MEMORISE:
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Proverbs 21:6
READ: Proverbs 6:16-19
6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
MESSAGE
There are many things that people do that hinder their progress in life or even permanently destroy their destiny. We shall be discussing seven of these today. From today's Bible text, these seven include a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies and a person who sows discord among brethren. These all are abominable in the sight of God because of the great negative impact they have on the lives of others. For example, a proud look demeans a fellow human being, which can bring about low self-esteem, which in turn has led several people to commit suicide. In other words, a person can cause the death of another through pride. In addition, a liar is not better than a murderer. The story of Joseph proves this. But for the mercy of God, the lie Potiphar's wife told against Joseph could have cost him his life, because it is a grievous thing indeed for a slave to attempt to rape his mater's wife. Those who lie against their fellow human beings will not go unpunished by God unless they repent. Proverbs 26:28 says:
"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
Another abomination is nursing wicked and evil thoughts. Such thoughts, more often than not, lead to acts which the perpetrator might live to regret, like crimes of passion for example. For this reason, Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22a:
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:"
Mischief-makers are in danger of God's judgement, and those who profit from the misfortune of others will not go unpunished. This also applies to those who bear false witness for any reason whatsoever (Exodus 20:16). The seventh abomination is the one that is common in the household of faith: sowing seeds of discord among brethren. This abomination is so deadly that it can set a whole church ablaze and give room for the devil to freely operate among the brethren because they are no longer walking in agreement. In Mark 3:25, the Lord said a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. No wonder Paul said we should look out for and avoid the so-called "brethren" who cause division in the Church (Romans 16:17). Beloved, God is warning us against these seven deadly abominations today. Repent if are involved in any of them.
ACTION POINT:
Examine yourself to see if you exhibit any of these seven abominations in your character and repent of it.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 12-13, Daniel 6:14-28
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 2: OH JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED
1 O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend.
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