What Makes Right?
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.
A. HUMAN REASONING( Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23 ).
B. HUMAN CONSCIENCE( Acts 23:1; 1 Tim. 1:12-13 čRom. 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 ).
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 ).
