AUGUST 2020 LESSONS IN LIVING

AUGUST 2020 LESSONS IN LIVING

WEEK ONE

We may put our trust is certain highly educated men by letting them study for us, and then accept all their reasonings. However, the Lord warns us: “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God…the LORD, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.” – Psa. 146:3-7. The people of Berea had it right (Acts 17:11).

 

WEEK TWO

If our religion is constantly accompanied by human perception there will always be lingering doubts and likely, we will never have a strong conviction about God’s way. The only solution to such doubts is reading and learning to live by the word of God. The psalmist said: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word…I have hidden your word in my heart…I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psa 119:9-16).

 

WEEK THREE

It is not enough to just be religious and well-intentioned. Fellowship with God only comes when we abide in His son’s doctrine – which requires knowing the truth (Jno 8:32) and making it the standard we follow in all things. The apostle taught: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 1:9-11).

 

WEEK FOUR

The world usually defines love as something purely physical – emotional, erotic, etc. However, Bible love (agape) is defined by scholars as benevolence and goodwill. It is the essential motive of life: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).