Improve Your View
Series: Right in God's Eyes
August 06, 2023
Frank Foreman
Ephesians 2:8-9... For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ---------- The Israelites during the period of the Judges struggled mightily with following and worshiping God as the singular definitive Creator and Father. At times, they would abandon him altogether to worship false Gods. Other times, they would group him as "just another one of the gods" they served. ---------- Obviously, this had a detrimental effect on their relationship with God and broke the covenant they had with Him to serve and worship Him only. The primary consequence was they were no longer under His divine protection and were fodder for the nations around them to oppress them. ---------- However, a secondary consequence was that they struggled to keep in focus what God desired and required of them in service, worship, and commitment. They were influenced greatly by the culture of the peoples around them and it affected how they saw God and his expectations of them. ---------- The clear warning for us is to not allow our culture to dictate or modify our understanding and devotion to God. The Scriptures teach us who He is and His expectations of us in worship, morality, commitment, etc.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: Our choices are influenced by our view.
Jephthah was more shaped by the culture’s view of God….
Than the Word of God.
Deuteronomy 18:9-10a, When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering….
Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
1. Culture’s view of God is contrary to God’s Word.
(Journal) Judges 11:30-31
(Journal) Judges 11:34
Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. Culture’s view of salvation conflicts with God’s grace.
(Journal) Judges 11:35
(Journal) Judges 11:39a
Romans 12:1, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
3. Culture’s view of deliverance corrupts God’s plan.
(Journal) Judges 12:4a
(Journal) Judges 12:6b
Romans 11:36, For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.
Next Step: Improve your view and make better choices.
A Christian worldview comes only from the Bible….
And affects every area of life.
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