Bible Study - 05/08/2011
When is there a time for hating? We shouldn't hate evil people but we should hate what they do. We should also hate it when people are mistreated, when children are starving, and when God is b eing dishonoured. In addition, we must hate sin in our lives - this is God's attitude. Psalm 5:5 says "The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity". God cannot condone or excuse even the smallest sin. Therefore we cannot excuse ourselves for sinning only a little bit, As we grow spiritually, our sensitiveity to sin increases. What is your reaction to sin in your life? Are you insensitive, unconcerned, disappointed or comfortable? As God makes us aware of sin, we must be intolerant toward it and be willing to change. All believers should strive to be more tolerant of people but less tolerant of the sin in others and themselves.
When is there a time for war? The Bible says Jesus is the Lamb of God but it also calls Him the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. As Pastor Adeboye wrote in His teaching for today, "there is a time to be a lamb and a time to be a lion". When someone is doing all he can to frustrate you spiritually, that is not the time to be a lamb. You must bring our you tools of war (for spiritual battle o! I'm not refering to guns and knives). If you instead decide to carry the banner of peace at such a time, you will definitely be a victim. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, Elisha refused to tolerate his mockers, he even went a step further and attacked them. He brought out his armour of war when it was needed. They were not only tesing Elisha aboout his baldness, but showing severe disrespect for his message and God's power. When Elisha cursed them, he did not call out the bears himself, God ssent them as a judgement for theirr callous unbelief.
When you take up your armour, even when it seems like your opponent is too powerful, God will send help and judge that opponent Himself. Thats my study for today. Stay blessed.
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