The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: evil

  • The Way that Seems Right

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 16:25

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). Consider what comes when one behaves as a fool. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

    As Christians, notice what we should learn about how to live wisely. “1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Clean means “clear; pure (morally). People generally think they are right (basically morally good). However, we recognize that it is the Lord who weigheth (means “measure out as with a balance”) the spirits. Spirits means “the element of life in the soul—the part of man that enables him to think and reason”. The Lord will prepare our heart if we let Him. Having done this, God knows the intents of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). Also remember what is recorded by Jeremiah. “23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23-24). It is important to recognize that a Christian must check their lives according to what God says in His Word – not compare that life to other Christian’s lives. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand what God expects. As a Christian reads the Bible, sin is revealed that must be corrected. We are to use God’s Word to understand how to correct our hearts and lives.

    Use the following to help you understand only a few wise words by which to live found in Proverbs:

    The following is something very important all Christians should do: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). When we follow after God and His ways, our thinking will be correct (established means “stable, fixed or set aright”).

    Remember: God made everything for Himself. “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4). Accept God’s sovereignty. We are to understand that God is in control. We are to please God, not ourselves. Remember the fool: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). Then remember the faithful who trust God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). A Christian must get in step with and walk with God!

    “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). Even if all of the world joins you, if you are proud in heart (means: “raised up within the center of being—heart, emotions, will”), you will be an abomination (means: “morally disgusting”) to the Lord and will not go unpunished. It really does not matter what everybody else is doing; it matters that Christians do what is pleasing to God.

    “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). When man fears God and departs from evil, God forgives.

    “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). What great motivation to want to please the Lord!

    “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). As we have learned, riches of this world are not to be desired over the things of God.

    “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).The word deviseth means “the activity of thinking, creating new ideas” and directeth means “confidence that God will direct our paths”. It can be quite easy to make grand plans for one’s life. However, Christians are to understand with confidence that God will direct our paths.

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Be encouraged to recognize that even when it seems right to us, if it isn’t what God has taught (according to Scripture), the end is death.

    “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Learning to control one’s anger (one’s spirit) is very important, more important than conquering a great city.

    These are only a few of the great and wise words found within the book of Proverbs. Christians would be wise to read and follow the wisdom Solomon recorded for us to know. Remember that it is a personal choice – to seek wisdom or to become a fool. We would be wise to not only read, but to memorize the many words of wisdom found in God’s Word.

    Have you learned the importance of committing your life to the Lord understanding that it is only then that your thoughts will be established which will allow your path to be right before God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Recognize Your Enemy

    “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

    Mark 8:35

    Christians have an enemy. Read what the Bible calls him: “… that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” (Revelation 12:9). Satan deceives the whole world. What are some of his ploys?

    Remember the first thing Satan said to Eve in the garden: “Yea, hath God said” (see Genesis 3:1). He questioned God’s Word. Satan is described as subtle (means crafty, sly). He wants you think negatively about God, to doubt God and His Word, to question what God said. Satan wants you to think suspiciously about God. The best lie sounds the most like the truth. Satan does not want you to know the truth. He would deceive you today (or at least get you to tune out) so you cannot hear God. Satan is a liar. He denies God’s truthfulness.

    Satan is a murderer – he wants you to be his victim. Remember what he told Eve: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). He lied about the fact of death.

    Read what Jesus said to the religious leaders. “43. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:43-45). Satan uses lust. He is a murder and there is no truth in him for he is a liar.

    It is important to understand the deceitfulness of sin (brought by lust). Those who know the least about sin are the ones who have been blinded, they have a reprobate mind of whom the Bible warns us (see Romans 1:18-32). In our world, people are encouraged to experiment with sin, experience it just a bit. If it is good and ok to do, you will find out. If it isn’t so great, you can just step away from it. They will tell you that experience is the best teacher: not somebody else’s word about it. However, when it comes to sin, experience is the worst teacher. Those who know the least about sin are the ones who are the deepest into sin. These people are most often the ones who draw others into their sin. They cannot tell light from dark (see John 1:1; John 3:19). They think they are the one who decides what is good or bad.

    Remember what the Bible teaches: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). And also: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:11).

    Most people want to become their own god where no one tells them what to do, where to go, what to believe, or what to say. Christians are not to buy into the devil’s lies. God wants us to be like God – not become our own god. See what we are to do: “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

    What do we understand about God? There are so many, but read the following two: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). And “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). In spite of what these verses teach, Satan wants you to doubt the goodness of God and think negatively about Him. He encourages people to think carelessly about God, and not to believe Him.

    What is Satan’s end? “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9). He will be cast out, eventually spending eternity in the lake of fire. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

    How does one overcome the devil, the old serpent, the dragon? Read what Jesus told the people and his disciples: “34. … Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:34-38). Those who defeat the devil’s influence in their lives must love not their lives. Christians must love Jesus so much that they will be willing to die for their faith in Him.

    Have you quit listening to the lies of the devil, becoming one willing to lose your life for Christ’s sake?

  • The Accounting

    “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
    Ecclesiastes 12:14

    There were times in the Old Testament that God warned a people that He would send complete and utter destruction upon them because they were against God’s people and because of their wickedness (remember Nineveh in the book of Nahum). The city of Nineveh saw complete physical destruction. In remembering the book of Nahum, one can see the wrath of God fall upon a nation that had wronged His people. However, more than that, remember that the people in Nineveh had once repented from their sin and wickedness and turned to God (during the days of Jonah). Nevertheless, the people of Nineveh forgot God.

    Nevertheless, we must consider another kind of judgment as well. Each Christian will be accountable for his or her own actions: good or evil. After we die, we will all stand before the Lord and He will pass eternal judgment upon each individual according to what that person has done with his or her life. “10. 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. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men …” (2 Corinthians 5:10–11a). These verses were written as a warning to Christian people. Terror in this verse means “a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God or Jesus.” How many Christians are living their life with a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God; or are most people just living a life pleasing self? Just as in the Bible times, today, each person must consider the things done in his body, whether they are good or bad, knowing God is a perfect and righteous judge. Not only will we be accountable, but we should live a life that persuades others to have a reverential fear of God as well. God had spared the city of Nineveh once before (remember Jonah). Nevertheless, when they returned to sin, forsaking God and His people, there was a price to pay.

    In the New Testament, we can read pictures of a life apart from Christ. These are then compared to a life with Christ. Be encouraged to compare your own life to these verses and see what kind of a life you live in comparison to God’s Word, revealing the kind of witness you are.

    We must understand the law reveals the sinner (remember that all are sinners according to Romans 3:23). “9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10. For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:9–10). 

    Christians are not to live like the world. “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: 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17–19).

    How are Christians to live? Read and then reread the following verses: “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; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour … 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good … 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying … 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God … 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:22–32).

    Remember what Solomon recorded for us to remember. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

    Do you live a life in which you are ready to give an accounting to the Lord?

  • Be not Deceived

    “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
    1 Corinthians 15:33

    Jehoshaphat was a good king. Once he became king, he eliminated idol worship. He then strengthened the cities of Judah – physically and spiritually. By placing mighty soldiers in the different cities, he strengthened them physically. When he sent princes, priests, and Levites into every city teaching the Word of God to the people, he strengthened them spiritually. We understand that he was able to remain a good king even though he spent time with wicked King Ahab – the worst king of Israel.

    Although Jehoshaphat was considered a good king, we will learn what effect his relationship with wicked King Ahab (also Ahaziah and Jehoram) had upon not only his children, but also the whole nation of Judah. Godly people are to be set apart from the wicked things (and even people) of this world. We may not think these things affect us, but at the very least, it has an effect upon the people around us. King Jehoshaphat appeared to have kept his heart pure before the Lord – even with the relationship he had with wicked King Ahab, but we can read the devastating effect it had upon his children and the nation of Judah. 

    King Jehoshaphat should have enacted the words King David recorded many years before. “1. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. 2. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. 3. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. 4. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked” (Psalm 26:1-5). If he had remembered lived by these words, not only would he have been an even better king, but also much heartache would have been spared. His son was a wicked king.

    Not only are those words recorded for us today as well, but the following verse must be remembered, too. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This verse has often been translated into a modern proverb: “Bad company ruins good morals.” However, use the following definitions to help you understand this verse:

    • deceived means “to be misled or deceived”
    • evil means “evil works”
    • communications means “lifestyles, conversations”
    • corrupt means “to spoil or violate in a spiritual or moral sense”
    • good means “in a moral sense – good, useful, virtuous”
    • manners means “morals or character – this is the word from which ethics is derived.”

    After reading these definitions, we can understand this verse is a warning not to be deceived but to understand something – evil deeds and conversations (lifestyles) will spoil good morals and good character in a person’s life. We can also understand that we are to be very careful about the kind of people with whom we hang out, and especially to be careful of those that we choose as friends. 

    Nevertheless, see what we are exhorted to do in the following verse: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34). Often it is because of the choices and friends we make that keep us from being a good witness to others. It is a shame when Christians’ lives are contrary in any way to God’s Word. It is worse when that keeps others from the knowledge of God (being able to recognize their need for Jesus).

    It is a scary thing to say one knows of God, yet for that one to be ignorant of God. It is a shame for anyone in this day to be ignorant of the things of God – especially those who have “grown up in church” or have Christian parents who taught them the Bible. There are too many resources available to this generation. No one will be able to stand before God in ignorance – unless they so choose. As Christians, we should always tell others about the things of God and encourage other Christians to continue learning throughout their lives by prayer and the reading of God’s Word.

    Are you one who is not deceived, living a life that is a witness of Jesus to others?

  • Light versus Darkness

    “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
    Proverbs 4:18-19

    Everyone understands the difference between light and dark. They are opposites. In one, you can see clearly, in the other you cannot. In the darkness, much can be hidden and unseen. Sometimes we think of the scary things – seen or unseen – in the darkness. See what King Solomon recorded for us to read: “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19). These are two separate ways. They are in contrast one with the other. The way of light, shines more and more. This helps one understand that the path becomes brighter and brighter, where one is able to see and comprehend what is before them better and better.

    What is this light that shines? See what Jesus said in the book of John. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is The Light. Those who believe in Him (Christians) are to walk in that light, not in darkness. Understand why Jesus came: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). There is a choice: light or darkness. For those who do not want to walk in darkness, they should choose Jesus, the Light of the world.

    So why doesn’t everyone choose light, believing in Jesus? When people reject God and His commandments, the land fills with “darkness.”  See what Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). There are those who prefer the deeds one finds in the darkness – evil deeds. Those evil deeds are sin that separates people from God. Read why Jesus told Paul to go preach the Gospel message: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). One can understand that those who choose evil deeds, walking in darkness, are under the power of Satan.

    Remember that Jesus came to set people free from that darkness to walk as His dear children in Him (the Light).What can we learn about those who choose to hear the Gospel message of Jesus, turning from those evil deeds done in darkness (sin)? “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Those who choose Him have the light of Jesus in their hearts and lives. Christians are taught to walk as children of light for a Christian cannot walk in “darkness” (sin).  “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6).

    As we continue to read, we find more instruction that Christians are to heed. “11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:11-12). Do not be one who has the Light of Jesus in your heart and mind, yet continues to walk with those who chose to remain in darkness. Instead, we are to tell them about Jesus and encourage them to choose the Light of life. As Christians (God’s people), we are to be different – not like the “world” around us “14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:14-17). Wake up! For Jesus will give you light (illuminating your path – remember Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”), then walk cautiously as wise, and understand what the Lord has planned for you.

    Do you walk in darkness, not knowing at what you stumble?

    Or, have you chosen the path of the just that is as the shining light?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Light of the World

    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
    John 8:12

    Does the world seem like it is a very dark place anymore? There is so much unrest and wickedness in the world today, it feels as if there is little hope for a peaceful future. Much of the evil persists in the darkest of the day, under the cover of night. “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:19). What is one to do?

    God knew the wickedness in the hearts of people. Remember: “2. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:2-3). What a sad state people came to be! Yet because God loved us, he sent His Son, Jesus. He gave Jesus to be the light to bring people out of that darkness. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). In the light, one can see. One can know where to go. Why is it so important to follow the Light, Jesus? “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

    What an amazing thing Jesus is able to do:

    • turn one from darkness to light
    • turn one from the power of Satan unto God
    • give forgiveness of sins
    • give an inheritance by faith in Jesus

    Read how Jesus simply stated it: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). Who wouldn’t want to live in the light as opposed to living in darkness (where wickedness abounds)?

    So why is the world still in such darkness? “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Some people just love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

    What are those who choose Jesus, the Light, to do? First, remember from whence you came. If you give your heart and life to Jesus, you are no longer that person you once were. You are a new creature in Christ, so you no longer do the wickedness of the darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

    How can this world become a brighter, less dark place to live? We are to be a light in this world. We must tell more people about Jesus so that they can have the opportunity to turn from the darkness of sin to the Light of Jesus. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

    Do you walk in the light, showing others Jesus in your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • The Eyes of the Lord

    God sees all and knows all. He knows the thoughts of the heart. He hears the words spoken in secret. There is nothing hidden from God. This should be great words of encouragement to choose to do good. To choose to do right. To turn from evil. If we would remember and understand that God is ever present, ever watching – not to catch us doing something bad or wrong.  He wants to find someone in whom He can show Himself strong (see 2 Chronicles 16:9a where it says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”).Who wouldn’t want God to show Himself strong in their life? But in the rest of that verse, we find that God had wanted to do this for King Asa, but because he had relied upon the king of Syria instead of the Lord his God, he lost the battle. Not only that, but God told him, “Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars” (2 Chronicles 16:9b). How awful would it be to choose an earthly king to help you instead of God? But imagine having God, Himself, tell you that you had done foolishly! And that you would have wars from then on in your kingdom!

    Now relate that to the average Christian’s life. Most Christians do not take into account that “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). They might occasionally remember that they are to choose to do good and not evil. But they don’t take into consideration that God wants Christians to choose to do good so that he can show Himself mighty in their life.

    But we must remember something else very important. “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). God already knows all and sees all, but one day we will stand before Him and give an accounting of all that we have done in this life “whether it be good or bad.”

    Knowing these things, what do you choose?

    Will you choose good allowing God to show Himself mighty in your life?

  • Watch

    “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42)

    In some of Jesus’ final teachings to His disciples, He gave them a specific warning that we must heed today.“37. But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, 39. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. … 42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:37-39, 42).

    Remember back for a minute to Noah. You can read the events in Genesis 6-8. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). God said He would destroy man and beast. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). We can read that God described him as just, and Noah walked with God. God told Noah to build an ark for his family and two of every animal. Noah obeyed. It took him 100 years to build that ark. That means that everyone around saw what he was doing. See what we can read in 2 Peter 2:5: “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” This means that while he was building that ark, he was warning people (preaching) of what was coming. Notice that in Genesis, God revealed that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth … only evil continually.” Jesus helps us understand that in this wickedness “they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage” until the day that Noah entered into the ark. They were just living their normal lives. But God told us that they were living wickedly. And they had no idea that a flood was coming to destroy them and the whole earth. But Noah knew. And while he was building that ark, he warned people.

    Now, think of today. We know that when Jesus went back into heaven after His resurrection, we have the promise that He would return in like manner (Acts 1:11). Right before that promise, Jesus told those that had trusted and believed in Him to be witnesses. Christians are to proclaim the Gospel message (that Jesus lived a sinless life, died for sinful man, rose from the dead, and will one day take us to heaven with Him) to a lost world. A world full of people that eat, drink, are married and given in marriage — just living normal lives. But a life without Jesus is a life that God sees as one who is wicked, and that every imagination of the thoughts of the hearts are only evil continually (remember Genesis 6:5).

    What did Jesus tell us (Christians — those who belong to Jesus) to do?

    “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). Watch means to “keep awake; be vigilant; awaken; figuratively to rouse from inactivity.”  From what are we to awaken? From what inactivity are we to rouse? In what are we to be vigilant? We must do just as Noah did. Wake up and become preachers of righteousness! How do we do that? A preacher in this context is just one who delivers a message. All we need to do is warn people of their eternal separation from God by sharing with them the Gospel message of Jesus. For we hold the truth that Jesus is the only Way to heaven! “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 16:6).

    Are you watching?

    Have you warned anyone today?

  • Keep Your Heart

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

    The following definitions might help you understand this verse a little better:

    • keep:  guard; protect; preserve
    • heart:  the center; the totality of man’s inner nature; the place where wisdom and understanding reside

    There is so much going on in the world today – good and evil. With all the many choices of things to see and do, things to take our time, we are to be very careful of what we allow into our hearts and lives. We should not only protect our hearts, but be aware of the kind of wisdom that we allow into our hearts. Why? That is the source for the kind of life we live; the kind of person we become.

    The first and most important thing a person should have in their heart is Jesus. How can Jesus be in one’s heart? Remember the time we can read of in Mark where people brought their young children to Jesus. “13. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16). Rebuked means to rebuke without bringing any conviction of any fault. When the disciples kept the children from Jesus, they did not mean anything, except to keep the children away from Jesus. But, Jesus was displeased. Suffer means allow to pass. Jesus told people to bring the children to Him. He then wanted the people to receive (receive means to accept an offer deliberately and readily) the kingdom of God.

    Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). The words not with observation means you cannot see it with human eyes. Jesus went on to say, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means it is located in your heart and affections; not external. That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into your heart.” You cannot see it with your eyes. The gospel message is very simple – one must just believe – just as a child. To children, things are simpler, less convoluted. In other words, simply believe and receive without question – just like a child. Remember also what Paul later wrote. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17a).

    Remember how simple it is to become a Christian. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

    Be encouraged to consider your heart as the place a special treasure is kept – a place to be well guarded. Once Jesus is there, it would also be good to understand the importance of placing God’s Word into your heart (see Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”). It would be so much easier to make wise decisions if we would only take time to hide God’s Word in our hearts.

    “… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

    Have you considered what you have allowed into your heart?

  • Lesson 8 (Lesson 47): Proverbs 10-24: Wisdom is Necessary

    Key Verse

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”  Proverbs 12:15

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever known someone who did something wrong (or just plain stupid) on purpose? (i.e.: eat a worm, jump from the top of something dangerously high, hit someone back, sneak gum in school, copy someone else’s homework, etc.).  Did it really hurt them at the time? (Probably not.)  That person thought it was OK at the time, “right in their own eyes.”  But, just because it seems OK, that doesn’t make it right.  We see in this verse that someone like that is called a “fool” (means:  silly; perverted; foolish) because they are setting a course for their life (way) that is not right according to God’s Word.  But, notice that one who “hearkeneth” (means:  to perceive a message; or hear with attention or obedience) to “counsel” (means:  advice or wisdom) is “wise” (means:  intelligent or clever).

    Summary:  Today we begin our second lesson in the book of Proverbs.  We continue learning the importance of God’s Word by searching Proverbs, the third Personal book for more words of wisdom.  Remember that the wisest man, Solomon (whose wisdom was a gift from God – I Kings 3:12), wrote many of these words.  We must learn the importance of practicing the practical portions of the right way to live a life of wisdom that pleases God.  We found last week that we must begin to live that way early in life.

    Proverbs is a listing comparing wisdom to foolishness, wise to unwise, right and wrong, and even good and evil.  Since it appears to have no organized thought pattern, just continual words of wisdom, we will look at some individual comparisons.

    As we learned last week, many of the words of wisdom found in Proverbs were written from a loving father as a warning to his only son.  These words are important truths to be learned.  We should encourage our students to not only memorize these pearls of wisdom, but apply these truths to their lives.  Remember that these words were written to help us live our daily lives wisely.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Teach your students the necessity of wisdom.  God gave us the words of the Proverbs to help us see the difference between the “foolish” and the “wise.”  Encourage them to learn to be wise, not in the wisdom of the world, but in the wisdom God’s Word teaches us.  Help them see the importance of keeping their lives right (living upright and perfect – as Job, Noah, etc.) before God.  Remind them that it begins at home by listening to the wise words of their parents who love them – just as God loves His people.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 47 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 47 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I had journals for them to put together.  We put stickers of a castle, a shield with swords, and a crown (since King Solomon wrote Proverbs) on the front.  We also put a sticker with a verse (Psalm 86:11) on the front.  Inside we glued some preprinted verses from Proverbs.  We also took time to write a few more verses from Proverbs as we looked at that book over the next couple of weeks. I encouraged them to read Proverbs and continue writing verses in their journals that spoke to them as they read.  One of the best ways to remember averse is to write it down!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.