Sunday School - June 21, 2009
Authority finds origin in truth, for that which is considered true is reconciled to a known acceptable standard. Although many variations of truth are presented as facts, such is less fact than fiction, if such fail to meet the acceptable authorized standard. This form of regulation is not to satisfy the needs of all, but to assure the greater good of the whole. This is a worldly rendition of a Godly plan, to aid man by given them laws and principles to follow; for in theory and in fact, such is a good plan to model.
The search of Godly truth is to seek wisdom; for wisdom encompass the fear of God which leads to the understanding and proper use of Godly knowledge. Divine truth has no need for external reconciliation, for such is the ultimate standard, being perfect, it incorporates no variations.
Psalms 19:7-9 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Proverbs 2:2-5 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
Where truth is proclaimed and practiced, there lies the true authority, for all truth has its foundation in the Holy and Righteous God. As Christians, we too are given others to rule over us, in both spiritual and none spiritual activities. In all, we render to authority that is based on a defined known acceptable standard that is true, when we do so, we do so not to the glory of man but the ultimate standard that is truth (God). In all things, Christians are to yield only to that which can be reconciled to the ultimate truth, that which is consistent with the revealed will of God. For if any and all instructions can be reconciled to the reveal will of God, such has and is a true authority.
1 Corinthians 11:1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
The word of God is the true and ultimate authority; all that is true has its foundation in Him:
John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
This week's lesson is again from the book of Exodus. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (June 21, 2009) comes from Exodus 5:1-9, 22- 6:1.
Exodus 5:1-9
Moses and Aaron are now before Pharaoh presenting their petition, given to them by the God of Israel. They asked Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go; Pharaoh, thinking he to be one of many gods knew not of the God of Israel and found no reason to let Israel go. Pharaoh’s belief in many false and fictional gods caused him to place authority in that which was not true, including himself. The principles and practices of Pharaoh and his gods were not consistent with the standards of the one and only true God, thus only through terrible trials and enormous errors, would Pharaoh determine who had ultimate authority.
Psalms 96:4-5 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Moses and Aaron continued by stating that the God of the Hebrews had met with them. They pleaded with Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord their God, lest God fall upon them with pestilence, or with the sword (Exodus 5:3). This request seem to have fallen short of their true intensions, for Aaron only mentioned their desire to hold a feast unto their God in the wilderness; it was clearly understood that any trek from Egypt would be one of no return. However, even a less provocative request of an outing to worship would be an insult to Pharaoh. For Satan and most of the world has deemed any service or worship of the one and only Holy God to be an activity for those who have nothing else to do, such is the stance taken by Pharaoh who later increased the burdens of the Israelite.
God knew that Pharaoh would initially reject any and all request; for forced control in any form or fashion, finds appeasement to be an element that undermines such control, thus no such appeasement would be given without a cost or a defeat.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Pharaoh proceeded with a strategy to destroy the hopes of the Israelites, by returning more burdens in response to their request to leave. This would test the resolve of their will to endure and make sacrifices for their freedom. Often the fulfillment of our dreams are only a hurdle away but obstacles and fear dissolves our will to overcome, thus we are left unfulfilled due not to the hurdle, but to our lack of will to pursue. Pharaoh knows the fickle will of man and moves to divide and conquer the Israelite through fear, blame and distrust.
Exodus 5:22-6:1
Moses returned to the Lord and questioned the results of his actions and expressed his concerns that God has allowed evil to come upon the people of Israel. Moses also questioned why he was even sent. Moses knew not the intricate workings of God’s plan, nor does Moses seem to remember that God had informed him that Pharaoh would not comply with the initial request. However, Moses was correct to take all concerns to God, for all that God would demand He also would provide the means. God did not answer Moses concerns, for He who works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), would overwhelm mere man with such complex strategies.
In response to Pharaoh’s action, the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land (Exodus 6:1). Now begins the process that will make known the true authority, such is needed to make clear to Pharaoh as to whom and in whom all true authority resides. Just as Pharaoh, we all must come to terms with the true authority and render all to His control, lest we too are forced to do so. Such is a submission we all will eventually make, a submission better done sooner than later.
Romans 14:11-12. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those in search of the true authority) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless
Authority finds origin in truth, for that which is considered true is reconciled to a known acceptable standard. Although many variations of truth are presented as facts, such is less fact than fiction, if such fail to meet the acceptable authorized standard. This form of regulation is not to satisfy the needs of all, but to assure the greater good of the whole. This is a worldly rendition of a Godly plan, to aid man by given them laws and principles to follow; for in theory and in fact, such is a good plan to model.
The search of Godly truth is to seek wisdom; for wisdom encompass the fear of God which leads to the understanding and proper use of Godly knowledge. Divine truth has no need for external reconciliation, for such is the ultimate standard, being perfect, it incorporates no variations.
Psalms 19:7-9 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Proverbs 2:2-5 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
Where truth is proclaimed and practiced, there lies the true authority, for all truth has its foundation in the Holy and Righteous God. As Christians, we too are given others to rule over us, in both spiritual and none spiritual activities. In all, we render to authority that is based on a defined known acceptable standard that is true, when we do so, we do so not to the glory of man but the ultimate standard that is truth (God). In all things, Christians are to yield only to that which can be reconciled to the ultimate truth, that which is consistent with the revealed will of God. For if any and all instructions can be reconciled to the reveal will of God, such has and is a true authority.
1 Corinthians 11:1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
The word of God is the true and ultimate authority; all that is true has its foundation in Him:
John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
This week's lesson is again from the book of Exodus. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (June 21, 2009) comes from Exodus 5:1-9, 22- 6:1.
Exodus 5:1-9
Moses and Aaron are now before Pharaoh presenting their petition, given to them by the God of Israel. They asked Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go; Pharaoh, thinking he to be one of many gods knew not of the God of Israel and found no reason to let Israel go. Pharaoh’s belief in many false and fictional gods caused him to place authority in that which was not true, including himself. The principles and practices of Pharaoh and his gods were not consistent with the standards of the one and only true God, thus only through terrible trials and enormous errors, would Pharaoh determine who had ultimate authority.
Psalms 96:4-5 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Moses and Aaron continued by stating that the God of the Hebrews had met with them. They pleaded with Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord their God, lest God fall upon them with pestilence, or with the sword (Exodus 5:3). This request seem to have fallen short of their true intensions, for Aaron only mentioned their desire to hold a feast unto their God in the wilderness; it was clearly understood that any trek from Egypt would be one of no return. However, even a less provocative request of an outing to worship would be an insult to Pharaoh. For Satan and most of the world has deemed any service or worship of the one and only Holy God to be an activity for those who have nothing else to do, such is the stance taken by Pharaoh who later increased the burdens of the Israelite.
God knew that Pharaoh would initially reject any and all request; for forced control in any form or fashion, finds appeasement to be an element that undermines such control, thus no such appeasement would be given without a cost or a defeat.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Pharaoh proceeded with a strategy to destroy the hopes of the Israelites, by returning more burdens in response to their request to leave. This would test the resolve of their will to endure and make sacrifices for their freedom. Often the fulfillment of our dreams are only a hurdle away but obstacles and fear dissolves our will to overcome, thus we are left unfulfilled due not to the hurdle, but to our lack of will to pursue. Pharaoh knows the fickle will of man and moves to divide and conquer the Israelite through fear, blame and distrust.
Exodus 5:22-6:1
Moses returned to the Lord and questioned the results of his actions and expressed his concerns that God has allowed evil to come upon the people of Israel. Moses also questioned why he was even sent. Moses knew not the intricate workings of God’s plan, nor does Moses seem to remember that God had informed him that Pharaoh would not comply with the initial request. However, Moses was correct to take all concerns to God, for all that God would demand He also would provide the means. God did not answer Moses concerns, for He who works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), would overwhelm mere man with such complex strategies.
In response to Pharaoh’s action, the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land (Exodus 6:1). Now begins the process that will make known the true authority, such is needed to make clear to Pharaoh as to whom and in whom all true authority resides. Just as Pharaoh, we all must come to terms with the true authority and render all to His control, lest we too are forced to do so. Such is a submission we all will eventually make, a submission better done sooner than later.
Romans 14:11-12. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those in search of the true authority) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless