Preparing My Heart
Some sins in my heart go without much challenge from me. Neither do I confront certain “lapses in righteousness” in my home congregation. And some sins at church I might “force” Brother Z to face up to, but not Sister Q, though it might be the exact same sin. What is wrong with me?! And what is the solution?
I need to have my perspective brought back into sync with God’s. All sin is an affront to Him. I must not get comfortable with any; not mine, not yours.
Making the Bible Personal
Dare I ever question the appropriateness of any of God’s dealings with me?
How much pretense do I allow in myself?
Why do I entertain pretense when I know God knows all things?
When might I try to justify or excuse a lie?
Which sins do I tolerate in the church? (Whose sins would I not confront?)
How deeply am I committed to the purity of the church?
Reviewing Basic Truths
All sin is against God…and He winks at none.
We get to choose what we do with the material things entrusted to us.
The church must be kept pure.
Only God knows who has put himself beyond redemption.
Applying God’s Word to Me
Section omitted from free version; purchase entire quarter as PDF or for Kindle.
This concludes my comments based on the alternate lesson developed by Christian Light Publications. To read my comments on the passage for the International Bible Lesson, click here: Stephen: Spirit-Filled Deacon and Fiery Preacher.
excerpted from Panting
