Day #60

Lord, I know You are in control.  Help me to see more of that today.

For several days we have been studying a group of people in the church who IGNORED GOD’s WILL.  These folks were ignorant of God’s power because they trusted in themselves.  To hide behind their Father’s legs was not even on the list because they had pride in their abilities and their accomplishments and felt they had control over their destinies.  At no point in the planning of their lives did they ever consult God on anything. 

These folks failed to recognize the following.

1.    Life is complex- James 4:13 Day #56

2.    Life is uncertain- v. 14a Day #57

3.    Life is brief- v. 14b Day #58

4.    Humans are frail v. 16 Day #59

Christian people who IGNORE GOD’s WILL fail to see that they have NO control whatsoever.  God alone is creator of all things and controls all things.  Just like a parent who disciplines their child, we must trust that God will chasten (discipline) us until we submit because we are His child and He loves us.

Today we are going to study another type of people in the church.  Please use the Bible Gateway tab to the right if you need another translation of the verses to help you understand.

Please read James 4:17.

These people know the will of God, but CHOOSE TO DISOBEY IT.  Why?

1.    PRIDE

This attitude of “knowing, but choosing to disobey” expresses more pride than those who ignored God’s will.  It is as if they are saying, “I know what you say God, but I know better about this than You do.” 

Please read 2 Peter 2:21. 

2.    THEY THOUGHT IT WAS OPTIONAL-

Another reason that these folks may have CHOSEN TO DISOBEY God’s will is that they thought it was an option.  As Christians, God’s ways are not something we can accept or reject… take it or leave it.  They are not an option, but an obligation.  He is our Savior and Lord, and we are His children and servants… we must obey.  If not, we are inviting His discipline in our lives. Ouch!

3.    THEY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE MISERABLE-

Some believe to actually obey God would be absolutely awful.  But, quite the opposite is true.  To disobey would be miserable.

Please read Luke 12:47-48.

It is not believed that the person being given the beating in these verses is losing their salvation, but their rewards in heaven.  After all, our faith in Jesus Christ alone is what gives us salvation and Heaven when we die, not something we did (works).  Works are the evidence of a changed life.  Seriously read 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.

So what about us?  If we say we are Christians, what happens to us when we know what we should do and we choose to disobey?  Well, the Bible is clear… God chastens (disciplines) until we submit to His ways.  Seriously read Hebrew 12:5-11.  Discipline stinks, but praise God He does not leave us to ourselves and in the condition we are in:)

TARGET of the DAY

To disobey may not seem like that big of a deal to us today.  But, when the Lord returns one day and examines what we did or did not do, it will appear more serious then.

Ask God today for a heart to obey what God has taught you specifically.  Don’t look at others and what they need to obey on… focus on your own relationship with the Lord and what He is teaching you.  Don’t obey to people please, or to be seen.  But work to obey as if serving Jesus Himself, because you are.   

Please read Colossians 3:22-25.
STUDY YOUR MEMORY VERSE!!
On Day #32 you were asked to write out your story of how you came to have Jesus in your heart.  Please get that to me ASAP!!