April 2, 2017
Scripture:
Ministry:
Hymn 201 - When we walk with the Lord
Prayer
Last time we looked at “better is this than that” verses. Today, let’s look at a verse that appears twice in Proverbs. We’ve seen that Proverbs shows us two paths we can take, the wise path, which leads to good things, and the foolish path which leads to bad things and death. Our verse talks about this.
Proverbs 16:25. Here we have our two paths: one leads to life, and one leads to death. The Lord talks about these two paths in Matthew 7:13-14. There are two gates, two ways, and two destinations. One has a wide gate, a broad way, and it leads to death. The other has a strait gate, a narrow way, and leads to life.
The wide path is the path of self will. We’ve seen how Jesus says, “I am the way.” People try to take other paths, paths of their own choosing, but they lead to death. Jesus is the only way. Other ways may seem right, but they end in death. Even if we are saved, we can get off the Lord’s will and onto our own. We stop depending on the Lord for direction, and instead choose our own path. However, the way of the transgressor is hard. We have a path that we must follow. In Jesus’ parable of the vine, some branches weren’t bearing fruit. That’s like the Christians who get off the path.
Proverbs 6:20-23. Walking in righteousness is walking in the way of life, and the Bible gives us instructions to keep us in that way. It’s important! Psalm 119 says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” We must keep the Lord’s commands to be in the way of life.
Proverbs 10:17. Again, we must keep the Lord’s instructions. David was a man after God’s own heart. He did sin, but he was willing to repent from it afterwards. If we are shown the right way to live—whether from the Bible or others—and listen to it, then we will have kept the way of life. We need to be faithful in it. Peter said that he would die for the Lord, but he couldn’t in his own strength. When we depend on ourselves, we are not in the way of life.
Proverbs 12:28. We can’t lose our salvation. If we sin, though, and we confess it, God will forgive us (1 John 1:9). The Lord wants us to trust and obey Him. His word is a light to our pathway, and living in righteousness is living in the path of life. We may be saved, but our Lord doesn’t want us to stop there. He wants us to grow closer to, and live for, Him.
The Lord wants us to walk in righteousness, and we need to depend on Him for the strength to do that. He is willing to lead us if we are willing to depend on Him. May we do just that!
1 Thessalonians 4:7-18
Paul was bringing up issues that the Thessalonians needed help with. In the city of Gentiles there was plenty of idolatry. They had come out of it. This manner of unholiness may have become a temptation for them. Then there were some who seemed to say, “If the Lord is coming let’s give up our jobs and get ready for Him”. Paul was encouraging them to go on as normal. Others were worrying about what happened to the people who were saved, but had passed away. Sometimes we have to read between the lines to find out why Paul was addressing these problems.
According to verse seven we are called of God. God has a purpose for us. Elsewhere we read that we are called out of darkness into light. Paul was reminding them of their calling. God has called us to be holy. It’s similar to the sanctification we talked about the other week. It’s being set apart for God’s purpose of holiness and use. What is our response to be? Well, some say, “I’m not going that way”. They’re rebellious. But the proper response is to listen, hear, and do.
Darby has “despiseth” as “disregards” in verse eight. Some people take some and leave some of the Word, but it is all God’s Word. If you despise it, you’re despising what God said. That makes it very serious. God has given us His Word because He desires the best for us. Just like it says in Proverbs, one may have thought that it was the right way, but it ends up being the way of death. When I used to attend business meetings most attending drank. They would say they felt sorry for me because it made them feel good, and they thought I was missing out. I have something greater though. I have the Holy Spirit. I don’t need drink to feel good. We have the life of Christ though the Spirit of God. Don’t despise what God says. God has revealed truth to us, and it is more precious to day than it ever was. The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of Truth. Don’t fall into the trap of following whatever your preference is. Follow the Holy Spirit. May God grant us the grace to follow Him. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.
The word “but” at the beginning of verse nine sets us in a new direction. Previously, Paul had had to address sensual love, but now he touches on brotherly love. May we each be taught of God in this area. God’s people are to love one another. The Thessalonians’ love was not just in the family or assembly. It was to all the believers in Macedonia. Paul commended them for it. The word “beseech” shows how deep his desire is for his converts, while brethren shows the closeness. He is pretty much saying, “What you’re doing is great. Keep it up.” The “increase more and more” shows how it involves care and attachment for one another. It also makes you realize that you never get to the place where you can say, “I’ve made it.”
Verse eleven can be cross-referenced with 2 Thessalonians 3:11. Some, instead of doing their work, were out gossiping. They had idle hands. Being a busybody isn’t good. Our testimony should be different.
Hymn 350 - I will make you fisher of men
Prayer