Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 27)
Introduction:
1. Practicing "pure and undefiled religion before God" involves "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). 2. Thankfully, the Bible provides instructions that will help us in this regard. 3. This lesson is a study of the activity mentioned in Hebrews 11:6 -- "believing in God." a. The Gentiles illustrate why we must maintain our belief in God (Romans 1:28-32). b. They became spotted by the world because they did not retain God in their knowledge. 4. Psalm 19 shows us 3 things we can do to help us maintain our belief in God. Discussion: I. (vs.1-6) PAYING ATTENTION TO THE OBJECTS GOD HAS CREATED WILL HELP US MAINTAIN OUR BELIEF IN HIM
A. According to vs.1, the objects in the sky have something to say to us. 1. The heavens declare God's glory, and the firmament shows His handiwork. 2. Those who believe the Bible know why this is the case (Genesis 1:1, 6-8, 14-19). B. However, even without God's Word, we can know that He exists. 1. By observing an object certain things can be known about it. 2. Consider the heavens, the firmament [the sky above the earth], the regular passing of days and nights, and the sun with its effect upon everything on the earth. a. These things have something to say to us. b. They do not speak with a language that can be heard with the ears, yet they all tell us something -- what they have to say can be heard in any language. c. They tell us that someone created them and their creator is powerful and intelligent. 3. (Romans 1:20) Paul used this argument to show that "the invisible things of God" [His eternal power and Godhead] are revealed by the visible things of the world. C. If you ever have doubts about God's existence, or if anyone tries to convince you that God does not exist, pay attention to the objects He has created -- they have something to tell you. II. (vs.7-11) LISTENING TO GOD'S WORD WILL HELP US MAINTAIN OUR BELIEF IN HIM
A. God's Word is described -- the law of the Lord is perfect, the testimony of the Lord is sure, the statutes of the Lord are right, the commandment of the Lord is pure, and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. B. God has given us His Word for our benefit -- the law of the Lord "converts" [restores] the soul, the testimony of the Lord makes the simple wise, the statutes of the Lord cause the heart to rejoice, and the commandment of the Lord enlightens the eyes. C. (vs.10-11) The judgments of the Lord recorded in His word are precious -- they are to be desired more than much fine gold, they are sweeter than honey from the comb, and those who heed their warnings and keep them will receive a great reward. D. If you ever have doubts about God's existence, or if anyone tries to convince you that God does not exist, listen to His Word (Romans 10:17). III. (vs.12-14) REMEMBERING THE BLESSINGS GOD PROVIDES WILL HELP US MAINTAIN OUR BELIEF IN HIM
A. (vs.12) God provides cleansing from secret faults. B. (vs.13) God will help us overcome "presumptuous" [willful] sins. C. (vs.14) God will help us speak words and meditate upon things that are acceptable in His sight. D. If you ever have doubts about God's existence, or if anyone tries to convince you that God does not exist, remember that God alone provides blessings such as these. Conclusion: Maintaining our belief in God will lead us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world so we can practice pure and undefiled religion before Him.
