illinijag
Called to Serve
A lapse in judgment can render useless, the God given discernment that guides the actions of a righteous man. Indifference toward temptation or an intolerant view of its appeal creates an undetected snare that is determined to trap you. To appease temptation allows the potential for transgression, such is the futile practice of pride, which leads to the fulfillment of sin. As Christian we must avoid the trappings of such by “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)”.
If we faithfully reside in God's word and act upon such faith, we will maintained a state of readiness to oppose that which desires to deceive us. For if truth is in the heart it will shine as a light, a light which removes all darkness:
Psalms 119:11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Ephesians 6:17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
In this temporal sinful world, human imperfections will continue to be before us (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:23). We who are redeemed should live a life that reflects the faith that has saved us (1 Corinthians 10:31); for the sins of the redeemed should not be the results of a sinful life, but the sinful trappings that lie in their path. When the redeem acknowledge their sin, such brings conviction and repentance; when the unredeemed acknowledge their sin, at best such brings shame and false contrition (2 Corinthians 7:9).
The following is the actions of the redeem that has been found in sin:
Psalms 51:3-4
3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou Judgest.
This week's lesson is from the book of 2 Samuel. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (February 8, 2009) comes from (2 Samuel 11:26-12:7a, 13-15)
The background for this lesson is the downfall of David (2 Samuel 11:1-25), as an Icon of a faithful Godly servant. A man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) now lay waste from the lure of temptation. His lustful seductive conquest produced untold consequences, both immediate and long term. This single lapse in judgment became the demarcation of David’s pinnacle demise. Although he lost not his salvation, the luster that had illuminated his life would never shine as bright.
This week lesson starts with the mourning of David’s mistress (Bathsheba) after receiving notice that her husband (Uriah) was killed in battle. After the period of mourning had past, she became David’s wife and bore his son. We are not told if Bathsheba was complicit in this wicked cover-up nor are there any indications that she opposed David’s advances; however, it is clear that neither considered the depravity of their act. In simple words God stated His view “But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11:26b)”. Sin for a season will offer fleeting pleasure and will mask the wickedness from which it was conceived; such will provide a rude awaking when Judgment appears.
Psalms 106:15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
As with all sin, God has appointed a time for judgment, thus the prophet Nathan would be God’s instrument to chasen His king. Through a story (2 Samuel 12:1-6), Nathan allowed David to Jugde his own sin; such proves to be an excellent tool, for only when we see our sin in another, do we truly see the wickedness of our sin. This shows the value of the mote in thy brothers eye (Matthew 7:3), to judge the beam in our own eye.
Matthew 7:2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
David was outraged at the acts of the man spoken of by Nathan, and judged him according to that of a righteous judge (2 Samuel 12:5). As a King, David also knew that the punishment for adultery was death (Leviticus 20:10) and to kill a man would require the same, yet he saw not those things before him. When Nathan told David that he was the man, his deceive sense of security immediately left him and the true nature of his sin was revealed. David's sin was not due to a lack, for God gave David abundance in honor, riches and wives (even his master’s wives). To whom much is given much is required, to despise would turn a blessing into a curse.
Luke 12:48. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Nathan continues to explain to David how he caused the death of a righteous man (Uriah) by using the swords of Israel’s sworn enemies (The Ammonites). In addition to taking Uriah’s wife, David had caused God’s enemies to blaspheme against Him. God's punishment would be that: the sword would never leave from his house; God would rise up evil within his house; his neighbor would lie with his wives in open; and the child born of their sinful act would surely die. Although harsh, unlike David’s judgment, God provided mercy by putting away David’s sin and not requiring his death.
This story truly shows the wickedness of man, yet this is a man after God’s heart. A man not left stranded by God, a fallen man, a man great among men. Although David is not one we are asked to follow, who among men can boast to be greater? This lesson reinforces our need to remain vigilant to the temptations that surrounds us, as not to be snared by it; for it better to avoid and flee temptation than to enter into battle.
1 Corinthians 10:12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those who desire to resist temptation) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless
If we faithfully reside in God's word and act upon such faith, we will maintained a state of readiness to oppose that which desires to deceive us. For if truth is in the heart it will shine as a light, a light which removes all darkness:
Psalms 119:11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Ephesians 6:17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
In this temporal sinful world, human imperfections will continue to be before us (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:23). We who are redeemed should live a life that reflects the faith that has saved us (1 Corinthians 10:31); for the sins of the redeemed should not be the results of a sinful life, but the sinful trappings that lie in their path. When the redeem acknowledge their sin, such brings conviction and repentance; when the unredeemed acknowledge their sin, at best such brings shame and false contrition (2 Corinthians 7:9).
The following is the actions of the redeem that has been found in sin:
Psalms 51:3-4
3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou Judgest.
This week's lesson is from the book of 2 Samuel. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (February 8, 2009) comes from (2 Samuel 11:26-12:7a, 13-15)
The background for this lesson is the downfall of David (2 Samuel 11:1-25), as an Icon of a faithful Godly servant. A man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) now lay waste from the lure of temptation. His lustful seductive conquest produced untold consequences, both immediate and long term. This single lapse in judgment became the demarcation of David’s pinnacle demise. Although he lost not his salvation, the luster that had illuminated his life would never shine as bright.
This week lesson starts with the mourning of David’s mistress (Bathsheba) after receiving notice that her husband (Uriah) was killed in battle. After the period of mourning had past, she became David’s wife and bore his son. We are not told if Bathsheba was complicit in this wicked cover-up nor are there any indications that she opposed David’s advances; however, it is clear that neither considered the depravity of their act. In simple words God stated His view “But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11:26b)”. Sin for a season will offer fleeting pleasure and will mask the wickedness from which it was conceived; such will provide a rude awaking when Judgment appears.
Psalms 106:15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
As with all sin, God has appointed a time for judgment, thus the prophet Nathan would be God’s instrument to chasen His king. Through a story (2 Samuel 12:1-6), Nathan allowed David to Jugde his own sin; such proves to be an excellent tool, for only when we see our sin in another, do we truly see the wickedness of our sin. This shows the value of the mote in thy brothers eye (Matthew 7:3), to judge the beam in our own eye.
Matthew 7:2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
David was outraged at the acts of the man spoken of by Nathan, and judged him according to that of a righteous judge (2 Samuel 12:5). As a King, David also knew that the punishment for adultery was death (Leviticus 20:10) and to kill a man would require the same, yet he saw not those things before him. When Nathan told David that he was the man, his deceive sense of security immediately left him and the true nature of his sin was revealed. David's sin was not due to a lack, for God gave David abundance in honor, riches and wives (even his master’s wives). To whom much is given much is required, to despise would turn a blessing into a curse.
Luke 12:48. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Nathan continues to explain to David how he caused the death of a righteous man (Uriah) by using the swords of Israel’s sworn enemies (The Ammonites). In addition to taking Uriah’s wife, David had caused God’s enemies to blaspheme against Him. God's punishment would be that: the sword would never leave from his house; God would rise up evil within his house; his neighbor would lie with his wives in open; and the child born of their sinful act would surely die. Although harsh, unlike David’s judgment, God provided mercy by putting away David’s sin and not requiring his death.
This story truly shows the wickedness of man, yet this is a man after God’s heart. A man not left stranded by God, a fallen man, a man great among men. Although David is not one we are asked to follow, who among men can boast to be greater? This lesson reinforces our need to remain vigilant to the temptations that surrounds us, as not to be snared by it; for it better to avoid and flee temptation than to enter into battle.
1 Corinthians 10:12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those who desire to resist temptation) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless
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