What Makes Right?

TEXT: Eph. 6:1

INTRODUCTION:

A. WE SHOULD BE MOTIVATED BY OUR DESIRE TO BE RIGHT.

1. Righteousness characterizes the rule of Jesus( Heb. 1:8-9 ).

2. It is the identifying mark of his followers( 2 Tim. 2:19 ).

B. HOW DO WE DETERMINE WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG?

1. We must find a standard.

2. Our standard must be in accord with that of the Judge.

3. One reason for division is we can't agree on a standard.

I. STANDARDS THAT MISS THE MARK - WHAT DOES NOT MAKE RIGHT.

A. HUMAN REASONING( Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23 ).

B. HUMAN CONSCIENCE( Acts 23:1; 1 Tim. 1:12-13 =>Rom. 14:23 ).

C. CUSTOM OR TRADITION( Matt. 15:1-3; Col. 2:8 ).

D. CIVIL AUTHORITY( Acts 3:17; 1 Cor. 2:8; but see 1 Pet. 2:13-17 ).

E. MAJORITY( Matt. 7:13-14 ).

F. FAMILY TIES( Matt. 10:34-37 ).

G. THE CHURCH - IT CAN BE LED ASTRAY( Acts 20:28-30; 2 Thes. 2:1-3 ).

II. THE STANDARD THAT GOD GAVE - WHAT DOES DETERMINE RIGHT?

A. GOD'S WORD IS TRUTH( John 17:17 ).

B. GOD'S TESTIMONY IN THE WORD IS RIGHTEOUSNESS( Psa. 119:138 ).

C. NOTICE THE ADVANTAGE DAVID HAD BECAUSE OF GOD'S WORD:

1. Hope( vs. 81 ).

2. Security( vs. 89 ).

3. Wisdom( vs. 97 ).

4. Guidance( vs. 105 ).

D. GOD'S WILL REVEALED THROUGH THE SPIRIT TO THE 12( Eph. 3:5 ).

1. They spoke in words taught by the Spirit( 1 Cor. 2:13 ).

2. They also wrote what they received( Eph. 3:3-4 ).

3. The result is understanding the mystery( vs. 4 ). Communication.

a. We can all understand it alike!

b. No longer a mystery( vs. 5; 1 Pet. 1:10-12 ).

E. GOD'S REVELATION IS COMPLETE AND COMPLETELY FINISHED!

1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

2. "Once for all." ( Jude 3; Heb. 10:10:12 ).

F. NOT EVEN AN ANGEL CAN CHANGE IT( Gal. 1:8-9; 1 John 4:1-6 ).

CONCLUSION: WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD? WHAT DOES IT DIRECT ME TO DO?