Memory Verse: He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:8
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 33:5-6; Proverbs 2:1-11, 20-22; 3:19-23
Introduction:
The mature Christian is one who shoulders his or her share of personal responsibility, who demonstrates clearly to others a stable and dependable character in every facet of life. As children of God, we have a very big advantage over the unsaved when it comes to making up our mind on an issue because we have a code that is absolute. However, the guidelines are not always so clear-cut for the worldly man or woman. They often find themselves in a quandary as to which course of action they should pursue, never seeming completely sure as to what is right and what is wrong.
Our Heavenly Father though has given the Christian a dependable standard to follow, a guidebook that is unfailing. His Ten Commandment laws are perfect; they can be applied to every situation in our lives. As we conform to His laws in our human endeavors, we find that decisions once believed difficult are now more easily resolved. We know how we are to conduct ourselves and how we are to interact with others, we can be resolute because God is resolute. In spite of the current belief that there is not always a clear-cut, black-and-white, way of viewing things, God says that there is. Sin is sin, no matter how you slice it.
It is true that some of our problems are more complicated than others but even our most difficult situation can be finally resolved in the light of the Scriptures.
As Christians, we need to stand firm in our convictions! Upholding those things which God deems just and right, conversely, we must never allow ourselves to compromise with Satan or to accommodate any of his evil. When we say “yes” it should always mean yes, and when we say “no” it should always mean no. Our word should be our bond.
Study Questions:
- What is the promise given to the man who is steadfast in the law of the Lord? Psalm 1:1-3. Note: We see here the promise that a godly person will find his or her deep enjoyment in the things of God, particularly the Word of God.
- Will God’s word ever change, is God dependable? Psalm 119:89-94; James 1:16-18. Note: Here we can see stability indeed! The stability of the universe mirrors God’s faithfulness, His love, and His care; but even more important, it reflects the permanence of God’s laws and the fact that the universe serves Him.
- What is the sure promise to those who seek the Lord? Proverbs 2:1-5; 3:1-8. Note: The person who discovers wisdom has found a priceless treasure.
- Can we depend on God’s law as a dependable measure for living? Psalm 119:97-105. Note: Here the psalmist describes God’s Word as light, that is, a guide for living.
- If God is changeless, what should be the position of His children? Hebrews 10:19-25. Note: Faith in God leads Christians to place their hope in His promises. This restores a right relationship with God, then others.
- Can we confidently expect the gift of wisdom if we ask God for it? James 1:5-6; Romans 8:28. Note: The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Lord and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes.
- Can the “double-minded” man expect to gain wisdom? James 1:7-8.
- What is the terrible fate of the man who has escaped the corruptions of the world only to backslide? Also, is the backslidden condition as bad as his original carnal state? 2 Peter 2:20-22. Note: Knowledge without obedience is dangerous.