INTRODUCTION

Why would the LORD say, "the LORD rebuke thee, O Satan," unless He were trying to emphasize the importance of authority when rebuking others? Many have taught that believers may freely rebuke in their own authority, but this is unscriptural. No believer should ever rebuke apart from authority. In Zechariah 3:2And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
See All..., the LORD was His own authority, but believers must find authority in the Lord and in His word. Paul spoke expressly about this when he charged Titus to "speak, exhort, and rebuke with all authority" (Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
See All...). In fact, it is not enough to invoke the Lord’s name, but one should base any rebuke upon the scriptures. In reality, it is the Lord that rebukes, not the believer.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Paul said the only way he knew right and wrong was from God's word (Romans 3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
  See All...b). We need to know God's word (2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
  See All...) so we can warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
  See All...a) and warn one another (Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
  See All...).
• How can we rightfully rebuke others apart from the authority of God’s word? How do we know that the actions of another are wrong if we do not have God’s word on the matter?
• What is the only source of truth that we have in this world? How can you accurately rebuke others apart from that source of truth? How could you harm others by doing so?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you use His authority when rebuking.
• Ask the Lord to show you the importance of authority.

HYMN

O to Be Like Thee!

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