International Standard Version. Wisdom didnt ensure obedience. Suggestions? Literal Standard Version. He used sinners to accomplish His sovereign will. WebThe one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. But God did just that and used a sinning Gentile to begin the process of restoring Israel. If not, we have reason to question whether our faith is real. and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. Habakkuk learned that the material success of the ungodly is not a reliable measure of their true success. A lesson worth considering, but not the main lesson I want to focus on, is that God often put us into situations where only He can deliver us. One of the most remarkable things about the Scriptures is how they preserve for us what we regard as our highest dignity, which is the right to exercise our own will. Pastor, Expository Preacher, Author, Trainer of Preachers and Bible Teachers. or will we in our rebellion demonstrate the just curse of His covenant warnings? They thank me for posting my sermons on the internet. Their end will be most awful. WebThe Scripture teaches that God achieves His purpose in unbelievers. In the process, we will also find an answer to a third question, Who are the sons of God in Gen. 6? If you like solving mysteries, you will love this, "Churches are going apostate inside their comfortable church buildings! According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years, and you will know My opposition. It is only as we look back that we see clearly that God was there all along, working behind the scenes for our good and his glory. But what they do is not going to bring them true blessing. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne ( Psalm 47:8 ). God can use anyone and anything. That pagan nation was struggling against Egypt for dominance. B) We entrust our lives to the God who cares for us. But if anyone says to you, This is meat sacrificed to idols, do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience sake; I mean not your own conscience, but the other mans; for why is my freedom judged by anothers conscience? even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. 28:36, The LORD will bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods wood and stone. We have one life to use, and the usefulness of that one life depends not on our rsum or even how much we know. But now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as You have declared, Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You also have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now., but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the. The greater the pain, the harder it is to see Gods fingerprints. 10:17 Paul writes, So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. When we preach the gospel to someone and they come to saving faith, we dont boast that we have saved them but that God has saved them, though we were the instruments of Gods saving work. He clings to his sin like a drowning man to an iron life preserver. Psalm 69:25Reputation destroyed forever. God promised to precede Cyrus and destroy all opposition that Cyrus would face: 'I will go before you and make the 3. WebGod never does evil Himself. New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. This warning was made clear in the ancient covenant revealed long before through Moses in Deuteronomy 28. WebJohn 3:16. Later Pilate gave in to pressure and ordered Jesus crucified. But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. The unbelievers, become confused, not remembering ever having the opportunity to serve Jesus. He has many means to accomplish that holy purposeincluding some that are difficult to understand. Eventually, Pharaoh decided to use the Jews for slave labor. 28:25, The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth. Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. To say it another way, there is a man in hell today who has been there for 2000 years even though what he did advanced Gods plan to save the world. Israel stumbled at the stumbling stone, the suffering messiah (Romans 9:31-33). Fourth, Gods command seemed impossible to obey. In the beginning Satan challenged Gods right to rule. We when we dont know if something is Gods will, we pray, Yet not my will but yours be done (Mt. Your children, however, whom you said would become a preyI will bring them in, and they will know the land which you have rejected. He reminded Peter that he could call for 12 legions of angels72,000 highly trained, heavily armed members of the Angelic Defense Leagueto come to his rescue at any moment. God strengthened Cyrus so that he could conquer nations and overcome opposition Thus says the Lord God to His 2. Though used of God to complete his plan, those who crucified our Lord were still personally wicked and godless in what they did. It was their God, or at least the God of Moses, that just killed all the first born of Egypt. What does it mean that the righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4)? Moses give the Israelites specific instruction and visible representation from the invisible God. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience sake. But as for you, your corpses will fall in this wilderness. He was ready to die for his Master and intended to take a few of the bad guys with him. One final point is in order. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Here are some examples: A man who lived in a time in which only Jews served the one true God. God was revealing that He was going to use this ungodly power for judgment upon his own straying people. Often in the confusion of life, we cant see the ends, much less the means God intends for us. Our accomplishments do not justify our existence. How beautiful! Paul used this verse from Habakkuk to warn the foolish despisers of the gospel. We need to be reminded again and again that we are like grass disposable, temporary, fleeting, momentary. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Pentecost was a sign to the unbelieving of Israel that they had broken the covenant and stood deserving of Gods judgment and wrath. Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites live in the valleys; turn tomorrow and set out to the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea. The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? If so, did he have a choice? He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Summary As far as Pilate was concerned, he was ordering an innocent man put to deathwhich is why he tried to wash his hands of the whole affair. The Bible says, God was well pleased through the message preached to save those who believe (I Cor. The unbeliever has made an exchangethe truth for a lieand the devil is happy to facilitate the swap by presenting the sinner with a wide array of lies from which to choose. It only made sense on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? ", Writing & Teaching Inductive Bible Studies. It was all the Lord. His plan in doing so was to bless all people. For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son for those who believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.. He may for a time use the ungodly to bring deserved chastising upon the hypocrites among His own people, and to show his uncompromising wrath upon those left to what we all deserve aside from the work of his grace. It can be fairly said that the common people by and large respected Jesus and responded positively to his message. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12: 3). So while many American Christians worry about what will take place in the coming years I find peace in knowing that God can use even the most unlikely candidates to accomplish His will. The unbeliever has made an exchangethe truth for a lieand the devil is happy to facilitate the swap by presenting the sinner with a wide array of lies from which to choose. In Acts 13:41 he said, Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. I dont have any letters after my name. So continue to trust in Him and you wont be disappointed. This week were looking at the other side of the equation. so that they might escape from the devil's snare, even though they've been held captive by him to do his will. He chooses to use sinners to accomplish His sovereign will, often in ways we dont even understand. Email Jack. This brings us face to face with the doctrine of Gods providence, which means, A) God has a plan that includes everything that happens in the universe, and, B) Gods plan extends to the tiniest details of life, and. Why? Assyria had fallen when Nineveh, its capitol, was destroyed in 612 BC. They intend to be their own god. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne ( Psalm 47:8 ). After God redeemed Israel from Egypt through a series of ten miraculous plagues, he had Moses lead the people of Israel out of Egypt near the shore of the Red Sea. Soon they will be raised up from that struggle to full power. If youd like an interesting Bible study, take a look at the trials of Jesus. Though Israel was many, only the remnant will be saved (Romans 9:27). Unbelievers Are blinded by the God of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4 Verse Concepts In this period of Judahs last kings, the Prophets warned of the fulfillment of this covenant promise. But this much is clear: He never believed that Jesus was guilty of any crime. 1:8). God is not finished with you yet, so dont give up on him. God uses pathetic people for his glorious purposes to show his superior power. We see this all the way through the Bible. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12: 3). They mock authority and law, and believe that might makes right. They still look to their own strength and ability as if they were divine and answer to no authority above their own. His plan in doing so was to bless all people. Everyday Apostolic 2019 | All Rights Reserved, Gods Ability To Use Unlikely People Even Unbelievers, Canceling Church On Christmas Removes Christ From Christmas, Great Resources On Baptism In The Name Of Jesus, A Diluted Christianity: Oneness, Trinitarian, Or Is It All Just Irrelevant, Youre Not David Pastor Raymond Woodward, The Walking Bible Pastor Raymond Woodward, Wait On The Lord by James Wilson NAYC 2019, If I Shout/Lets Testify Medley FAC Sanctuary Choir. The Neo-Babylonians were dominated by Chaldean kings. If God did the miracles without Moses, amazing things would have happened, but the people would not have known what was going on or what to do. Habakkuk 1:5, Look among the nations and watch Be utterly astounded! He stands behind it indirectly, but He directly stands behind good. God is unimpressed by our collection of readers, likes, retweets, friends, connections, or admirers. The way to heaven is only Jesus and Jesus only.. Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers. Our accolades cannot merit us any greatness. Joseph made Egypt phenomenally wealthy during the years of the famine. Jesus is truly the lamb without blemish who died for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Every evil in the world must somehow serve Gods purpose. Thus they plundered the Egyptians ( Exodus 12:36 ). And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst? Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! The fact that God ordains both the means and the ends should surely encourage us as we face our own trials. Jesus point is clear, The King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.. In 605 Egypt was defeated by the Neo-Babylonians at Carchemish. Habakkuk 1:7-11, They are terrible and dreadful; Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. In Acts 2 God poured out His Holy Spirit on the disciples who spoke on the streets of Jerusalem in the languages of the Gentiles who were present. We see the same thing after the Israelites cross the Red Sea and are attacked by the Amalekites (Ex. 1 John 5:14. God has the amazing ability to do things that simply do not make sense to mankind. The gospels writers emphasize that although the Jewish leaders earnestly sought for witnesses who could testify against Christ, they found no one willing to come forward. What an honor to serve the King of kings. He uses believers and unbelievers. Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation., Truth Of God Is denied by Unbelievers, the Truth of God Is denied by Unbelievers, Unbelievers Are blinded by the God of this world, Unbelievers Will be classed with outbreaking sinners in eternity, Unbelievers Their lifetime spent in vanity, Unbelievers Shall be judged by God's word in the last day, Will be classed with outbreaking sinners in eternity, Shall be judged by God's word in the last day. I didnt attend an Ivy League school. The Israelites and the church did face some tough times and we may too. Which caused the church to grow rapidly. Comments? Gods covenant warned from the beginning that if Israel fell into sin God would use a foreign heathen nation to bring judgment upon them. I run into people in different countries or am contacted by those from different countries who have been blessed by my preaching. Matthew 26:3-5 informs us that the leaders of the Jews were looking for an opportunity to arrest Jesus and put him to death. God then raised up Moses and his brother Aaron as instruments to deliver the people of Israel from cruel bondage. Lesson 7 The Interpretation of Scripture, Lesson 5a Boundaries of the Doctrine of Creation, Primeval Chronology by Dr. William Henry Green, Lesson 8 Gods Special Providence & Miracles, Lesson 10 Assurance of Grace and Salvation, Lesson 2 Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience, Lesson 3 The Regulative Principle of Worship, Lesson 4a The Elements of Regulated Worship, Lesson 4b The Elements of Regulated Worship, Lesson 1 An Overview of Special Eschatology, Lesson 2 -The Great Tribulation of Matthew 24, Lesson 3 The Millennium of Revelation 20, A Guide for Small Group Bible Study Leaders, Defending the Biblical Faith by what God Shows Us, Lessons in the Westminster Shorter Catechsim, The Inspiration of the Treasured Word of God, Summary of the 45th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, The Holy Spirit In the Ministry of the Word, The Necessity of Biblical Love in the Believers Life, Keep Your Bible Skills Sharp and Ready (part 2), Keep Your Bible Skills Sharp and Ready (Part 1). That is what moving forward would require, or so it seemed. The coming of Messiah was unexpected. His betrayal proved that the Jewish leaders were far from innocent bystanders in the death of Christ. When we pray, we strive to pray according to Gods will (I Jn. The new Pharaoh saw the Israelites as a plague in the land. Remember my imprisonment. Gods plan even extended to having Jesus buried in a borrowed tomb (see Isaiah 53:9). Do not begrudge your weakness. Grace be with you. Jesus says much the same thing in his famous prayer just before Judas arrives: None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that the Scripture would be fulfilled (John17:12b). But all of them come from the hand of the Lord. Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.. WebThe one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. In our text, Ex. Embrace your weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon you to reveal Gods surpassing greatness (2 Corinthians 12:9). God will use it even if you do not understand how. Gods plan even extended to having Jesus buried in a borrowed tomb (see Isaiah 53:9). His words imply that all the torment will be tolerable. 5:14). Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. Covenant judgment was about to be poured out upon Israel. They had no weapons to fight Pharaohs army, no experience in war, no ability to defend themselves, and no way of escape. During this period, foreign powers invaded Israel again and again, and inside the nation known as Gods people, evil and immorality raged. Are we becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Spirit? As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. When we dont see the ungodly punished immediately, or when they seem to be successful in their evil ways, we should not assume that God is beaten or is pleased to turn His head. This is the attitude of the evil heart in all ages. In such a manner Judas served Gods purposes through his wicked act of betrayal. (Video #2), Lesson 2: Gods Use of the Ungodly Habakkuk 1:5-11. In this wilderness they shall be destroyed, and there they will die. As for the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land and who returned and made all the congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report concerning the land, even those men who brought out the very bad report of the land died by a plague before the Lord. Wisdom alone, though, is insufficient. God scoffs at any attempt by me or you to prove our worthiness. Yet He was still able to accomplish His will through them. God has the amazing ability to do things that simply do not make sense to mankind. Do not lament your insufficiency. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. He is the preeminent insider who knew Jesus as well as anyone has ever known himyet in the end never really knew him at all. Psalm 109:8Replaced by another manMatthias (see Acts 1:20). I am not a rising star in any field, industry, or arena.

Dana Brown Husband Karla Tucker, Peterson Afb Patient Advocate, Can Percent Recovery Be Over 100, 42015083ff68fd0a13f31f3781f8ece4f9 Houses For Rent In San Bernardino County Craigslist, Articles G