with all the tools we need to become good people doing good things. God provides for us thoroughly, so that we are not lacking anything that would assist us. ‘The Lord is on my side.’ Psalm 118:6. God teaches us, He points out our problems, He corrects us, and instructs us how to be good through and through, so that the things we do are only good things. All this in turn brings honour and glory to God in a world that opposes Him.
Q6 Who took the initiative to help Adam and Eve, the first members of the human race, when they had sinned and were afraid?
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? Genesis 3:8,9.
Q7 What invitation does God give to us today when we are trouble?
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
NOTE: God knows we feel ashamed and guilty when we have done wrong. He knows we long to be better people. Many of us make resolutions to do things differently, but in just a few hours, because we have made our own plans, those things we promised to ourselves are broken. Our sense of hopelessness increases. Or we can be caught out by a temptation to sin that has seemed too strong for us. In whatever situation we find ourselves God invites us to go to Him to find mercy and understanding, and not only that, but His gift of grace to help us in our time of need.
Q8 Through whose living example are we shown the good way to live?
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed Himself to him that judgeth righteously. 1 Peter 2:21-23
NOTE: When Jesus came to earth to live among us, He chose to live as a sheep, to experience life from our side of the fold, to help us, identify with us, and to be an example to us. He said, John 5:30, ‘I can of mine own self do nothing.’ That is how it is with us too. We can do nothing towards a better life except choose to follow the Good Shepherd.
Q9 How closely does God bring us to Himself when we choose to turn from our old life to follow a new way?
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20,21
NOTE: In giving Jesus to our world to die and take the penalty for our sins, God has opened a covenant with sinners. In this covenant we look to God for everything that He has promised. To do this we in turn use the faith He has put in each one of us to take Him at His word (we find His Word find in the Bible). ‘According as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith’ Romans 12:3. God’s part of the covenant is to keep |
