Dear class,
The readings today are taken from Psalms 4-6 and Acts 9:22-43.
In Psalm 4, the writer gives a couple of pointers to motivate us against sin.
1) Shaming God (v.2a)
As serious as it sounds, it remains a God approved fact that when we sin, we have put God's name, His Glory, His love for us to shame. Paul has even stronger words as we read in Hebrews
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:26-29)
v.29 should be a sobering reminder to all! WE are indeed held to a higher standard, "having tasted the good Word of God" and "made partakers of the Holy Ghost" (Heb 6:5,6).
Bro Patrick Swayne gave a stinging reminder to us all last Sunday when he mentioned of our decision making - Would Christ approve? Or will we give shame or glory to God?
Important questions that we need to constantly ask ourselves, to the point where we don't even need to! And only because it has become "2nd nature" or rather indeed, Christ-nature.
2) Love vanity, seek after leasing (v.2b)
The word "leasing" basically means "falsehood". Vanity we can understand, which basically refers to things of the world. We are all familiar with 1Jn 2:15-17. Putting our priorities back on the old self is an outright denial of the grace and power of God! But falsehood? You mean we prefer lies? Oh yes! As the old adage goes - truth hurts! Far more people would rather have others tickling their ears, nevermind the ultimate consequence. Paul warned Timothy of such who would "after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2Ti 4:3,4)
Beware brethren! Adopt a contrite and humble heart, less we be so caught up and high minded that we seek after praise from men rather than God!
3) Stand in awe (v.4a)
Never ceased to be amazed by the greatness and grace of God. Never take for granted our blessings from God! Yes! All should stand in awe of our God Almighty (Psa 33:8) and realise just how privileged we are, with a God ever providing for us and yes even His only Begotten, to redeem us from sin. When we cease to be struck by that wonder, we put ourselves on the slippery road to complacency and indifference, which ultimately leads to death.
4) Commune with your own heart (v.4b)
In short, PRAY! "with your own heart" here does not mean speaking to ourselves but rather using our hearts - the heartfelt, sincere plea to our Father in heaven.
Probably all advice to healthy relationships point to healthy communication. The same can be said of our spiritual relationship. Prayer is our communication to God! Enough cannot be said of this precious privilege of us as children of God. (1Thess 5:17). As Lioyd Sanderson so eloquently penned:
The Father speaketh in His word, He talks no other way!
And to converse with Him, our Lord, We must take time to pray!
Pray in the morning, pray at the noontime,
Pray in the evening, pray anytime.
Pray when you're happy, pray when in sorrow,
Pray when you're tempted, pray all the time.
The Lord help us all to do all we can to stay in His good pleasure and help one another along, that we may lay hold to that crown of righteousness.
in Him
Paul
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ~ 2John 9-11
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ 3John 4
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