1. Wrong Measuring Standards 2 Corinthians 10:12 1

2. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2

3. Introduction Wise builders will have at least 2 things! – A blueprint (floor plan) – A measuring standard to measure length, width, height, angels Spiritual builders have similar tools – The blueprint (pattern) and rule of life and the church, the word of God James 1:25; Romans 6:17; Hebrews 8:5; Titus 2:7 – Warnings against using other measuring standards or adding or subtracting - Revelation 22:18-19 3

4. Wrong Measuring Standards! 4

5. Ourselves & Opinion Paul declares this is not wise – 2 Corinthians 10:12 – Many today use as their standard - 2 Opinions Not wise because: – Fools are “right in their own eyes” - Proverbs 12:15 – What seems right is usually wrong - Proverbs 14:12 – Woe to the “wise in their own eyes” - Isaiah 5:21 5

6. Others We will be judged by our own works, not others! – Revelation 20:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Eccl. 12:14 – Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36 Some say: – “My preacher said…” – “Everyone is doing it…” – “If the preacher, elders, deacons approve, it’s ok” Acts 20:30; Galatians 1:8-9 – “What I do is no worse that what he or she does” Proud Pharisee - Luke 18:9-14 6

7. Accepted Practice This is how religious authority drifted from the NT to traditions of men - Matthew 15:9 – Causes much confusion 1 Corinthians 14:33 – Deviations from NT are usually subtle & gradual 2 Thessalonians 2:7 – Each deviation becomes the standard practice – The next generations take it a step farther Judges 2:10-17 – This kind of thinking resulted in the “restoration movement” 7

8. Accepted Practice When new questions and problems arise, how will we determine the right course? – Will it be by… What we have always said or done? What we said or did the last time in a similar matter? What our present practice may or may not be? What others in “the brotherhood” are doing? What is politically correct? Or will we use the measure of the Bible? – 1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 1:27, 4:1; 1 Thess. 3:8 No good builder uses past cuts for the standard Must use the original standard 8

9. Peace Some use the “don’t rock the boat” standard! – Peace and unity among brethren is wonderful! Genesis 13:8; Psalms 133:1 – Unity is commanded! Ephesians 4:1-3 – Jesus prayed for unity - John 17 Unity in Truth (His word) - John 17:17 – Peace is secondary to scriptural unity in truth! James 3:17; Matthew 10:34; Luke 12:51 The standard is - Does It Please God! – Galatians 1:10 9

10. Feelings How I feel it ought to be rather than the scriptural way it should be! How will this affect those I love most? – Parents, children & paternal relationships? Matthew 10:37 – This congregation, our finances and influence? This may be OK in maters of judgment! – But NOT in matters of faith! 10

11. Conclusion God revealed the scriptures to guide us! – Psalms 119:105 Let us use care that we do not rely on the wrong standards of measurement! “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” - Acts 5:29 11