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Basic Bible Study Course

Able, Willing and Obedient

LESSON #11, PART 1 ABLE

1. Able to be saved
2. Able to serve (qualified)
3. Ability
4. Able to build God a house
5. Able to win souls
How can we be In Christ?
Hardened Hearts
Power of Persuasion
6. Able to fight in God's army
7. Able to stand
8. Able: for God is with you
9. God is able
10. Not able
11. Are ye able?
Faith
Suffering
Hearing
Prayer and the Holy Ghost, Taught.

Definitions are taken from Webster's Dictionary.

Regeneration means spiritually reborn, completely reformed or improved, re-established on a new basis. Impart means to pass along, make known. Effectual means producing a result.

1. ABLE TO BE SAVED
You need to study God's word on the plan of salvation and about repentance if you have not already done it. Read Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Timothy 3:15, John 3:16, and Hebrews 7:25. Refer to the salvation lesson series. We are ABLE to become the sons of God (John 1:12-13). REMEMBER that although we are able to become the children of God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can backslide. Read Ezekiel 33:12 and all Chapter 33. Read the book of James. WORTHY: If you are saved, you are cleansed from past sins (Hebrews 10:17). Read Col. 3:10 & Acts 10:34.

2. ABLE TO SERVE
Our ability to serve God comes from God. Ability means a being able; power to do something physical or mental. Qualified means having met conditions or requirements set. It also means experienced, prepared, skillful, or trained. When we get saved, which is a requirement for serving God, we are to start working in his kingdom. As a babe in Christ, we are yet untrained and inexperienced. READ 1 Cor. 3:1-3.

First Timothy 3:6 tells us not to let a novice take care of the church of God. You must grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Study to show yourselves approved unto God, so you can rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As you seek him, he will show you how and where and when to work for him. God setteth up one and putteth down another (Psalm 75:7). God does this as HE sees fit. God knows the hearts (1 Chronicles 28:9, John 2:25, & 1 John 3:20). Read Hebrews 5:13-14.

Of course, rejecting sin in your life and overcoming the devil is your first duty. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13. If you don't have the baptism of the Holy Ghost, seek God for it. Study about the Holy Ghost in God's Word to see WHY you need it for service to God. If we are born again we are the servants of God. Jesus gave us authority against the devil and gave us work to do (Mark 13:34 & Luke 10:19).

ABLE TO BE IN AUTHORITY - (Are you able to discern right from wrong and make godly decisions for yourself and others?) Read 1 Kings 3:9, Ezekiel 44:23-24, Malachi 3:18, Hebrews 5:13-14. In Exodus Chapter 18 Moses was alone in the judging of the people of Israel. His father in law advised him wisely (Exodus 18:20-22). One cannot do all the work. Read Matthew 7:28-29. We must remain teachable if we want to grow in Christ. Luke 19:47 says Jesus taught daily in the temple. We need to learn daily. Read John 6:44-45 and John 7:14-18.

You can read in Luke 2:42-51 how when Jesus was 12 years old, he stayed behind at the temple. His parents found him sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking questions. He was willing then to be busy about his Father's business, BUT was obedient to the commandment that says to obey your parents. Verse 52 says Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man! Because he was willing AND obedient, he was ABLE later to do what God had called him to do! Jesus is our example. In John 8:28 Jesus said that "as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." We must also be taught. Read Acts 20:20, Galatians 6:6, Colossians 2:7, and 1 John 2:27.

We should prepare ourselves for service to God. Read 2 Timothy 2:19-26 and Luke 12:47. When we are fully prepared to do service to God (Ephesians 6:14), we can make a people prepared to meet the Lord, as John the Baptist did. Read Psalm 10:17 & Luke 1:17. We need to prove to the Lord that we are ABLE to handle authority (given to us by him) by being WILLING and OBEDIENT and RESPONSIBLE.

Read Matthew 7:28-29. The religious leaders asked Jesus where he got his authority to do what he did (Matthew 21:23). Read John 10:25. God gave Jesus authority. The authority Christ gives us is through faith in HIS NAME. Read Acts 4:10 and John 14:12-15. Do you see how being ABLE to have authority in the name of Jesus is connected with being OBEDIENT to Him? Read 1 John 5:12-15 about the name of Jesus.

God gave Jesus authority and power. When we please and obey God, Jesus will also give us authority and power of God for service to him. Read Luke 9:1. Read Luke 19:11-27. If we want authority to work for Christ, we must show ourselves FAITHFUL AND RESPONSIBLE, not being slothful or untrustworthy. WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US BY GOD? (Micah 6:8, Heb. 11:6, & Deu. 10:12-13)

3. ABILITY:
(5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (6) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 12:7, 1 Chronicles 29:14, and 1 Timothy 1:12. Don't try to minister in your OWN ability; you will fail.

4. ABLE TO BUILD GOD A HOUSE
Each Holy Ghost filled believer in Christ Jesus is a temple of the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19). All of us together make up a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:1-5). Solomon realized that our great God who created us, the earth, and all the universe, could not be contained in a building (2 Chronicles 2:6). Read Hebrews 3:1-6 where it says, ". . . whose house are we. . . ." Read Nehemiah 4:10. These men were trying to rebuild the temple of God. They faced many hindrances and dangers, but they accomplished their task because God was working with them and for them. Even the heathen had to admit that it was the work of God. Read Nehemiah 6:15-16.

5. ABLE TO WIN SOULS
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21:15. Read Acts 6:9-10.

The Holy Ghost can lead you where to witness so that you will catch fish (win souls to God). Jesus told them he would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19 & Mark 1:17). Read Matthew 13:3-9 about the seed (word of God) falling on the different types of ground. When the seed fell on good ground, it grew and also brought forth fruit. Jesus explained the parable in Verses 18-23. Then he showed them an example with real fish. Read John 21:3-17. Luke 5:5 tells about another time they were fishing. They had toiled all the night, and had taken nothing. Nevertheless at the word of Jesus, they let down the net. Verse six says that when they did, they caught a multitude of fishes. Following and obeying Jesus makes the difference! You will be able to help others if you are IN CHRIST (Colossians 3:3-4). Read Romans 8:1-11.

(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:4-7.

A. HOW CAN WE BE IN CHRIST?
Read and study Romans 8:10, Colossians 3:3, and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Read Colossians 1:27-28 and then Hebrews 6:1 about going on to perfection. 2 Timothy 2:1 says, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." We will be able to win souls if we are born again, living and abiding in Christ, because then we have enough for ourselves, and an overflow of Christ in us to touch others. We've got to be IN CHRIST and need the MIND OF CHRIST (Philippians 2:5 and 1 Corinthians 2:16.). Second Corinthians 5:17 says that if we be in Christ we are become a new creature. Regeneration means spiritually reborn, completely reformed or improved, re-established on a new basis. Read Titus 3:5.

Read and try to memorize 2 Corinthians 1:4 and Philemon 1:6. Remember, effectual means producing a result! Use what you've got and have revival. If you want to study further about IN CHRIST, you can read these scriptures: Romans 6:1-12, Romans 8:1-10, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Timothy 1:14, 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:13, 2 Timothy 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 3:16, Romans 13:14.

B. HARDENED HEARTS. Read Jeremiah 18:1-6 and Romans 9:18-21 about the potter and the clay. He changes us if we aren't too hard, and makes us into a vessel unto honor (2 Timothy 2:19-21). You have to be WILLING to be remolded into his image. If the fire hardens clay, it will not reshape. Stay willing to be changed by the LORD (2 Cor. 3:18). If you STAY IN CHRIST, then you must stay pliable (like the soft clay) and obedient to the will of God. You must not harden your heart against God, or you will sin. If you continue to be stiff necked and hard hearted, without repentance, you will go to hell. You can harden your own heart against God (Job 9:40). God can harden your heart to where you don't fear him (Isaiah 63:17 & Deuteronomy 3:30). Stay yielded to God and molded into the image of his Son so that when fiery trials come, you will be hardened into a strong vessel against sin and evil. Read Ezekiel 3:7-11. God made Ezekiel's forehead harder than flint so he could face the evil opposition! Isaiah 50:7 speaks about Jesus and how he set his face like flint.

Hebrews 3:8 says, "Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:" This world is a wilderness to us. We are strangers and pilgrims here. Read Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11, Matthew 26:41 & Romans 8:18). Read about Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus. For more on hard hearts: read 2 Chronicles 36:13, Daniel 5:20, 1 Samuel 6:6 (hardened their own heart), John 12:40, Psalm 95:8, Hebrews 3:15, Hebrews 4:7, Mark 6:52, & Mark 8:17.

C. POWER OF PERSUASION.
Have you practiced winning souls? Are you able to teach others how to win souls? Read 2 Tim. 2:2. Memorize Titus 1:9. Read Acts 6:9-10. Have YOU proved the Lord to be true and faithful? How can you persuade someone of any thing that you are not persuaded about yourself? Read 2 Peter 1:10 about making your calling and election sure. Read 2 Peter 1:1-12. Remember, King Agrippa said to Paul, "ALMOST THOU PERSUADEST ME TO BE A CHRISTIAN" (Acts 26:28). That applies to you first and when you are established IN CHRIST, then you will encounter it when you try to witness to others. Romans 10:16 tells us that all will not obey the gospel, but 2 Corinthians 5:11 teaches that we, knowing the terror of the Lord, persuade men to get saved. Read 2 Timothy 1:12. Romans 4:21 says, "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

6. ABLE TO FIGHT IN GOD'S ARMY
Read Ephesians Chapter 6. Memorize 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. Read John 8:29, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, and John 8:29. We are able to FIGHT and to KILL out sin in our lives! Read Romans 8:13. These were the words of the giant Goliath to the army of Israel:

If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. 1 Samuel 17:9.

Numbers 13:30-31 says, "(30) And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. (31) But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." Read Numbers 13:27-33 and Chapter 14. Numbers 14:16 tells us the Lord was not able to bring them into the promised land. They had fear and unbelief and they murmured. Even after all he had done for them before and since they left Egypt, they would not believe that he would fight for them against the enemy in Canaan. We have been warned by their example.

7. ABLE TO STAND
You can read in 1 Samuel 5 & 6 how the ark of the Lord had been captured and the enemy was sending it back. The Lord smote the men of Bethshemesh because they looked into the ark of the LORD (read 1 Samuel 6:19-20). If you want to get close to God and the things of God, walk softly and humbly before the Lord (read what wicked King Ahab did in 1 Kings 21:27 and the verses surrounding). If you want to stand and not be smitten by the Lord, obey him. Read Romans 14:4, John 10:29, and Hebrews 2:18 (succour means help or assistance.) Read all of Ephesians 6. Jesus is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24). He will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read Romans 5:1-2 and Revelation 6:17.

(4) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (5) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.

8. ABLE: FOR GOD IS WITH YOU. AND HIS SPIRIT IS IN YOU if you have the Holy Ghost.
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. Joshua 14:12.

Read Philippians 4:11-13. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above measure, because of the abundance of revelations given to him by God. When he sought the Lord about it, the Lord answered him. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. In Verse 9 God told him his grace was sufficient for him. 1 John 4:4 promises that greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. John 3:2 tells us that no man can do the miracles Jesus did except God be with him. Read Matthew 17:20, Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37, Mark 9:23, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:17, Zechariah 4:6, John 15:4-7, Daniel 4:18, Philippians 3:21, and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23. Read Luke 18:27.

(28) Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31.

9. GOD IS ABLE
God is able to save from sin, deliver us from the devil in every situation, to make us sons of God, to make us overcomers, and much more, IF we will go God's way. Read Hebrews 13:8, Hebrews Chapter 11, Daniel 3:17-18, Romans 4:21, 2 Timothy 1:12.

(20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

You can read about Daniel when he was thrown in the lion's den for praying to God in Daniel Chapter 6. In Verse 20 the king cried with a lamentable voice and asked Daniel if his God was able to deliver him from the lions. Verse 23 tells us that no manner of hurt was found upon him because he believed in his God! Daniel told the king God sent his angel and shut the lion's mouths because innocency was found in him (Daniel 6:22). Read Hebrews 7:25 and 2 Cor. 9:8. Read Daniel Chapter 4 (Verse 37 particularly) where Nebuchadnezzar, because of his pride, was turned into a beast for seven years and God let his reason return. Read Proverbs 16:6. Read Philippians 3:21 again.

God has continually brought a people out of a people. He chooses those who will obey him. He has given us commandments and has made us able to obey them (1 John 5:3-5). He is even able to raise up children from stones (Mat. 3:9). God can do anything, BUT ARE WE ABLE TO BELIEVE HIM? Read Matthew 13:58 and Psalm 78:19. Matthew 9:28-29 says, "(28) And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. (29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you."

10. NOT ABLE
There are some things we cannot do. Read Luke 12:26. There are some things we are not able to do unless God is working with us, confirming the word (Mark 16:15-20). Second Timothy Chapter 3 speaks of the last days. Verse 5 tells us that men shall have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. Look at 2 Timothy 3:7, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Some will not go the way of true godliness and holiness to gain the power of God they need in their lives to have the ministry like Jesus had. Some are not able to enter in to heaven because they are not willing to endure to the end. There is only ONE way (John 14:6 and John 10:7-10). Romans 8:37-39 is a great promise to the believers, but we will NOT BE ABLE to obtain the promises of God if we sin (Isaiah 59:2 and Luke 13:24).

Read Luke 14:29-35. If you sin, repent, and continue to serve God. We must believe in his saving power. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith we are not able to overcome the devil. After we get faith, our works will show it (James 2:18-26).

YOU WILL BE TOLD YOU ARE NOT ABLE.
You will be told by devils and by people that you are not able to do _______ for God. You fill in the blank with what you try to do for God, from living for him to dying for him, and any thing in between. There are plenty of "Job's comforters." David, a man after God's own heart, whom GOD had chosen, had those who told him he was "not able" to fight the giant. Some will tell you that you can't do something for God because they are jealous (want glory but not pay the price) and some are backslid (knew the power of God and somewhere backed up). Some are bound by their own unbelief. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 17. Saul told David he was not able to fight the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17:33), but in 1 Samuel 17:37 David answered him:

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 1 Samuel 17:37.

Read in 2 Kings Chapter 6 where the servant knew they were not able to get victory from what he could SEE. God opened his spiritual eyes and he could see that there were more with them than were with the enemy. Read also 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. God can do the impossible and make us ABLE through Him. Read the controversy in Numbers 13:30-31.

11. ARE YE ABLE?
FAITH: There are some whose heart God has touched and they desire to work for God. Many of these would GO if they knew for SURE that the way (finances, situations, health, etc.) was completely provided and worked out for them. We are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) we continue in that faith (Acts 14:22 & Colossians 1:22-23) and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, in order to be ABLE to work for God, we must have faith. We believe Jesus for salvation and should also believe him for the Holy Ghost, healing, miracles, all his word and all his promises, the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith without works is dead. Our faith in God makes us able to work for Him. Read and memorize 1 John 5:4.

SUFFERING: Are you able to suffer like Jesus did? Are you willing? Jesus said he would put no more on us than we could bear. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read Matthew 20:22-23.

HEARING: Are ye able to hear and understand the word of God? Read Matthew 13:15, Mark 4:33, and Acts 28:27. Hearing and understanding things which pertain to the Lord are important because it can mean life or death (John 5:24-25). Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. Read 2 Timothy 4:2-4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:10 about itching ears and then about the love of the truth.

PRAYER AND THE HOLY GHOST:
God is faithful to help us and to make us able to do what he has told us to do! The Holy Ghost gives power for service (Acts 1:8 & Jude 1:20). Peter told Jesus in Mark 14:31 that if he should die with him, he would not deny him in any wise. Likewise said they all. Jesus knew Peter was weak. He knew Peter would deny him (Verse 30). We must watch and pray. Read Mark 14:38. Seek and get the Holy Ghost baptism.

(40) And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? (41) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:40-41.

TAUGHT: Are you qualified to work for God? You don't have to have a good education or wealth. You need to know and serve Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to study to show ourselves approved unto God, being workmen that need not be ashamed. If God approves of you, you are qualified. Studying is just part of it. Listening to and obeying God is required. Disobedience is sin and brings judgment.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

These men were ignorant according to the world's standards. They were NOT ignorant of the knowledge of God and his power. Read Romans 10:1-3. We are not supposed to remain ignorant of God's word. Read 2 Corinthians 2:11. 2 Peter 3:5 speaks of some being willingly ignorant. That is not of God. Remember Titus 1:9 and 1 John 2:27. Read Romans 15:14.

When we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost it will teach us that we be not ignorant of the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). Are ye able? Study God's word. Acts 20:32 tells us that God is able to build you up. We need wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. King Solomon pleased God by what he asked for. Read 2 Chronicles 1:10-12. He wanted wisdom and knowledge to be able to judge the people. Jesus pleased God (John 8:29). We must please God for him to work with us as in Mark 16:15-20.

BE CALLED AND SENT BY GOD, not man
Remember Isaiah's vision? Read Isaiah 6:1-8. First, he purged Isaiah and took away his iniquity. Then he asked who would go. Isaiah of his own free will answered "send me." Jesus asked a disciple if he was able to drink of the cup he drank of (Mat. 20:22). He wanted to know if he could pay the price necessary for what he asked. JESUS WAS ABLE to fulfill all the will of God for his life on this earth. On the cross he said, ". . . It is finished. . . ." (John 19:30). He has the authority to send us as God sent him, and He is making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). John 20:21, "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.

Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Read Verses 8 & 9. See how God's working and reward for service is opposite to the Devil's? God promises eternal life but sin brings death (James 1:15).

TIMING IS IMPORTANT
There are times that timing is extremely important when God deals with you to do something. God may deal with you about something and it may come to pass in a few days, or it may be years. We want God's perfect will in all things. Sometimes we must wait for it. When he shows something to us, we may not be ABLE to have or accomplish the thing right then (he knows the reason). All things work TOGETHER for good to them that love the Lord (Romans 8:28). Timing can be as important as your ability, your willingness, and your obedience.

God had a time for the Israelites to go into the promised land. Until that certain time, which GOD chose, they were unable to go in. WHEN that chosen time came, they were unwilling, unable, and disobedient because of fear of the enemy and lack of faith that God would help them to go in. God told them they would bear their iniquities (Numbers 14:34). Verse 39 said the people mourned greatly. THEN they decided they would go in at THEIR WILL AND THEIR TIME.

(40) And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. (41) And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. (42) Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. (44) But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. (45) Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah. Numbers 14:40-42 & 44-45.

It was too late for them to obtain that promise. They feared the enemy, griped against God and God's leaders, and disobeyed God. Read 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15. The same thing will happen to us if we go and try to do something out of God's will and timing. We MUST fast and pray and seek God with all our hearts. We will fail if we do not seek God!!!

Remember, we're still talking about timing. The Israelites presumed to go after the Lord had already pronounced judgment on them for their disobedience. PRESUME: to take upon oneself without permission or authority, to take something for granted. Just because you have known and received the many mercies of God, don't sin on purpose and expect God to forgive you. Let the fear of God keep you from sin. Never take it for granted that you are able to do any thing just because you have known deep things of God. David was a man after God's own heart, but sinned terribly, knowing better. He repented and was forgiven, but the prophet told him that the sword would never depart from his house, evil would be raised up in his household, and his son would die because of his sin (2 Samuel 12:9-14). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Psalm 19:13.

Read 2 Peter 2:10 and Deuteronomy 18:20. Esau sold his birthright for a morsel of meat. Remember that AFTERWARD, Esau found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Hebrews 12:16-17). Timing is important BUT remember also that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). If you fail to obey the first time, seek God and overcome. We are able to obtain the promises of God and eternal life if we endure to the end.

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