On Good Authority!

“I have it on good authority….” Sometimes information is shared with such an introduction. This preface to the information being conveyed is intended to declare what is being said can be accepted as true. However, sometimes that “good authority” is not so good. There are times when some of the facts may have been misconstrued or misinterpreted somewhere along the way either intentionally or by accident. It is highly possible for erroneous statements to sound good and be easily accepted if we are not familiar with the foundation on which they may rest.

What is the authority upon that which we accept based? Paul warned of those who would surround themselves with teachers who would teach what their “itching ears” desired to hear. ( 2 Timothy 4:3) Even today there are people who purposely seek out those who merely teach what they desire. However, there are others who may be easily misled simply because what they hear sounds good and reasonable even though it may not be completely based on the authority of the Scriptures.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, he wrote…
“(1) For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, (2) that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, (3) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) I SAY THIS IN ORDER THAT NO ONE MAY DELUDE YOU WITH PLAUSIBLE ARGUMENTS.” ( Colossians 2:1-4 ESV)

Though some may deliberately seek out what they want to hear, others may simply be led astray by what sounds good and plausible. This may come at the hands of one who is not necessarily seeking to deceive, but may themselves have a misunderstanding of the Scriptures. Even the Bible refers to sincere individuals possessing knowledge of the truth who still had to have some greater clarity brought to them. ( Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-6) Those who checked out the message of even the Apostle Paul to make certain it was based on the truth of the Scriptures were commended for doing so. ( Acts 17:11) It is a safeguard for each one of us to make sure what we accept as truth is based on the foundation of what God has revealed through HIS WORD, the Bible.

This is why every time I welcome new subscribers to “teEn-MAIL” I urge them to allow GOD’S WORD to be the authority and last word on every subject. It is not what I say, but what God has declared through HIS WORD that matters most. I know as a teacher I fall under greater judgment. ( James 3:1) For this reason I often note more Scripture references in these daily focuses than are completely quoted so the foundation of GOD’S WORD will be noted and ultimately searched out. I am merely a man who is subject to fallibility in his thinking, but GOD’S WORD is the authority and truth to always be accepted. ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) Praise God that though many attempts through the centuries have been made to destroy the Bible, God has preserved HIS WORD so that we too -- like the Bereans -- can check the Scriptures daily to make sure what we are being taught is true. ( Acts 17:11)

I am encouraged by the continued growing interest of so many from around the world in receiving these daily focuses. However, as I strive to help you recognize the relevancy of GOD’S WORD even for today, my ultimate desire is to direct you deeper into the truths of HIS WORD. May my words instruct and encourage, but let GOD’S WORD be your authority and ultimate guide for life! That is the truly good authority!

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING GOD’S AUTHORITY FOR ALL OF LIFE!
Carl

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