Do You Love?

Because if you do, then you’re known by God (verse 3)!

The Lord Judges

In verses 1-5, Paul tells us that even our conscience is inferior to God’s judgment of our actions.

Joshua’s Pep Talk

In verses 1-9, we see God repeatedly encourage Joshua to fulfill his mission.

When God is on your side, there’s nothing to stop you.

What seems to be more challenging today is figuring out whose side God is on!

 

Busted!

In verses 7-13, we learn that Adam and Eve are busted, unable to avoid the consequences of their disobedience.

Outline of Genesis 3

1. Serpent tricks Eve while Adam stands by
2. Adam sins, too
3. Adam and Eve become self-aware
4. God responds
1. Serpent punished
2. Eve punished
3. Adam punished
5. God clothes Adam and Eve, bans them from the Garden of Eden

Wet Fleece, Dry Fleece

At the end of Judges 6, we read about the curious story of Gideon’s two tests.

God honors both requests.

Do I have the faith to make this kind of request?

Gethsemane Prayer

Matthew 26:36-44 describes Jesus’ prayer time right before being arrested on the night of his betrayal.

It is especially interesting to me that God the Father’s answer to Jesus’ humble prayer was “No.”

So I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised or upset when God tells me “No.”

And I should pray more humbly, especially when I already have the sense that I’m asking for something that’s outside God’s will.

Not a Human Word

In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul writes that he thanks God for their willingness to receive the word of God.

He emphasizes that the word of God is not a human creation.

Fail

In verses 8-11, Paul explains that the Galatian believers have given up their freedom.

When we rely upon our own hard work to be right with God, we’ve already failed.

Hymenaeus and Alexander

Christians must be evervigilant.

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sincere believers whose faith ws “shipwrecked.”

Paul “handed them over to Satan” to teach them a lesson.

It is vital that believers not engage in sinful actions which require this level of intervention.

But many of us do, in fact, require a strong level of correction.