires. Traditions are fine, but they must be a means of God's grace and not a "thing to do" because it is church.