The Title of today's study is a 'Paradox' What's that...? What's a Paradox...? Well, a paradox is a contradiction.
1 Corinthians 15:10 describes how our character comes into being.
'...By the grace of God I am what I am. And His grace was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-Yet not I, but the grace of God that was in me...'
This is one of those verses that if I would miss the meaning totally unless I was using the aide of a study guide like the one I am currently using. Brother Blackaby explains this paradox, or contradiction in this manner:
Our character is developed fully by the power and grace of God. Yet, it is also a conscious decision we make to bring our mind, heart, and actions into line with God's will.
Here's another verse to consider: Philippians 2:12-13
'...Continue to work out your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God who works within you to will and to act according to his purpose...'
Working out our Salvation is an on-going process. God dwells within us and will guide our actions, but we have to consciously decide to walk with Him and not with the world. What this is really speaking of is our integrity.
And what is integrity?
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia describes integrity this way: Integrity comprises the personal inner sense of wholeness deriving from honesty and consistent uprightness of character.
Honesty and consistent uprightness... That's integrity. That is NOT the world. The world is NOT honest. It is NOT upright. Remember Brothers, we are called to be IN the world, but not OF it.
Hebrews 4:13 further explains why we should maintain our character of integrity:
'...Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of HIM to whom we must give account...'
Brother Blackaby explains it this way... -God knows us inside out. He knows our secret thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. God watches us react to certain situations. He looks to see if we are trustworthy or faithful.
Coach Sam's Thoughts: God is all knowing, all seeing, HE's an all powerful, Omnipotent God. We can not escape HIM. -Who would want to, anyway? He created us. He loves us. He has only good plans for us if we live according to his will.
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Exercises.... Read the following passages from Isaiah 59 and comment on each:
Surely the arm of the Lord is not to short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
Coach Sam's Thoughts on Isaiah 59:1: 'There is no limitation to how far God can go to forgive sin and bring one back from rebellion and bondage. He always hears the call of the desperate. God has answered mine and my wife's prayers time and time again. He has intervened miraculously in times and situations too numerous to count. -Good is indeed Good!
But your iniquities have separated you from God, your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)
Brother Blackaby Explains: Our iniquities and sins have separated us from God. Separation from God results in God hiding his face from us and not being able to hear us.
For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. (Isaiah 59:3)
Question: Do You believe that each sin has equal impact on your relationship with God...?
Coach Sam's Answer: Yes. For the most part, ANY sin separates us from God. For instance, whether it's stealing something valued at $2.50 or $250. Stealing is stealing. And it's a reflection of our character and integrity. Our study shows us that God can not and will not use a man who does not have integrity.
No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. they rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. (Isaiah 59:4)
Not doing the right thing is as wrong as doing the wrong thing. Do you agree or disagree?
Coach Sam's Answer: I agree with that statement. The right thing is to do the right thing. To NOT do the right thing is wrong. It's a sin. Should we allow evil to flourish if it's within our power to avert evil...? I was placed in that exact situation recently. Sadly, I feel that I did the wrong thing. I believe I may have allowed an injustice to take place by not stepping in and intervening.
Brother Blackaby Explains: God is a mighty God who hears and saves us. But our sins separate us from god, and as a result, our relationship with Him is not what it should be. All sins equally separate us from God. -sins of doing wrong and sins of not doing right. Not calling fr justice is equal to giving birth to evil.
dear heavenly Father,
Wow, what a great study to day. Thank you again Lord for bringing me such a wonderful study to open my eyes and ears to what You want me to see and hear. Lord, I learned much about how sin effects my relationship with You. Lord, that explains why at various times in my life I have felt You draw away from me. And all those times I undoubtedly deserved it.
I am now acutely aware about how sin effects my walk with You and reduces my ability effectiveness to be be used for Kingdom work. Lord my heart cries out for forgiveness.
Father God, according to Isaiah 59:1, I know that I am always within Your reach and You will always hear me if my heart is in the right place.
Lord, I love you. I need you. I offer those day to you, my King. I love and cherish You, Lord. I have nothing, and I am nothing apart from You. I fall forward on my face at the foot of Your cross, my Lord. I humbly ask forgiveness for my sins, and I will walk with you forever more.
Lord I lift up my precious wife and family to you today. I pray sweet blessings upon them.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
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