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1992-11-02
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TO THE GLORY OF GOD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Study No. 2
PATHWAY TO MATURITY CONTINUED
2. The Second commandment
"Thou shalt not make a graven image, nor bow to them, nor serve
them." Exodus 20:4-6.
Key Thought - Belonging to God.
a. The Problem - Exaltation and protection of the flesh.
Man has an inherent tendency to desire the blessings of God on
his own terms. He seeks to store them within himself. Genesis
3:5, "Ye shall be as gods."
Those who fail to place God first in their lives will always
start to construct their own edifice of self-worship.
b. Symptoms of Spiritual Decay.
"The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of
man's hands. They have mouths, but speak not, eyes, but they
see not, ears, but they hear not, neither is their any breath
in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them. Yes,
everyone that trusts in them." Psalm 135:1-18.
1. Empty Mouths.
They have nothing to say. They have empty hearts, there is
no real communication or communion with God or others.
2. Blind Eyes.
They see truth not as it really is, but as it appears from
their own point of view. They are conceited, no one else is
right. Distortion. (eg. when my sight went funny at
Lockhardt.)
3. Deaf Ears.
They are not receptive to the Word of God, and will not
accept the authority structure of God's Word. Because they
have refused the word of reproof, they remain unchanged,
deteriorating all the time, yet refusing to admit they have
a need. 2 Corinthians 3:13-15.
4. No Breath.
Breath is synonymous with life, (or spirit). They are empty
and only have a pretense of spiritual life.
Deut. 9:19, "When he hears the words of this curse that he
blessed himself saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in
the stubborness (or imagination) of my heart."
The Adamic nature is here revealed, "He blesses himself."
(i) Deception - He refuses the facts. He is hard-hearted.
(ii) Rebellion - He walks according to his own will.
(iii) Pride - He has a tremendous urge to preserve his
image.
c. God's Answer - The Baptism of Fire.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15, "If any man builds upon the foundation
with...wood, hay and stubble. Each man's work will become
evident, for the day will -
Reveal it, it will be revealed by fire.
"The axe is already laid at the root of the trees...thrown into
the fire..., He himself will baptise you with the Holy Spirit
and fire. He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Matt. 3:10-12, Gal. 5:15-16; 6:8.
3. The Third Commandment.
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord God in vain." Exodus
20:7.
Key Thought - Faith in God.
a. The Problem - God is not real.
Suggest to a blasphemer consequences of taking the Lord's name
in vain, he will reply, "I didn't mean anything by it."
His problem - unbelief. God is not a reality to him.
b. The Answer - Submission to God alone.
Heb. 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God),
for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He
is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
1. Submission to whom? "To God"
2. Submission how? "Come believing" "Must Believe"
A. (i) That God is - His existence.
(ii) That He rewards - His grace.
(iii) Those that diligently - His children seek Him.
B. The principle of faith is also amplified positively in
Hebrews 11:6:
(i) Purity of motive.
"Seek Him":- His presence, His will, His glory.
(eg. Moses)
(ii) Earnestness of purpose.
"Diligently seek":- seek sincerely, openly,
persistently. (eg. lost sheep, lost
coin. Luke 15:4-10.)
(iii) Simplicity of faith.
"Believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder" Luke
9:13. Note there:-
First we see God's attentiveness,
then we see God's benevolence.
"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:6-8.
4. The Fourth Commandment.
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8-9.
Key Thought - Waiting on God. Psalm 37:1-9.
"Fret not, trust, delight, commit, rest, cease and wait upon the
Lord."
a. The Problem
Wilfulness, self-effort.
Lev. 25:1-12, describes the principle of the Sabbath as it
applied to the man on the land. Only great faith in God would
enable obedience to this law, the farmer had to trust God: the
exhortation to us is:-
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs
9:10. Note also Proverbs 3:5-10.
(i) Unite ourselves with the Word of God. Heb. 4:2.
(ii) Open our hearts to the purpose of God. Isa. 55:8-9.
(iii) Disregard self-effort, give God a go (to work). Matt.
16:24.
God will:- perform His will. Phil.2:12-13.
reveal His will. Rom. 12:2.
pour out His blessings. Isa. 58:13-14.
END of STUDY TWO