WHO SAID WHAT? II
MEMORIZE: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11
BIBLE READING MATTHEW 5:18-22
18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
MESSAGE
There are many self-proclaimed teachers of the word, with hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers today.
These people speak with a certain level of authority spanning a broad range of issues like religion, marriage, family matters, doctrinal affairs, Church government, entertainment, money matters, etc.
Many of them have also put their questionable teachings and unbiblical views in print. Worse still, some ministers of the gospel who should know better are now peddling these wrong teachings on the grounds that they hold some wisdom.
The question should be, “Who said what?” Whatever anybody says should be compared with the word of God. God’s word should always be held as superior to the word of any man – no matter how sensible it may sound.
Everybody’s knowledge and view is limited to his or her environment and level of exposure. However, the Alpha and Omega, the all-knowing God, has perfect knowledge of things from the creation of the world to the very end of time.
This is why the word of God cannot become obsolete, irrespective of time, advancement in technology and level of civilisation.
The word of God remains fresh and new to date. Psalm 138:2 tells us that God magnifies His word above His name, therefore, the word of God should be treated with the utmost respect and honour it deserves.
Trivialising the word of God could have devastating effects as it happened to the special adviser to the king in (2 Kings 7:19-20).
It is important to note that the word of God is different from the word of man that is subject to changes. God does not change and His word remains constant – forever.
For example, in Matthew 19:8, Jesus pointed out a permissive law on divorce that was introduced by Moses, but was not part of the original code.
Therefore, any alteration to the word of God is neither encouraged nor acceptable before Him. Always confirm who is saying what before you jump on the bandwagon of new teachings.
We should all borrow a leaf from the Berean Christians who searched the Scriptures daily to confirm teachings they received (Acts 17:11).
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to give Your word the honour it deserves, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: DEUTERONOMY 7-9
HYMN: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.
CHORUS:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness seems to veil His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
