As we begin the new year, let us think about how we all can do our best not to disobey God. Let us strive to please God and obey him. The Devil makes it easy for us to disobey God, and he will try to get us to do just that. Let us remind ourselves how we can disobey God. There are five ways.
1. By doing what God has said not to do. This is the way Adam and Eve disobeyed God. They ate what God had told them not to eat and were punished (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6). Lot's wife also disobeyed this way. She looked back when God said not to look back and she was killed (Genesis 19:17,26). Whatever the temptation, whatever the reason, we must never do what God has said not to do (James 2:11).
2. By failing to do what God has said to do. This is the way Israel disobeyed. They did not enter the land of Canaan when God told them to do so and they were punished (Numbers 13:30-14:3). Jonah also disobeyed this way. He did not go to Ninevah when God told him to go and he was punished (Jonah 1:1-3). Regardless of the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead, we must always do what God has planned for us to do (James 4:17).
3. By adding to God's word. This is the way Nadab and Abihu disobeyed. They added "strange fire" which the Lord had not commanded them and they perished (Leviticus 10:1-2). No matter what good work or neat idea we would like to add to God's plan, we must never add to God's word (2 John 9).
4. By taking from God's word. This is the way the blind men (Matthew 9:27-31) and the leper (Mark 1:40-45) disobeyed. They took the first part of what Jesus said and obeyed it, but ignored the rest of what Jesus said. Even if there are things that we think are unnecessary or inconvenient in God's word that we would like to remove, we must never take away from God's commandments (Deuteronomy 4:2).
5. By substituting for what is commanded by God. This is what Naaman tried to do. He tried to reap the benefits of God's mercy by substituting his river for God's river and he found out that it won't work (2 K.5:8-14). No matter how much we think our ways are better than God's ways, we must never substitute what we like for what God commands (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Let us work hard this year to obey the Lord, never disobey.
There are many books in the world today. And Solomon once said, "of the making of many books there is no end" (Eccl.12:12). However, there is one book that stands out from all other books the Bible! The Apostle Paul wrote: "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Bible has done more to challenge and change civilization than any other book every written. It is the world's best seller. The Bible is not just another book; just a bunch of stories. Benjamin Franklin once said, "The world is bad enough with the Bible. What would it be without it?" Have you considered why the Bible was written? The Bible was written
To Reveal God
We can know something about God without the Bible. When we look out at the natural world around us we see a great Designer in the design of the universe (Psa. 19:1ff; Rom.1:19-20). But, who is God? Some say there is no God. Others say God is within you; you are a "god." But, the Bible reveals the true nature of God. The Bible reveals his character, will, mind, and law (Psa.19:7ff; Isa.11:9; Rom.1:17; 1 Cor.1:21; 2:10-13; Heb.1:1-2).
To Reveal Man
The Bible was written to reveal man to himself. Man can know exactly who he is, where he came from and why he is here. The Bible is a mirror of the soul. You can see yourself for what you really are. Man is not an evolved animal as many suppose; purely naturalistic. What is man? He is unique and made in the image of God (Gen.1:27; Psa.8:3-9; Eccl.12:13-14; Mic.6:6-8; Mt.10:28; 16:26).
To Reveal Sin
The Bible reveals man, and also the sin of man. It tells what sin is and the consequences of sin. Sin is not defined by culture or society. What is sin and how do I know about it? The word "sin" means "to miss the mark." Sin is defined by God in the Bible (Ex.24:4; 31:18; 32:15-16,32; 34:1,27-28; Deut.9:10; 31:24; Josh.8:31-32; Rom.3:20; 4:15; 7:7; Jas.4:17; 1 Jn.3:4; 5:17). The Bible also reveals the consequences of sin; spiritual death and separation from God (Isa.59:1-2; Rom.3:23; 6:23).
To Reveal Christ
Who will save the world from sin? The Bible reveals the Messiah (the Christ) who takes away sin. There have always been many false "Christs" leading people astray Mt.24; Ac.5). But, who is the true Christ? What is his work and his teaching? What example did he leave us? The Bible tells us the answer to these questions. Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world (Mt.5:17; Mk.9:12; Lk.24:25-27; Jn.1:45; 5:39,46-47; Ac.13:29; 1 Jn.1:1-4).
To Reveal Salvation
What must I do to be saved from sin? If you ask the religious denominations around you, you will get a variety of answers. But, if you go to the Bible you will get the true answer. Why was the Bible written? To reveal the true source of our salvation. Salvation is not found in man (Jer.10:23; Rom.10:1-3), but in Jesus Christ (Lk.2:11; Jn.3:16; Tit.2:11; 3:3-7; Heb.5:8-9). How can we have faith in Jesus? Hearing God's word produces true faith in Christ (Lk.1:1-4; Jn.17:20-21; 20:30-31; Ac.1:1-3; 15:7; 18:8; Rom.10:14,15,17; Heb.11:6). God's word also teaches one how to become a true, New Testament Christian (Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:15-16; Acts 26:17-18; Jas.1:18,21; 1 Pet.1:23-25). The Bible also identifies the one, true church for us (Mt.16:18; Ac.2:47; 11:26; 20:28; 1 Cor.4:17; 14:37; 16:1; Eph.1:22-23). Finally, the Bible teaches one how to live as a faithful Christian (Ac.20:31; Rom.15:4; 1 Cor. 5:11; 10:11; Eph.3:3; 1 Tim.3:14-15; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Tit.2:11-12; 1 Pet.5:12; 2 Pet.3:15; 1 Jn.2:1,14,21,26; 5:13; Rev.1:3,11).
To Reveal the Destiny of the Soul
Is there life after death? Some say "No." Others believe in "reincarnation." Why was the Bible written? To reveal the destiny of the soul of man. The Bible reveals four truths concerning the destiny of the soul. First, there is life after death (Lk.16:22-23). Second, there is a judgment day after death (Heb.9:27). Third, the Bible will be the standard of judgment after death (Jn.12:48; Rom.2:16; Rev.20:12). Fourth, the reward of the righteous will be heaven, and the punishment of the wicked will be hell (Mt.7:13-14; 25:46; Rev.21:7-8; 22:14-15).
Consider these important reasons for the Bible. Now, what does the Bible mean to you? Friend, is it time for you to obey the Bible?