Bible Pathway - June 26
Read Psalms 1 – 9
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Ps. 1:1).
The Word of God is very clear about the relationship that we as believers should have with those who do not follow the Lord. We are not to tie ourselves closely in any way with an unbeliever. This includes any type of close partnership. That means business as well as personal. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Cor. 6:14).
This is not to say we are to completely avoid unbelievers. This is not even to say we cannot befriend unbelievers. The Word of God teaches quite the opposite. We are to reach out to unbelievers and show compassion to those who don't have a relationship with Christ. Jesus himself set the example for this, time and time again. The Pharisees even questioned Him for being with sinners, but He showed them why this was part of his ministry. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:10-13).
Many may use today's verse and others like it to say we need to completely separate ourselves from sinners. That is clearly not what the Scripture is saying. Without the believers sharing Christ, how is the world to know of His marvelous grace?
The Scriptures are simply giving a warning about seeking advice from unbelievers. We should never seek counsel from anyone who does not walk with the Lord. This should make total sense to the believer. Why would we seek advice from someone who is not and never has walked the same path that we are walking? It would be like asking someone who just moved to your town from another country for local directions. They have no clue as to the way you need to go. Obviously, the unbeliever does not seek God's approval in their decisions. The believer should always be looking to the Lord for the way to go.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
Thought for Today:
To be blessed of God we need to meditate on the Word of God day and night.
Word Studies:
2:2 Anointed (One), Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing, lies.
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Ps. 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray and then obediently do what God says (1 Chron. 14:14-16).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Lamentations 3:22-23
