FALSE STANDARDS OF AUTHORITY “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

Our Parents As a rule, children follow their parent’s influence (cf. Prov.22:6) But can parents be wrong? Matthew 10:37-38 Luke 9:59-60 What if they are wrong? Ezekiel 18:4 A loving parent would not want you to follow a wrong path

Our Conscience The conscience is a good thing. It is a gift from God. It helps us determine how we behave ourselves “Let your conscience be your guide” But can the conscience be wrong? Prov. 16:25 Consider Paul – Acts 24:16, 23:1, 26:9-11, 1 Tim. 1:12-13 The conscience can be damaged – 1 Timothy 4:2 A good conscience will obey God – cf. 1 Peter 3:20-21

Our Feelings and Emotions Many follow their feelings. Emotions are subjective Like conscience, they too can mislead us and often do. Can our feelings be wrong? False teachers often appeal to emotions -2 Peter 2:1-5, Jude 16 Prov. 28:26 Genesis 37:31-35 Jeremiah 10:23 Don’t risk eternity on what you THINK is right.

The Majority We want to be accepted. Many follow the popular path. Again, can such be wrong? Even in religion, many follow the crowds, the latest trends. Often, the majority are wrong 1 Peter 3:20, Noah saved only 8 souls Exodus 23:2 Num. 13-14 – 10 of 12 spies swayed the people to not fight with God Matthew 7:13-14 few enter by the narrow gate

Traditions Many follow what they have always done. Like that which is familiar and comfortable Can traditions be wrong? Matthew 15:1-9, Colossians 2:8 – the traditions of men Galatians 1:13-14 – Paul Tradition is not wrong within itself – 2 Thess. 2:15, 1 Cor. 11:2 – such were based upon God’s teachings! Do not bind YOUR traditions – Rom. 14

Religious leaders, preachers We too can be wrong! Men, even leaders, are human and thus fallible! Godly men realize this, Acts 10:25-26 That is why we do not seek titles, Matt. 23:6-9 There ARE false teachers, apostles, 2 Cor. 11:13-15, Matt. 7:15-16 Matthew 15:13-14, false plants will be uprooted! Should you listen to preachers/leaders? Heb. 13:17, 7; BUT verify - Acts 17:11

WHAT should our standard be? God’s word is the only reliable standard! 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:3, James 1:21 His word is complete, Jude 3 We can understand it, Eph. 5:17, 3:3-4 God says what He means and means what He says! He sets boundaries! Deut. 4:2, Rev. 22:18-19, 1 Cor. 4:6, 2 John 9 IF His word cannot be understood, how can we know what is right?

One day we will be judged! Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” John 12:48

What standard are you following? “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)