Why should we know God's Word?

In our day and age where anti-intellectualism runs rampant in the visible church, it is not surprising to see poll after poll verify what students of scripture have known for many years. The visible church does not know much about the scriptures they profess to believe in. This is sad considering many saints during the Reformation period lost their lives for the sake of being able to read and study God's word. Not to mention the many passages in scripture that speak as such:

Isaiah 66:2 This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

The posts on this blog will address essential Biblical doctrines of the Christian faith. You can find much of the background for the posts here. My prayer for these posts is that the people who read them will be encouraged to open their Bibles and not just read a verse or two, but learn them and indeed, be transformed by them. As Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17). This is my prayer as well.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Sin and its effects part 1

- What is sin? Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude or nature.

o Definition includes not only actions, but also attitudes & desires.

§ Scriptural examples that show attitudes and desires as sinful: Exodus 20:17 – coveting; Matthew 5 – Sermon on the Mount examples of lust=adultery and sinful anger=murder; Galatians 5 - fits of anger, sensuality, enmity, jealousy, envy.

§ The greatest commandment: Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

o Sin also relates to our nature.

§ Eph 2:3, we were by nature children of wrath.

§ Col 1:21, we were hostile in mind.

§ Romans 8:7-8, those in flesh are unable to please God

§ Rom 6:17-20, we were slaves to sin.

o Sin is serious. Why? Sin is painful and destructive to our lives and to others. It is especially serious because it offends a holy and just God.

- Origin of sin

o God did not commit sin, man committed sin.

§ God’s ways are perfect righteous and good.

o But, we also must guard against dualism.

§ Evil is not eternal, nor is it omnipotent – it cannot thwart God’s plans.

o We must remember, God is still in control. (Eph 1:11)

- Where did sin come from? With respect to the human race, through Adam & Eve

o There are three aspects of the sin of Adam & Eve, which characterizes sin in general

§ Sin struck at the base of knowledge.

· What is true? The serpent said they would NOT die if they ate the fruit.

§ Sin struck at the base of moral standards.

· What is right? Serpent denied it would be morally wrong for them to eat.

§ Sin struck at the base of their existence.

· Who am I? Serpent said they would be like God if they ate the fruit.

o The story of Adam & Eve was a real historical event.

· It is in the context of a historical narrative.

· Many scriptures such as Romans 5:12-19, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 2:14 assumes its historicity.

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