Psalm of the Day: Psalm 131:1-3
Wisdom of the Day: Proverbs 7:11-14
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-28
We should notice the high honor which our Lord Jesus Christ places on the Bible. He refers the lawyer to the Scriptures, as the only rule of faith and practice. He does not say in reply to his question, "What do the Jews say about eternal life? What do the Scribes, and Pharisees, and priests think? What is taught on the subject in the traditions of the elders?"
He takes a far simpler and more direct course. He sends his questioner at once to the writings of the Old Testament, "What is written in the Law? What do you read there?" Let the principle contained in these words, be one of the foundation principles of our Christianity. Let the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, be the rule of our faith and practice. Holding this principle, we travel upon the king's highway. The road may sometimes seem narrow, and our faith may be severely tried, but we shall not be allowed greatly to err. Departing from this principle, we enter on a pathless wilderness.
It matters nothing who says a thing in religion whether an ancient father, or a modern bishop, or a learned theologian. Is it in the Bible? Can it be proved by the Bible? If not, then it is not to be believed. It matters nothing how beautiful and clever sermons or religious books may appear. Are they in the smallest degree contrary to Scripture? If they are, they are rubbish and poison, and guides of no value! What does the Scripture say? This is the only rule, and measure, and gauge of religious truth. "To the law and to the testimony," says Isaiah, "if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the Bible as our perfect guide.
Action Plan: Keep track today how many times you refer to the Bible for advice, counsel, or wisdom. Do you think the total is good or bad? How can you improve?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
