Theme: SELF APPRAISAL
Text: ‘Now all these things happened unto them for example: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world have come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall’ – 1 Corinthians 10: 11,12.
Comment: The history of the Jews is replete with unrighteous deeds by which they provoked the Almighty God to anger, ‘But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.’ All of those things happened as examples for us upon whom the end of the world has come. The way of salvation is a difficult one, because no one is free to do as he pleases. The laws of God are strict against the indecent and disorderly. – 1 Corinthians 10: 1-9; 35: 8; 1 Corinthians 14: 33, 40; 1 John 5: 3.
The Holy Bible foretold of ‘perilous times’ in these last days. (2 Timothy 3: 1-9) Since the first World War of 1914 – 1918, things have really gone from bad to worse. It is getting clearer by the hour that we need the help of God to be able to stand in these evil times. We have to learn from the examples laid down in the Scriptures to cultivate godly virtues for which God will have mercy on us and save us in the end. (Ephesians 6: 10-18) Apostle Peter enumerated these qualities to include diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. Furthermore, he warned: ‘Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall…” – 2 Peter 1: 5-11.