Let us continue our look at basic Scriptures which deal with the importance of God's word, and our appropriate use of the same. May those who have not submitted to God's will in obedience be convicted to do so, and may those who have committed themselves to the Lord be increased in faith and understanding, leading to more productive service.

JOHN 8:31-32
"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

A distinction is made in this text which is not recognized by many in the religious world. Notice first that the audience to whom Jesus spoke were "Jews who believed Him." They had seen His works. They had heard His words. They knew who the Lord was, and acknowledged His teachings to be true. However, this mental acknowledgement on their part was not sufficient for the Lord to consider them His disciples. John tells us that "...even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him..." (John 12:42)

Throughout the second chapter of James, the inspired writer emphasizes that faith, by itself, cannot save us. Twice he says, "...faith without works is dead..." (James 2:20, 26). His point, as the Lord teaches in the text above, is that the word must produce in the hearer an active faith. Discipleship to Christ requires more than a head knowledge of the Scriptures. The word must be made manifest in our life, both by our conduct and speech. His word demands both holiness and purity of heart in those who would be His followers.

Some become easily frustrated and disheartened with the multitude of conflicting doctrinal positions which exist in the religious world. One might wonder how, with such doctrinal chaos, the Lord could bluntly say, "...you shall know the truth..." How shall we discover truth? The apostle John warned, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) The test which will indicate whether a doctrine is from God or not is the Scriptures. Jesus affirmed of God's word, "Thy word is truth." (John 17:17) Thus, if we would know the truth, we must turn to God's word, and not turn from it to the left nor the right.

Jesus continues, "...and the truth shall set you free." Consider the exclusive nature of His statement. If we would have freedom from sin and death, it will only be found by our knowing and submitting to God's word. Jesus cautioned, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." (John 12:48) We will not be judged by our religious leaders, our family and friends, or any creed book of man. Our religious allegiance must be to the Lord and His word, the truth, for nothing else will "...set you free."

MATTHEW 15:1-9
"Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 'Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.' He answered and said to them, 'Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God' --- then he need not honor his father or his mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

The text above adequately illustrates the Lord's view toward any tradition of man which sets itself in opposition to the word of the Lord. Our concern should never be with compliance to man's traditions, but rather that we keep the will of God. Notice what the Lord says the scribes and Pharisees, and those who followed after them had done by keeping the traditions of men:

• "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?" Their tradition was in direct opposition to God's command. In an effort to uphold their tradition, they sinned against the will of God.

• "Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition." In their allegiance to man's doctrine, they had nullified God's word. Man's doctrine had been esteemed greater than that delivered by from the God of all creation.

• "Hypocrites!" No better word could describe those who suppose to be servants of God, but are willing to set aside His commandments. As an actor simply plays a part, so are they who claim to be God's own, but void their claim with their zeal for the commandments of men.

• "These people...honor Me with their lips." Isaiah the prophet spoke of such people, plainly labeling them as lip servers. The Lord is not interested in whether we can sound spiritual, He is interested in us being spiritual. God is honored by our obedience to His will, not by our lip service.

• "...their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." Outwardly, those who embrace the commandments of men may seem to be faithful servants of the Lord, however, God sees the heart. He knows our inward condition, whether we are near or far from Him. Acceptance of man's doctrinescauses our worship before the Lord to be empty and futile. Man may convince himself that it is honors God, but His name cannot be glorified through the commandments of men.

May we never esteem the commandments of men over the commandments of God. Faithfulness to the Lord is found in being faithful to His will. We cannot approach Him on our terms, with our doctrines, but must come to Him in obedience to His will.

More of God's Word On The Word Of God next week.