OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS

*DAILY   ⓂANNA*                                                                                                                                                  
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018

OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS
📖TEXT*: NUMBERS 15:30-41.
_🔑Key Verse: “That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God” (Numbers 15:40)_

God’s untiring efforts to let people know His Word and ways, and walk therein are for their benefit. For instance, had King Zedekiah heeded Jeremiah’s counsel, the destruction of Jerusalem would have been averted. His failure not only brought about the destruction of Jerusalem but his children were also killed before him; his two eyes were plucked out and he was carried bound with fetters to Babylon where he died.

God warns against presumptuous sin – a deliberate, defiant sin which is an affront to God’s authority over man, and therefore carries capital punishment or death. God commanded Moses to instruct the Israelites to make fringes in the boarders of their garments, as a reminder of their obligation to keep all His commandments. Similarly today, all believers are expected not to “live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Knowing the truth of God’s word and obeying them sets a man free – sinners are saved, and believers are preserved in true righteousness. Christians are no longer required to put fringes on the boarders of their garments. But the demand to remember and obey every word of God still subsists. A sustained and fruitful fellowship with God can only be guaranteed when His people continue in His Word – in total obedience and holy living. As we read, study and meditate on the word of God daily, He will give us strength  to obey it.

*✍ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* There is gain in obedience.
*_📖📖📖 COVER to COVER:* JEREMIAH 23-25.

*PONDER:* The same sins can earn different judgements.
1. If a person sinned ignorantly without knowing it to be sin until later. It is still sin. There is an atonement for it vv27-29.
2. If a person is in doubt whether an action is sinful or not and he chooses to go the wrong lane, he has sinned presumptuously. He will receive capital punishment as someone who deliberately sins. Doubtful actions are sinful vv30-31.
3. In OT, presumptuous sins are as serious as deliberate sins. No atonement for them vv30-31. Thank God in the NT, we have the sin Bearer. Any presumptuous sinner who does not repent and come to Jesus will bear his sins and the implication is eternal death v31, Isaiah 53:11.
4. At this point in time, there was no clear law that sticks should not be gathered on the sabbath day except that no work  should be done Exodus 20:8-11. It was a doubtful or presumptuous action for the man gathering of sticks to "force" himself to do so. He should have made the choice of avoiding it totally in honour to God. He was nonchalant and he was given capital punishment.
5. Why do you think God rates presumptuous sins as deliberate sins?
6. Are there controversial conducts in the Christiandom as to whether they are right or wrong? Wisdom and the fear of God demand staying clear and staying safe completely.

*HYMN: Just Obey*

1. Just as God who reigns on High
Spake to men in days gone by,
So the Lord is calling men today;
And, my brother this is true,
Whatso-e'er He says to you
There is but one thing to do, just obey

Chorus
Just obey, just obey,
Is the way, God's way;
When His message comes to you,
There is but one thing to do,
Just obey, just obey

2. If you're in the Saviour's hands,
You must do as He commands,
For there is no other gospel way;
Never put the message by,
Never stop to reason why,
When the Saviour speaks to you, just obey

Chorus
Just obey, just obey,
Is the way, God's way;
When His message comes to you,
There is but one thing to do,
Just obey, just obey

3. If for mansions fair you sigh
In that land beyond the sky
After time with you has pass'd away;
Tho' the way you may not