Sermon:Understanding what the Almighty hates
◇A proud look speaks to arrogance and self-exaltation, which can lead to conflict and disregard for others.
◇A lying tongue is the spreading of falsehoods, which undermines trust and damages relationships.
◇Hands that shed innocent blood refers to murder or harm done to the innocent.
◇A heart that devises wicked plans speaks to intentional wrongdoing or scheming to harm others.
◇Feet that are swift to run to evil refers to those who eagerly pursue sin or injustice.
◇A false witness who speaks lies involves giving false testimony, which can corrupt justice and harm reputations.
◇One who sows discord among brethren indicates causing division or conflict within communities or relationships, which disrupts harmony.
SEVEN THINGS THE ALMIGHTY DISAPPROVES OF
1)A PROUD LOOK is more than just an outward expression; it reveals a deep inner attitude of arrogance, self-reliance, and a lack of humility.
□ A proud look is connected to self-praise and arrogance:The proud person praises himself with his own mouth and lips.A proud look is often a reflection of someone who is puffed up with their own importance and gives little thought to others.
-Proverbs 27:2,"Let another man praise you,and not your own mouth;A stranger,and not your own lips.
□ Pride is the root of shame:A proud look often leads to a sense of superiority that ultimately results in a fall from grace or status.
- Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes shame."
□ God resists the proud:A proud look reflects a heart of arrogance and independence from God. When someone displays a proud look, it signals an attitude that resists God's authority, and the result is that God Himself actively opposes that person.
- James 4:6, "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble."
□Pride is foolish:The bible compares a proud person to a fool, implying that those who exalt themselves are blind to their own folly.
- Proverbs 26:12,"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him."
□Pride brings destruction:The proud look is a sign of arrogance, which blinds the person to the inevitable downfall that will come from such an attitude.
-Proverbs 16:18,"Pride goes before destruction,and a Haughty spirit before a fall."
□Pride downgrades and leads to spiritual downfall:While a proud person may appear elevated or self-assured, their pride eventually leads to their downfall, not only in their relationships but in their spiritual life as well.
- Proverbs 29:23 says, "A man's pride brings him low."
□Pride is an abomination to the Lord:A proud look, therefore, signifies a heart that is filled with pride ,an attitude that God detests.
- Proverbs 16:5 , "Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord."
□Pride reflects a lack of fear of God: A proud person, through their look and attitude, does not fear the Lord or submit to His wisdom. Instead, they trust in their own understanding and reject God’s authority
- Proverbs 8:13 ,"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.".
□The pride of life is of the world:A proud look often signifies someone who is caught up in the fleeting values of this world, chasing status, wealth, or power instead of seeking the kingdom of God.
- 1 John 2:16 ,"For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes,and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world."
2)LYING TONGUE:A lying tongue is associated with the devil and is a reflection of deceit, causing harm to relationships, communities, and one’s standing with God.
□Lying is associated with the devil:Just as Satan is known as the father of lies, those who engage in lying are walking in alignment with his deceitful ways. A lying tongue reflects a heart that is not aligned with the truth of God.
-John 8:44, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."
□Lies are fleeting and temporary:Lies may seem effective in the short term, but they do not endure. Truth, on the other hand, is lasting. A lying tongue may create temporary gains but will ultimately be exposed, leading to its downfall.
-Proverbs 12:19,"The truthful lips shall be established forever,But a lying tongue is but for a moment. "
□Lying deceives and causes harm:A lying tongue deceives others, leading to strife, distrust, and division. Lying harms relationships and brings chaos to communities, as it undermines the trust that is essential for peace and harmony.
-Proverbs 24:28, "Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,For would you deceive with your lips?"
□Lying brings consequences:A lying tongue leads to inevitable punishment and destruction.
◇A person who speaks lies will not escape.
-Proverbs 19:5,"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape."
◇A person who speaks lies shall perish.
-Proverbs 19:9,"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish."
□Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: Lying disrupts the moral order that God has established and goes against His righteousness.
-Proverbs 12:22, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight."
□Liars have no place in God's presence: God is holy and cannot tolerate falsehood in His presence. Those who practice deceit and lies will find themselves excluded from fellowship with God, as lying is incompatible with His nature.
-Psalm 101:7, "He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence."
□All liars shall end up in the lake of fire:Liars, along with other wicked individuals, face eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.
-Revelation 21:8, "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
3)HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD.
The shedding of innocent blood is considered a heinous crime in God's eyes, one that disrupts the sanctity of life and brings destruction upon both the perpetrator and the land.
□God will not forgive those who shed innocent blood: It shows that God holds individuals accountable for such actions, and, the shedding of innocent blood is a sin that cannot be forgiven.
-2 Kings 24:4, "And also because of the innocent blood that he shed, for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the Lord would not pardon."
□God judges those who shed blood: God’s judgment is inevitable for those who commit acts of violence and bloodshed.
-Ezekiel 16:38, "I will judge you as women who break wedlock or shed blood are judged; I will bring blood upon you in fury and jealousy."
□The Lord’s fury is poured out on those who shed blood:The shedding of innocent blood provokes God's fury. Bloodshed not only violates the sanctity of life but also defiles the land and invites God's wrath upon it.
-Ezekiel 36:18, "Therefore I poured out my fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it."
□The land of those who shed innocent blood becomes desolate:When innocent blood is shed, it brings a curse upon the land. The consequences of violence and bloodshed lead to desolation and devastation.
-Joel 3:19, "Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom a desolate wilderness, because of violence against the people of Judah, For they have shed innocent blood in their land."
□The Lord requires the blood of those shed from the foundations of the world:The shedding of innocent blood, especially that of God's servants and prophets, has a long-standing impact, and God will hold the guilty accountable for the bloodshed throughout history.
-Luke 11:50, "That the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation."
4)A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED PLANS: Such people devise evil plot against others so that they will not succeed. They devise evil plots, stir up wars,plan wickedness and scheme iniquity against others.The Bible condemns such hearts because they contradict God’s law of love, truth, and justice.
□ Some people actively plan and devise wickedness. These individuals spend time thinking about their evil deeds and then carry them out once they have devised them. They lie awake scheming and plotting, and carry out their plans without remorse or hesitation.
-Micah 2:1, "Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand."
□ Some people appear peaceful and kind outwardly but have evil intentions in their hearts. They speak peace to others while secretly plotting wickedness. They devise wicked plans and aims to deceive others, presenting a false image while harboring malice or harm within.
-Psalm 28:3,"Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts."
□ Some people devise evil plots against others and may plan harm, but their plans ultimately fail because God does not allow them to succeed. God frustrates the schemes of the wicked and thwart their plans.
-Psalm 21:11, "For they intended evil against you; they devised a plot which they are not able to perform."
□A desire for swift and unchecked sin, often due to a belief that judgment will not come quickly.
The heart of the wicked becomes set on doing evil, and they rush to commit their iniquities, believing they will escape without repercussion
-Ecclesiastes 8:11, "Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."
5)FEET THAT ARE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO EVIL. These individuals not only plan evil but also actively seek out opportunities to carry it out.
□An obsessive desire to harm others:Evil is in their hearts, driving them to act quickly and without hesitation to harm others or pursue sin.
-Proverbs 6:18, "A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil."
□A complete lack of restraint in pursuing sin, even to the point of violence
These individuals run to evil with haste to shed innocent blood and are actively looking to spread violence, harm, and iniquity. Destruction follows their path, demonstrating the devastating consequences of such swift actions rooted in evil.
-Isaiah 59:7,"Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths."
□A life path marked by destruction and misery.
The wicked are depicted as running toward violence, destruction, and misery.They do not know the way of peace, showing that their swift pursuit of evil prevents them from experiencing reconciliation or harmony.
-Romans 3:15-17,"Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known."
□A lack of peace and a disregard for righteousness.
The person plans wickedness while lying in bed, and then sets himself in a way that is not good.They are so consumed with their evil desires that they actively choose to pursue them, without any remorse or hesitation.
-Psalm 36:4, "He devises wickedness on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not abhor evil."
□The nature of those who eagerly run to evil.
Such people are obsessed with sin and cannot rest until they have harmed others or caused someone else to stumble.These individuals are driven by a desire to see others fall, fail, or suffer.
-Proverbs 4:16,"For they cannot sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall."
6)BEARING FALSE WITNESS.
The Bible consistently condemns bearing false witness, which involves falsely accusing someone of wrongdoing or spreading lies about them.
□God punishes false witnesses: Those who lie about others will face divine judgment.
-Proverbs 19:5, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape."
□False witnesses are deceitful:A false witness is characterized by dishonesty and a lack of integrity.
-Proverbs 12:17, "He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit."
□False witnesses tell lies: A false witness is not trustworthy.
-Proverbs 14:5,"A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies."
□A false witness shall perish: A false witness’s fate is dire.
-Proverbs 21:28,"A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly. "
□Do not bear false witness against anyone: This is one of the Ten Commandments, which forbids giving false testimony against others.
-Exodus 20:16,"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
□False witnesses can rise up against someone: False witnesses can attack the innocent and cause harm.
-Psalm 27:2,"When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell."
7)ONE WHO SOWS DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN
The Bible speaks strongly against sowing discord among brethren.Those who cause division or stir up conflict within the community are in opposition to God's will for peace and unity.
□Put away evil speaking from among you.The bible encourages believers to remove malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander from their speech and actions. By doing so, they promote harmony and peace within the community.
-1 Peter 2:1, "Therefore,laying aside all malice,all deceit,hypocrisy,envy,and all evil speaking."
□Someone who sows discord sows evil continually.A person who consistently spreads division and conflict is described as having an evil nature.
-Proverbs 6:14,"Perversity is in his heart,He devises evil continually,He sows discord. "
□Avoid people who cause divisions: Believers should steer clear of those who create divisions and obstacles in the faith.
-Romans 16:17-18, "Now I urge you,brethren,note those who cause divisions and offenses,contrary to the doctrine which you learned,and avoid them.For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,but their own belly,and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."
□God wants us to be peacemakers, not to sow discord.Peacemakers are those who actively seek to resolve conflicts, not stir them up.
-Matthew 5:9,"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."
□The one who sows discord among brethren is an abomination to God.God views those who sow discord as abominable.
-Proverbs 6:19, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven are an abomination to Him....And on who sows discord among brethren. "
HOW TO AVOID OFFENDING THE ALMIGHTY
□Obedience to God's commandments: The most direct way to avoid offending God is by obeying His commandments. The Bible calls believers to live according to His will, which includes loving Him with all our heart, mind, and soul, and loving others as ourselves
-Matthew 22:37-39,"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul,and with all your mind.This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it:You shall love your neighbor as yourself. "
□Live a Life of Humility: God is offended by pride and self-righteousness. A humble heart is more receptive to His guidance and less likely to offend Him by acting in arrogance or rebellion.
-James 4:6,"God resists the proud,But gives grace to the humble "
□Avoid Idolatry: God commands that we worship Him alone and do not make idols . Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts—whether it’s possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions can be considered idolatry and offend God.
-Exodus 20:3-5"You shall have no other gods before Me.You shall not make for yourself a carved image....You shall not bow down to them or serve them.."
□Guard our words and actions: The Bible teaches that our words and actions should reflect God’s love, truth, and righteousness. Avoiding gossip, lying, speaking in anger, or using profanity helps keep us from offending God through careless speech.
-Ephesians 4:29,"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth,but what is good for necessary edification,that it may impart grace to the hearers. "
-Proverbs 18:21,"Death and life are the power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit."
-Matthew 12:36,"But I say to you for every idle word men may speak,they will give account of it in the day of judgment. "
□Live in love and forgiveness: The bible emphasized the importance of loving others and forgiving those who wrong us. Holding onto bitterness or hatred can offend God because it contradicts His nature of love and forgiveness.
-Matthew 6:14-15,"For if you forgive men their trespasses,your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses,neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "
-1 John 4:20,"If someone says ," I love God,"And hates his brother,he is a liar;for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen,how can he love God whom he has not seen?
□Avoid Sinful Behavior: The Bible teaches that sin separates us from God.Engaging in sinful behaviors such as adultery, stealing, drunkenness, and other immoral actions offends God .We are called to abstain from sin and live lives of righteousness.
-Isaiah 59:2,"But your iniquities have separated you from your God;and your sins have hidden His face from you."
-1 Corinthians 6:9-10,"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornication,nor idolaters,nor homosexuality,nor sodomites,nor thieves,nor covetous,nor drunkards,nor revelers,nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
-1 Thessalonians 5:22,"Abstain from every form of evil."
□Practice Gratitude and worship: God is pleased when we express thankfulness and worship Him with sincere hearts .A life of gratitude avoids taking God’s blessings for granted, and worship keeps our focus on Him.
-Psalm 100:4,"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,and His courts with praise.Be thankful to Him,and bless His name."
-Hebrews 13:15,"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,that is ,the fruit of our lips,giving thanks to His name."
□Seek God’s will: Living according to God's will instead of our own is essential to avoiding offense. This involves prayer, studying Scripture, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
-Romans 12:2,"And do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. "
- Colossians 1:9-10,"For this reason we also,since the day we heard it,do not cease to pray for you,and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,that you may walk worthy of the Lord,fully pleasing Him,being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
□Do Justice and Love mercy: God desires justice and mercy in our dealings with others.
-Micah 6:8, it says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly,to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
□Avoid causing others to Stumble:Living with consideration for others’ spiritual well-being is a way of avoiding offense to God.
-1 Corinthians 8:9,"But beware lest somehow this liberation of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.:
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE
Lord Jesus, I humbly ask for Your forgiveness if I have lied, caused divisions, shed innocent blood, displayed pride in any form, or devised wicked plans against anyone or any organization. Have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions. Cleanse me with Your precious blood and transform me into a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.In Jesus' name ,Amen.
PRAYERS
1)Lord, give me wisdom and discernment to recognize the things that grieve Your heart. Help me to understand what You hate and guide me in aligning my life with Your holy preferences in Jesus' name.
2)Father, I know You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Help me to walk in humility and resist any prideful thoughts or actions in Jesus' name.
3)God of holiness, cleanse my heart from all impurity. Help me to avoid sin and to live a life of purity that reflects Your holiness in Jesus' name.
4)Lord, I know that You hate strife and division. Help me to be a peacemaker in all my relationships. Grant me wisdom to resolve conflicts and bring unity wherever I go in Jesus' name.
5)Father, guard my heart from idolatry. Help me to put You first in all things and never to place anything before You in Jesus' name.
6)God of truth, help me to speak honestly and live truthfully. May I never deceive others, but always be a witness of Your truth in everything I say and do in Jesus' name.
7)Lord, You love justice and righteousness. Teach me to pursue these qualities in my life. Help me to stand up for what is right and to treat others with fairness and integrity in Jesus' name.
8)Gracious Father, help me to reflect Your mercy and forgiveness. Teach me to forgive those who wrong me and to show compassion to those in need. May I never harbor bitterness or unforgiveness in my heart in Jesus' name.
9)Heavenly Father, I desire to live in accordance with Your will. Help me to align my life with Your purposes and to seek Your guidance in every decision in Jesus' name.
20)Lord, protect me from dishonest actions or deceitful behavior. May my life reflect Your integrity and truth. Help me to live with a clear conscience and a pure heart before You in Jesus' name.
11)God of compassion, help me to be kind and tenderhearted toward others. Let me never look down on anyone but always seek to show love and mercy, especially to the marginalized and the hurting in Jesus' name.
12)Father, You hate injustice and oppression. Help me to stand for justice in my community and to act with fairness and righteousness in all my dealings in Jesus' name.
13)Lord, give me wisdom to know when my actions or words may offend You. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance so that I avoid anything that would bring dishonor to Your name in Jesus' name.
14)Lord, search my heart and cleanse me of anything that is unpleasing to You. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me in Jesus' name.
15)Father, help me to never take Your blessings for granted. Give me a heart of gratitude that constantly praises You for all the good things You’ve done in my life in Jesus' name.
16)O Lord,help me to live with an attitude of generosity, always looking out for the needs of others and teach me to give selflessly as You have given to me in Jesus' name.
17)Father, heal any bitterness or resentment in my heart. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me and to release all grudges. Let Your peace rule in my heart and relationships in Jesus' name.
18)Lord, help me to remain faithful to You no matter the circumstances. Strengthen my faith and keep me from wavering in Jesus' name.
19)Father, I desire to walk closely with You. Teach me Your ways and help me to live in a way that reflects Your holiness in Jesus' name.
20)Lord, give me the discernment to avoid relationships that lead me into sin or division. Help me to surround myself with people who encourage me to walk in Your ways and live in unity with others in Jesus' name.
Thank you Lord for answering my prayers in Jesus' name,Amen.
May my life please God.Amen
ReplyDelete