Sunday School - Feb 8 ,2009

Sunday School - Feb 8 ,2009

Sin is only for a season to them who are the called according to God's purpose. The renewal that is spring, offers no hope of harvest if summer, fall and winter does not follow. Such is the same if sin is not followed by conviction, prayer and deliverance. Sin that is absence of such produces no fruits worthy of redemption. However, sin produced by God's elect is only for a season within a cycle; a cycle which includes both breach & repair (apostasy & reconciliation). The four seasons or cycle of sin are:

  1. Sin – the disobedience to God's law;
  2. Conviction – the acknowledgement of sin which results in Godly sorrow;
  3. Prayer – the petition which seeks God's forgiveness and restoration;
  4. Deliverance – the faithful response of God to those who seek Him.
Deliverance is the Goodness of God and such has consistently been His promise:

2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin not committed triumphs sin that finds deliverance; for all sins have consequences that are sure to come (Galatians 6:7). The faithful that follows in obedience with task, yield fruits of their faith and gives glory to God; such is a testimony that transcends all that is spoken, words put into action is the glorious works of true faith. It must be our desire to never have a will to sin, even when doing such is sure to come:


Romans 7:23-25
  • But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
  • O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
  • I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
This week's lesson is from the book of Judges. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (January 25, 2009) comes from Judges 13:1-13, 24.

The continuous cycle of sin and deliverance was a constant process for the Israelites. Disobedience brings punishment followed by repentance and deliverance. Such was the cycle that plagued the Nation of Israel and such is the inherent cycle of man. Many Judges brought deliverance to the nation; only to have a new generation to fall again into sin (Judges 2:16-23).

This week's lesson begins with the consequences of evil acts that caused the nation of Israel to be delivered in the hands of the Philistines. The Philistines was one of the five nations left by the Lord to both test (Judges 3:1) and punish (Judges 13:1) the Israelites for their sins. These forty years of suppression would be the first of many encounters between Israel and its mighty foe. The birth of a new judge would bring the initial start of deliverance of Israel from the clutches of a perennial enemy, which will conclude during the life of David.

The wife of Manoah, a Danite, was barren and without child. The desire of a barren womb is a longing that draws many closer to God, for when there is an acknowledge deficiency in man’s efforts (Genesis 30:1-2), we are left only to seek the grace of God.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

By petition and/or divine grace, the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and gave her the news that she would conceive and bear a son. The angel of the Lord gave instructions for the prenatal care, rearing, and lifestyle constraints for the child. A child like no other, a Nazarite unto God from the womb to grave; she was also told that he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. A long awaited child would begin a long awaited deliverance; an extraordinary birth would bring forth an extraordinary child, a seed of man chosen by God to begin deliverance. That which God has provided for the Danites, He has provided for all; His Son our Savior, the one and only deliverer from sin.


Hebrews 2:14-15.
  • Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
  • And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
A faith consistent with that of Mary (Luke 1:38), Manoah’s wife ran to inform him of such good news. News that is good pleases the heart but good news that is shared is gospel to the world; and gives glory to Him who provide such. Manoah’s wife told him the things they needed to do. Manoah, unlike Zacharias (Luke 1:18-20) , lacked not faith and entreated God to determine what he might not know, for that which is done as a requirement of God must be done in all that God has required. God honored Manoah’s request and sent the angel of the Lord again to his wife. Manoah’s wife made hast to bring her husband to the angel, who confirmed to Manoah all that his wife had told him “of all that I said unto the woman let her beware (Judges 13:13)”. In words are instructions given, to do, they must observe and beware. Such proves to be wise council to all who desire to follow God instructions; to receive good news by faith; continue to observe that which is required; and maintain an awareness to do that which is commanded. Obedience to God’s instructions brought forth a child to a family that were once childless, such will also bring salvation to all that was once lost.

Philippians 2:12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

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 need a deliverer) at heart.

Good Day and God Bless
 
Sunday School - February 1, 2009

It has been said that most, even those who claim to be of the household of faith, do not spend much time reading the Bible. The lack of Biblical study would leave most with little means to discern that which is Godly and unprepared to distinguish the deceptions or snares that lie in their path. Yet, those who do not read God’s word do (through observation) read the life and character of man. Given this truth, our greatest testimony is not words or presentation, but the life we live. As Christians we are admonish to search ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5,2 Peter 1:10) to determine if our character reflects that which we profess:

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

When sinful man observes the life of the Godly, the word of God speaks by example. This gives honor to God and plant seeds for those who wish to seek Him; for nothing of God, in word or deed, will ever fail to do its task(to heed brings life, to reject assures condemnation).

Isaiah 55:11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

This week's lesson is from the book of 2 Kings. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (February 1, 2009) comes from 2 Kings 4:8-17.

The former faithful servant of Elijah is now the northern kingdom’s prophet of God; Elisha, a mighty man of God blessed with a double portion of God’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9-13).

This lesson begins during a time when the prophet Elisha traveled to Shunem. On a particular journey, he encountered a great (resourceful) woman; an event not of chance but of God’s choosing. The Shunammite woman pursued her will to provide nourishment and continued to do the same as often as Elisha traveled to the town. Perceiving that Elisha was “a man of God”, the Shunammite woman entreated her husband that they provide lodging for “the holy man of God”, during his frequent travels. It is not noted the source of the Shunammite woman’s discernment or if by words of others had she come to know such. However with faith and purpose she extended grace, not only in thoughts and words, but to the extent to which her resources would accommodate. For that which we hold in faith or of value, we also render our time and resources.

Matthew 6:21. For where your treasure (faith & value) is, there will your heart (time & resources) be also.

It is often said that actions speaks louder than words; there is no better example than that of the Shunammite woman. It is also true that for every action there is also an opposite reaction; an action in response to that which is received, to a similar or varying degree. Elisha, overwhelm by the care and kindness he received, inquired to know what he could do in return; However, the Shunammite woman being content in what she had, desire nothing beyond her means. Absence of ideas, Elisha sought council from his servant Gehazi, Gehazi stated not what the woman needed but what she did not have (a child). Thus was Elisha’s response to the Shunammite woman’s kindness, with a gift from God; a child; God’s added blessing to her contented heart.

In a world that wants to an endless degree, contentment is a precious commodity rarely found and less pursued. Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6) and produces an inherent desire to give; for all who has contentment will joyfully give from that which they were blessed to receive.

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 contentment) at heart.

Good Day and God Bless
 
Sunday School - February 8, 2009

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 viewBut 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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