The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Lesson 11: Possessing the Vessel in Sanctification and Honor: 1 Thessalonians

    Key Verse

    Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

    —1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We have been learning about the letters that Paul wrote to the early churches (many started on his missionary journeys). In each of these letters, we have been learning what Jesus did for sinners, instructions of how to live a Christian life, and how the church is to grow and function. In this verse, Paul reminds that Christians have been taught how to walk (live a life pleasing to God). But he also encourages Christians to “abound more and more.” This means to excel in one’s Christian life.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that each Christian is to grow in Christ by keeping their bodies and minds pure. Christians cannot do the same things as the world, for we are to “Abstain from all appearance of evil” so that we can be an encouragement to other Christians and a light to the lost world. Christians are to walk worthy.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we looked at Paul’s letter written to the church at Colosse because of error taught in the church. False teachers had taught, changing the simple Gospel of Jesus into a quest for philosophy after the ways of the world instead of the things of Christ. Paul declared that Christians are to set their affections on things above, not things on the earth (see Colossians 3:2).

    First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). Remember that when there was an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. They were only there for three Sabbaths, but when the people at Thessalonica heard the Gospel message preached by Paul and Silas, enough of them believed that a church was established. Not only had a church been established, but also the Christians at Thessalonica were living examples into the areas around. Because Paul had not been able to stay long in Thessalonica (for he had been driven out of the city), he sent Timothy to them. Upon Timothy’s return to Paul with a report of the church, Paul wrote to them. Paul was greatly encouraged, but he wrote that they needed to live Christ-like in every aspect of their lives. Not only were they to posses their vessel (their body) in sanctification and honor (keep it pure and holy before God), but they were to keep from all appearances of evil. When there was a question about Jesus’ return in the air for His church (also called the Rapture), Paul gave them specific answers. (We will learn more about Jesus’ second coming next week in our study of 2 Thessalonians.)

    Paul taught many ways that Christians could not do the same things as the world. By obeying God’s Word, they would be an encouragement to other Christians as well as a light to the lost world.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    It is good for us to remember to do our own business, and work with our own hands. We glued a verse onto a handprint to help us remember this thought.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 10: Keeping Christ as the Head: Colossians

    Key Verse

    Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

    —Colossians 3:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help you understand this verse a little better.

    • Set your affection on means “the action as being accomplished – as in to have a mindset, be minded; involves the will, affections, and conscience. To think, or sense mentally; to be mindful of, or to be devoted to.”
    • Earth means “earthly things or pertaining to this life.”

    In this lesson, we will learn that Paul taught Christians how to keep Christ as the Head of the church, by keeping their head, their mind, on Christ.

    Emphasis: Christians must learn the importance of keeping Christ as the Head of the church by keeping the heart and mind off of the things of the world, instead placing them upon heavenly things by putting on the new man.

    Lesson Summary: In the letters of Paul we have studied so far, we have understood the teaching of doctrine (Romans), reproof for failure to live right (1 and 2 Corinthians), correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church (Galatians), Paul revealed deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians (Ephesians), and last week Paul wrote to rectify a potential problem, reproof for wrong living (Philippians). In this lesson, we continue as Paul writes correction to rectify wrong doctrine in Colosse.

    Paul wrote Ephesians to teach that Christ is the Head, and the church is the body of Christ (see Ephesians 1:22-23). He then wrote to the Philippians to come together with one mind when there were divisions in the body of Christ, the church (see Philippians 1:27). Paul also found it necessary to write to Colosse after he heard of error being taught in the church, causing them to forsake Jesus as the Head of the Church (see Colossians 2:19). Instead, false teachers were changing the simple Gospel of Jesus into a quest for philosophy after the ways of the world instead of the things of Christ. Christians are to set their affections on things above, not things on the earth (see Colossians 3:2). This book was written to fight against the error being taught.

    In Colossians, Paul first encouraged them to walk worthy, reminding them of what Jesus had done for each and every Christian. This was foundational in being able to be grounded, not falling for false teaching. He then proceeded to correct the false doctrines that were being taught. The people of Colosse believed in worldly teaching, philosophies that were deceiving and misleading God’s people. Paul taught that Christians must “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2, this lesson’s Key Verse). He gave them a detailed list of things Christians must put to death and eliminate from their lives. After which Paul gave a list of things the Christian must put on in their new life in order to live a more Christ-like life. He then encouraged them to continue in prayer, enabling them to walk and talk as a Christian must in this world.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We traced our footprints, cut them out, and glued them to a piece of construction paper. We added the verse from Colossians 1:10 to remind us the importance of walking worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him with all that we do, and learning more about Him.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 9: Having the Mind of Christ: Philippians

    Key Verse

    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

    —Philippians 2:5

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Mind means “to think; have a mindset; involves the will, affections, and conscience; generally means ‘let the same mind be in you as in Christ.’” In this lesson, we will learn how Paul taught the church at Philippi to have the mind of Christ.

    Emphasis: We are to learn what it means to have the mind of Christ and recognize examples of Christians who have the mind of Christ. We are to know God’s Word and follow those Christian examples, becoming more Christ-like.

    Lesson Summary: In the letters of Paul we have studied so far, we have understood the teaching of doctrine (Romans), reproof for failure to live right (1 and 2 Corinthians), correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church (Galatians), and finally Paul revealed deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians (Ephesians). In this lesson, we continue as Paul wrote to rectify a potential problem before it permeated the church in Philippi (reproof).

    Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church at Philippi. Paul established the church on his second missionary journey while accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke (see Acts 16). Paul rejoiced after hearing about the church at Philippi and the growth they had experienced, encouraging them to continue growing in Christ. They were to live every part of their lives pleasing to God. A very important part of that was to learn to have the mind of Christ, thinking of others before themselves. Paul listed examples they were to follow, beginning with Jesus, the ultimate example. Paul reminded them that they were to be lights to the world in every aspect of their lives, so all of the world could see Jesus. He also gave examples of Timothy, Epaphroditus, and finally his own life as an example. After teaching them to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling”, Paul encouraged them to find godly examples to follow.

    Paul called for them to stand fast, and pointed out a potential problem. He called for them to be of the same mind in Christ. He then gave a list of instructions they were to implement in their lives helping them become more Christ-like. Paul began to thank and encourage them. He thanked them for the gift they sent to him while imprisoned in Rome, helping them understand that God knew his needs and provided for each one of them – just as God will do for each Christian serving Him.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    The following is a craft idea to go with this lesson if you are teaching this to younger children:

    We added the verse Philippians 2:15 to a foam sun to remind them that Christians are to shine as lights in this world, reveaing Jesus to others.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 8: Faithful Saints in Christ Jesus: Ephesians

    Key Verse

    Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

    —Ephesians 2:19

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Use the following definitions to better understand this verse:

    • Strangers means “not belonging to a Christian community; a stranger, not a Christian.”
    • Foreigners means “a sojourner; one who dwells in a foreign country; a temporary dweller without a settled habitation where he resides.”
    • Fellowcitizens means “Gentile Christians.”
    • Of the household means “one belonging to the church – the household of God.”

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are the “saints,” separated to the service of God, remembering how to live the new life in Christ and the importance of the armor to win the battle.

    Lesson Summary: In the letters of Paul we have studied so far, we have understood the teaching of doctrine (Romans), then correction for wrong living (Corinthians), and finally rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church (Galatians). In this lesson, we will read as Paul revealed doctrinal truths, much deeper than his previous teachings – intended for growing Christians, ready for a deeper walk with Jesus.

    Paul wrote Ephesians to the church at Ephesus, probably with the intent that it would be passed on to other churches to be read as well. It was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. On Paul’s third missionary journey, he returned to this church and remained for about two or three years. Interestingly, Paul did not address wrong living or wrong doctrine in the letter to the church at Ephesus. Instead, he gave more instructions on how to live a life faithfully for Jesus. He helped them better understand the concept of the body of Christ, reminding them again that Christians are saved by grace through faith. Believers were no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the Christian Jews who, together, are the building “fitly framed together.” Paul then presented them with the challenge to walk worthy, not as other Gentiles, but as God’s workmanship – giving them exact teachings as to how to live the new life in Christ. He explained the family relations: as God’s children, and reminding of the earthly family relations as well (as in children obeying their parents).

    Paul taught that there is a battle to be fought – not earthly, but spiritual. He revealed the spiritual armor needed to fight this battle, ending with one final action needed to win the battle – one often forgotten: prayer.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made this to help us remember the Christian’s Armor: The Whole Armor of God.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 7: Learn to Walk in the Spirit: Galatians

    Key Verse

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

    —Galatians 5:16

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help you understand it a little better.

    • Walk means “the rule or manner by which one lives one’s life.”
    • Fulfilmeans“to execute fully a rule or law; to accomplish.”
    • The lust of the flesh means “the seat of carnal desires or appetites; proneness to sin; in opposition to the Holy Spirit or His influences.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Paul taught to walk in the Spirit.

    Emphasis: In today’s lesson, we are to remember God’s Law was given to reveal sin, but that salvation is by faith in Jesus. Christians are to put to death the old nature along with the wrong things people are tempted to do (see Galatians 5:19-21). Instead, Christians are to walk in the Spirit, allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be revealed in them.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we studied the rest of Second Corinthians. We learned how Paul loved the Corinthian church and taught them, as his own children, to grow in Christ. When he recognized they were failing in a few areas in their Christian walk, he corrected them. He instructed them to not have friends (or marry anyone) who was not a Christian because there was no common fellowship. They were to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh. Paul also taught them that it was important to examine their own life to see if they were living a Christ-like life. If they were failing in any area, they were to correct those errors.

    In this lesson, we find out what Paul wrote to the churches at Galatia after he learned that false teachers had come in leading this church to become legalistic (placing themselves under the confines of the Law from which Christians, through Christ, had been set free). Because of their rejection of grace and the return to bondage of the law, this was the harshest of the letters Paul wrote. Paul wrote to correct the false teaching that had permeated this church. He told of when Jesus called upon him and he believed, separating himself for three years to learn the truth of the Gospel. He then proclaimed the truth to them, honestly and openly, not changing the message to please man. He declared the following: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

    Paul stated again that salvation was by faith. He reminded them of Abraham who believed by faith, long before the law was written. He proceeded to teach them that because they had been set free from the Law, they were to live in the Spirit. If they would walk in the Spirit, they would not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Paul again listed some sins: against the Spirit, against God, and against themselves. These were sins that they were to forsake. Instead, Christians are to obtain the fruit of the Spirit: “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    One time we took pictures of fruit and added them to the “basket”. Another time we colored pictures, cut them out, and added them to the “basket”.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 6: Growing in Christ: 2 Corinthians 6-13

    Key Verse

    Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

    —2 Corinthians 7:1

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. After reading it, understand it better with the following definitions:

    • Cleanse means “to purify from the pollution and guilt of sin – in a spiritual sense.”
    • Filthiness means “anything that defiles (to make unclean or impure).”
    • Holiness means “exhortation to believers to perfect holiness – to live a virtuous life in the fear of God.”

    In this lesson, we will learn as Paul wrote to the Corinthians helping them understand that God wanted them to remove sin and live a life pleasing Him.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to understand the importance of putting away sin, choosing Christian friends, and to grow more Christ-like in our lives. It is imperative that we examine our hearts and lives to be sure we are becoming more like Christ.

    Lesson Summary: After reading the letter of Romans as Paul taught the foundational doctrine (doctrine means “a principle or position laid down as true by an instructor or master”), and instruction for the church, we learned that there were faults in the church at Corinth. Paul then wrote two letters to the Corinthians convincing them of the faults and teaching them how to correct them. As we continue in this lesson, Paul gives further instruction as they were learning how to live and function as the body of Christ. These words were preserved through the years so that Christians today could continue to learn.

    Paul called them to work together, not forgetting they were saved by grace, and to grow in their Christian lives, producing fruit. He also taught them to understand the difference between one who lived a Christ-like life, and one who lived like the world. Christians are to recognize and separate from the unrighteous. God was their father, and they were his children, so Christians were to cleanse their lives from sin, becoming more like Christ.

    When the Corinthian church heard Paul’s words of correction, they received them, growing and abounding in their faith. Paul taught specific ways to walk in that Christian life: in their giving and in the warfare (“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” 2 Corinthians 10:3). He continued with a warning to not be deceived by false teaching, and to know that God would help them: for Paul learned “for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Finally, Paul encouraged them to consistently examine their own heart and lives – making sure that they were living a Christ-like life.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 6 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 6 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We laced a frame for the verse from 2 Corinthians 6:1. We then added stickers to complete it.

    The complete lesson is now available in The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three through Amazon.

  • Lesson 5: Be Faithful to Christ: 2 Corinthians 1-5

    Key Verse

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

    —2 Corinthians 5:10

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the Key Verse, understand that each Christian will stand before God one day to give an accounting of how they lived their lives. We have already learned that God knows everything, even the things done in secret (see Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”). In this lesson, we will learn as Paul taught that each Christian is to live a life so that others can see Jesus – for Christians are His ambassadors.

    Emphasis: Christians are faithfully to live a life pleasing to God understanding that each Christian will stand before God one day to give an accounting of his life – of things done that are good or bad. We must recognize that living a Christ-like life may not always be easy, but to remember that Christians represent Jesus as His ambassador here on this earth.

    Lesson Summary: Second Corinthians was a letter written to the church at Corinth, approximately a year after First Corinthians. Paul understood that the first letter had been received, and the people were adhering to the teachings, but he had further instructions for them.

    Paul encouraged the church to forgive one another’s faults, and receive the one who had been separated from them because of sin – for he had repented. They had to learn the importance of forgiveness – just as Jesus had taught. Christians were to understand that when they were faced with difficult situations, they were to live according to what they had been taught.

    Paul encouraged them to follow Christ – no matter how difficult it may be. Moreover, Paul led by example, living a life so that anyone could see Jesus by his words and actions. Paul wanted Christians to understand that God had given His Spirit to dwell within each Christian’s heart, and God’s Spirit would teach them the right thing to do in any situation. He continued by teaching Christians the importance of true (correct) teaching because the god of this world, Satan, blinds people because he doesn’t want them to recognize the Light of the world – Jesus.

    Paul taught that each Christian would stand before God, giving an account of how they lived their life, whether good or bad. He wanted them to understand that Christians represent Jesus here on this earth, and Christians are ambassadors for Christ.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    One time, we filled a bag with sweet smelling potpourri and attached a tag with verse 2 Corithians 2:15 to help them remember the importance of living a Christ-like life others would recognize. Another time, we decorated a foam sheet with stickers to hang somewhere with the same verse to help them remember.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 4: Stand Fast: 1 Corinthians 7-16

    Key Verse

    Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

    —1 Corinthians 16:13

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson. Understand the Key Verse with the following definitions:

    • Watch means the caution needed against the anxiety resulting from the fear of the loss of one’s salvation.
    • Stand fast means to stand firm in faith and duty; to be constant; to persevere; to remain steadfast in the faith and profession of Christ.
    • Quit you like men means to behave oneself with the courage and wisdom of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ; to behave courageously.
    • Be strong means to be strong; to grow strong.

    As we learned in our last lesson, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to correct wrong teaching. In this lesson, we will find he continued with the importance of not quitting but living a faithful Christian life: fearless, steadfast faith, behaving, courageous, and growing.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are the body of Christ, and to understand our responsibilities as a Christian – namely to become a strong, faithful Christian who lives a life pleasing to God. As Christians, we are to have godly, Christian friends who can encourage us to serve Jesus and His church faithfully.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because of the divisions and problems about which he had heard. After explaining Jesus was the only way to be saved, he continued by reminding them that they were not to live in the wisdom of man, but in God’s wisdom – for they were bought with a price.

    In this lesson, we continue with that letter to the church at Corinth. As Paul further instructed the people on their Christian responsibilities. He taught that it is important for the church to take care of the pastor – for his life is the ministry of the Gospel. However, each Christian is responsible for living a life that anyone who sees may understand that they belong to Jesus. Paul reminded them of the children of Israel in the wilderness, specifically what happened when they refused to obey God, and instead fulfilled their own lusts. The people died in the wilderness, never reaching the Promised Land.

    Paul also taught the importance of the Lord’s Supper, and that Christians are, collectively, the body of Christ. Christians were taught the importance of remembering why Jesus died and sharing that message with others. Paul taught many areas in which Christians are to remain faithful, living a life pleasing to God. He called upon the Corinthians to, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, we drew and decorated a church building, helping them understand that the people attending are really the “church”.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 3: Following Christ: 1 Corinthians 1 – 6

    Key Verse

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

    —1 Corinthians 6:20

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Each Christian was bought with a price. Do you remember what that price was? (Jesus’ death on the cross because of man’s sin.) Bought means “believers are bought for a price; once bought, the buyer has the right of possession. In the redemptive work of Jesus, the idea is that Christ, by offering Himself for us as due satisfaction, freed us from liability in paying the debt ourselves.” Glorify means“to render glory to God; recognize Him for who and what He is.” Once a Christian realizes what Jesus did – died for us – we are to recognize God for who He is and what He did for us. We show that by living a life pleasing to God – according to His Word, for we belong to Him.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are to remember the Gospel message; that Jesus saves. Christians are the Temple of God – bought with a price, which means we belong to Him and are to live a life pleasing to Him. We are to put away from us the people living in sin, but always be faithful to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: First Corinthians was written to the church at Corinth that was founded on Paul’s second missionary journey. It was necessary because Paul received word that error had been taught and factions had appeared in the church, dividing the church body. The people seemed to have forgotten the importance of the message – Jesus died on the cross for man’s sin. The Christians were arguing, declaring they had been saved under the preaching of different men: some Paul, others Peter (Cephas), and some even said Apollos. They were focused on the messengers, not the message. Paul explained the simplicity of the message – he preached Jesus.

    The church at Corinth had not grown in maturity as they should have – for many still lived like the lost world. Paul taught them that they were the Temple of the Lord. They were not to defile that temple by continuing in sin. Paul explained the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of man – for “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). God’s people were to put away those who lived contrary to God’s Word.

    In this lesson, we will learn the following: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 3 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a foam cross with stickers and verses to help us remember that our lives were bought with a price – Jesus’ death on the cross.

    To find the full lesson, The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is available for purchase through Amazon.

  • Put Off the Old

    “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

    Ephesians 4:22-23

    Much of the Old Testament is a physical picture of the spirit life described in the New Testament. One vivid picture is in the taking of the land of Canaan – the Promised Land. Remember that this was the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. When the Israelites came out of Egypt, they had grown to become a mighty nation. When the people finally prepared to conquer the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh wanted to stay on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This was not where God wanted them. However, concession was made for them to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

    Consider what they saw: There was plenty of grassland for their animals. “Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle” (Numbers 32:1). They saw the land, and wanted it. They desired this place instead of the land the God had for them. So the children of Reuben and Gad asked Moses if they could stay where they were. Moses declared it would discourage the other Israelites who must go to war to conquer their land while they stayed in that grassland. “And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?” (Numbers 32:7). Moses warned them that they were acting like the generation before them who refused to enter into the Promised Land. “And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel” (Numbers 32:14). After promising that they would help the children of Israel conquer the land, and then return to the other side of the Jordan to live and raise their animals, Moses gave them the land. “And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph … the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about” (Numbers 32:33).

    Why was it wrong for them to want to stay on the eastern side of the Jordan River?

    Consider that this was not the land that God had chosen and planned to give them. It was the land that these tribes saw and wanted. They thought it was a logical place to stay – for there was much grassland for their cattle. Besides, they agreed to help the other Israelites conquer the land, so as to not discourage them, and then return to the land they had chosen. There were many problems with their choice. They were never included within the land of Israel. At one point, the children of Israel almost went to war against them (see Joshua 22). These tribes were the first to fall into idolatry, and the first tribes carried captive out of the land. All because they chose to live on the fringe of where God wanted them to be.

    This is a great physical picture of some Christians’ lives. There are those who trust in Christ, yet they live as superficial Christians in many respects. They do not fully enter into the lifestyle that God would have for them in this new life. Many choose the things of this world walking as others, in the vanity of their minds. “17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18).Remember that the tribes that chose to refuse the land God had for them, choosing instead the land that they saw and wanted. This alienated them from the life that God wanted for them – in the Promised Land. Instead, they were susceptible to extra wars with their brethren, idolatry, and eventually being cut short as a people in the land (carried captive). This is a picture of the Christian life that walks according to the world and its system, contrary to what God has planned. This is a life “alienated from the life of God”. Because of the blindness of that heart (the hardheartedness), he chooses to live on the fringe of where God wants him to be.

    Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus how to walk (according to the truth in Jesus), putting on the new man. “21. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:21-23). Christians are to know how to live according to God’s Word, then forsake the old way of life (living according to the world), and choose to live a new life pleasing God. Read how Paul described this: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

    Have you put off the old man with his ways, and then put on the new man, choosing to fully enter the Christian life?