RPG Adults
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
1 Peter 2:16-17
Psalm 144
“So shall I keep thy law continually
for ever and ever.”
FREE TO SERVE
The Lord told His disciples that by following Him they would learn more of the truth which would make them free (John 8:31-32). The truth of which the Lord spoke is now clearly recorded in the pages of the New Testament (John 17:17). And the freedom was from the bondage of sin and the hypocritical following of religious rituals and the Law.
Although we live as free men, it is important that this freedom not be used improperly (1 Pet 2:16). Christian liberty must never be used to hide sinful deeds and activities. We are free to serve the Lord and to show His love to a lost world.
We are to consider all men as having great value before God. Believers sometimes tend to look down on unregenerate sinners, especially those living in open, vile sin. But over and over again Scripture reminds us of the value God places on the human soul. We need to remember that man was created in the image of God, and although this image has been marred by sin, man is still a spiritual being of great value and concern to his Creator. We should then respect and value every human soul with which we come in contact.
This is an age of growing informality and lack of respect. Believers must be careful to hold God in reverential trust. Such an attitude is the basis for all spiritual wisdom (Prov 9:10). We must ever bow humbly before the Almighty God in full recognition of His power and greatness.
This thought of reverence toward God is continued in the admonition to honour those in authority. As we have already been reminded, ruling powers exist by God’s permission. Therefore, it is only right that we, His people, obey those in authority. Honest Christian liberty causes us to live in deep humility, with love and concern for people and reverence toward God who made our own salvation possible.
THOUGHT: What attitude is the basis for all spiritual wisdom?
PRAYER: Father, may I live in humility knowing that Thou hast put the government over me, and Thou hast given me freedom.