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LESSONS ON SERVICE (II)
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
2 Peter 3:11-18

Philippians 3:7-16

 

“…beware lest ye also,
being led away…

fall from your own stedfastness.”

 

LESSONS ON SERVICE (II)
 
As we prepare for the days ahead, looking for opportunities to serve our God and Saviour, let us not forget the possibility of spiritual failure. Let us remember history, and even our own past, and beware the weakness of man (ourselves included). Let us be wary and watchful. Let us be faithful and careful. In the book of Nehemiah, we saw the congregational response in worship, and considered the centrality of the Word in Christian life, worship and service. The congregational response was primarily a response to the Word of God read, expounded and understood by God’s children. Let us purpose to read, memorise, understand and obey the Word of God. From the book of Nehemiah, may we remember the following:
 
There is necessity for continual vigilance, resoluteness and comprehensive Biblical Separation. Remember from the accounts of the spiritual service and worship in Nehemiah 8 to 13 that heritage and history (no matter how rich and spiritual), do not replace our duty and response to the Word of God. Spiritual growth is a personal duty that is never completed. Hence, our dependence on, and obedience to, God’s Word is our never-ending duty. Remember how Eliashib the high priest, after leading by example in the building work, compromised greatly despite his personal involvement, duty and rich heritage of being the grandson of Joshua the post-exilic high priest. Do not forget how the people, in response to the faithful ministry of the Word under Ezra and the Levites, grew in understanding of the Word and will of God. They made ordinances and resolved to separate and consecrate themselves to God. Do not forget how, in their obedience to God’s Word, they restored biblical worship and service to God, and supported the priests and Levites, generously giving as the law required. Finally, do not forget how quickly the gains were eroded by compromise. How they turned from every resolve and promise they had vowed and made. How they were quickly led astray and fell from their stedfastness. We too, like them, are men subject to failure. Only God’s Word can keep us true and faithful. Our stedfastness depends on our abiding in Christ’s Word.
 
THOUGHT: God will direct His children.

PRAYER: (Use Psalm 43.)

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