None of us is indispensable to God’s work. He could use someone else, or the angels, or other providences of his vast realm. 10) God could perhaps more easily do his work by some other method. At best, Jesus says, “we are unprofitable servants,” because we have only done that which we are morally obligated to do. When we have done all he has commanded us, we cannot boast. Any service we might render for the Lord is a privilege. The work of God’s grace in our life is a favor toward us, and our obedience to his commands is primarily for our growth and development. Thus, we should go forward with “tree-moving” faith, accepting all the promises of which God has assured us in his Word. Rather, the lesson is that we are to have absolute confidence in the instructions and promises given to us in the Word of God. 6) Certainly Jesus did not want his followers to literally command trees to miraculously be uprooted and thrown into the sea. He said, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea and it should obey you.” (vs. As stated in our Key Verse, they requested of Jesus, “Increase our faith.” His reply to this request has been greatly misunderstood by many. The disciples realized how difficult it would be to apply these lessons in their personal life. However, we must “reform” our thoughts, words, and actions, and bring them into obedience to God’s principles and standards to the greatest extent possible. “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him and if he repent, forgive him.” We all need God’s mercy, because we are imperfect. In verse 3 of our lesson, Jesus shows the importance of repentance and mercy. However, those who now intentionally persecute the Lord’s followers and seek to turn them aside from following righteousness, pervert their own conscience and so degrade themselves, that it will be much more difficult for them to come into accord with the conditions of the kingdom, when they are raised from the grave. He said concerning such a one that it would be better that a “millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea.” (Luke 17:2) To be drowned in the sea would mean the loss of present life, but not the opportunity for future life in Christ’s kingdom. Jesus warned that some, under the influence of Satan, might attempt to deliberately ensnare his followers. The majority of mankind is more or less under his influence-blinded by error, superstition, and disposed to sin.-Eph. IN THE OPENING VERSE OF today’s lesson, Jesus said to his disciples, “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!” (Luke 17:1) “Offences,” or ensnarements, exist at the present time because Satan is the prince of this present world. Key Verse: “The apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”
0 kommentar(er)
