NOVEMBER 8 - IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR
READ 2 Thessalonians 3
We are to hold other Christians accountable for the integrity of their lifestyles.
INSIGHT
Past generations of Christians have been guilty of excess in judging other people. The
Inquisition and the Salem witch trials are glaring examples, but other examples abound
throughout history. Today we live in an age of greater understanding and acceptance, which is certainly preferable - unless it degenerates into careless acceptance of things which are clearly wrong - in which case the pendulum swings too far the other way. We are to be tolerant of debatable things, but clear sin is to be dealt with. “Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly” (v. 6).
PRAYER
Praise your heavenly Father for being the perfect Judge:
Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord:
Lord God of Israel,
Enthroned between the cherubim,
You are God — you alone —
Of all the kingdoms of the earth.
You made the heavens and the earth
(2 Kings 19:15).
He said:
Lord God of Israel,
There is no God like you
In heaven above or on earth below,
Who keeps the gracious covenant
With your servants who walk before you
With all their heart
(1 Kings 8:23).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
My soul, bless the Lord,
And all that is within me,
Bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the Lord,
And do not forget all his benefits.
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.
My soul, bless the Lord!
(Psalm 103:1-2, 22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on (2 Chronicles 16:9).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12).
We are to hold other Christians accountable for the integrity of their lifestyles.
INSIGHT
Past generations of Christians have been guilty of excess in judging other people. The
Inquisition and the Salem witch trials are glaring examples, but other examples abound
throughout history. Today we live in an age of greater understanding and acceptance, which is certainly preferable - unless it degenerates into careless acceptance of things which are clearly wrong - in which case the pendulum swings too far the other way. We are to be tolerant of debatable things, but clear sin is to be dealt with. “Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly” (v. 6).
PRAYER
Praise your heavenly Father for being the perfect Judge:
Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord:
Lord God of Israel,
Enthroned between the cherubim,
You are God — you alone —
Of all the kingdoms of the earth.
You made the heavens and the earth
(2 Kings 19:15).
He said:
Lord God of Israel,
There is no God like you
In heaven above or on earth below,
Who keeps the gracious covenant
With your servants who walk before you
With all their heart
(1 Kings 8:23).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
My soul, bless the Lord,
And all that is within me,
Bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the Lord,
And do not forget all his benefits.
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.
My soul, bless the Lord!
(Psalm 103:1-2, 22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on (2 Chronicles 16:9).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater love for other Christians
- Missionaries in Europe
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12).
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