Sunday, April 26, 1998 This Week’s Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Exodus 33:16-19, Exodus 34:1,5, Malachi 3:6-7, James 1:17, Psalms 25:8-10, Psalms 119:65-68, and III John 11, we learned that we should try to live by God's absolute moral standards. From the passages in Exodus 33:16-19 and Exodus 34:1,5, we learned that God has set the same standards for everyone, even for those who are not even aware of such standards. Moses had wondered and asked God how His people would be distinguished from the rest of the world. God responded by giving him the Ten Commandments and followed those with the rest of the Law. Today, God's moral absolutes still serve as our guidelines for right living. They also show us that God reveals Himself through His Word and in how he has dealt with people throughout history.
Malachi wrote, in Malachi 3:6-7, about how the children of Israel frequently strayed. By their decadent lifestyles, he wrote that they continuously demonstrated a disconcerting scorn for God and His laws. From the passage in James, we saw that God never changes. Even though people and their standards often change over time, His standards never change. Fortunately, His mercy never changes, either. Thus, even though the children of Israel did often stumble, God always held an open hand to them to return to Him. He does the same toward us. When we stray from His instruction, He is always nearby to receive us back unto Himself. God is just, but He is also loving and merciful, always ready to extend His grace to those who seek Him.
In the passages from Psalms 25:8-10, Psalms 119:65-68, and III John, we learned that our lifestyle has an impact on how others view God. When we do wrong, our actions reflect on Him. Therefore, we should live our life so that we demonstrate His love and goodness towards us. By doing this, we bring honor and glory to Him instead of dishonor and reproach. Everything from Him is good, so we should try to live to please Him. We should try to live by His decrees. The Quarterly indicated that we have a responsibility to be morally good in this world. Therefore, as you go through the coming week, try to live a godly life before others. Also, as the Holy Spirit leads, try to share your hope in Christ with those around you.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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