Sunday School - March 1, 2009

Sunday School - March 1, 2009

The discernment of righteousness is often made by (and to) the subjectivity of man, a fluctuating standard at best, proven to shift as easily as the wind. When man’s subjectivity becomes the bases for righteousness, all matters are concluded to appease the will of man. Man’s inability to discern the will of the heart, lacks the knowledge to judge by truth. Righteousness and truth is derived not from man, nor has man the ability to formulate; for righteousness and truth is found only in God, given to us in the Living Word He has provided.

Psalms 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

2 Timothy 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

In prosperity or adversity, in joy or affliction, the discernment of true righteousness must be subjected to the written word of God. Unlike the fallibility of man, God’s word is the true authority of all righteousness. True discernment comes not from appearances or pious pretences observed by man; true discernment comes from an all-knowing God, a God from whom the foundation of truth resides and from whom nothing is ever concealed.

John 7:24. Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

This week's lesson is from the book of Ezekiel. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (March 1, 2009) comes from Ezekiel 11:14-21.

Ezekiel, both prophet and priest of God, is now a captive in Babylon, taken in a raid on Judah, prior to the final raid that left Judah in total destruction. Although, Ezekiel lived in Babylon, his ministry and prophecy was to both the remnant in Babylon and those left in Judah.

The word of God came to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 11:14) with the message that the remnant in Jerusalem had failed to discern the state of their condition. The brethrens in Jerusalem had made a false assessment and believed that their exiled brethrens were the recipients of a curse; a punishment seems to be of God, carried out by exile to Babylon. With such misunderstanding, they cheered "Get you far from the Lord: unto us is this land given in possession” (Ezekiel 11:15). Such is the discernment of the heart, when the heart is lead only to the will and desire of the flesh; when such become the foundation of judgment, true judgment is unlikely to be found.

Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Although God had delivered His people to be captives far away among heathens, He had not cast them away, nor had He forsaken them. Such is His continuing love for Israel; such is His love for His Church:

Hebrews 13:5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

In absence of the temple, God would be as a little sanctuary to the exiles in Babylon; for God is always present where His people resides (Matthew 18:20). God will gather those scattered abroad, again to the land of Promise. This time they would remove all of the detestable things, the abominable things to God; for God will give them a single heart, a heart that is one with God. A heart of flesh to replace their heart of stone, a soften heart to do the will of God.

Deuteronomy 6:5: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

But to those with heart of stones and the desire to follow their detestable things, God would recompense to them, that which is their just reward. Such is the God of righteousness, a God whose judgment is assured and just. Angels have and will confirm such and as Christians so should we:

Revelation 16:5. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

Revelation 16:7. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

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 who desire to know righteousness) at heart.

Good Day and God Bless
 
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