10/09/2024
DANGER OF SELF RELIANCE
Jer. 10:23; O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Romans 12:16b- Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Christians are not called out of the world to direct their own paths or ways. There are a number of lessons to learn by Christians about the danger of self-reliance from the reign of Ass king of Judah.
First, God meant it when He said no other gods before him- Exodus 20:1-6. Asa removed many idols from Judah but 25years after turned to his wealth and that of the house of God to solve his problems. God is not referring to the worship of idols only, he expect his children to turn to Him in times of trouble.
Worshipping God does not or cannot be in words only, it must be matched with the life lived- Jeremiah 7:4-11;
Today many of us think they can use their own wisdom and that is why you see or hear people trying to justify what laws they will or will not follow by saying we must adapt the Bible to modern society, Doesn’t the society need to adapt itself to the ways of God? I Cor. 3:18-20– let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise..."
Secondly, Trusting God means; seeking God’s solution in all things. King Asa strayed when he began solving his problems with his own solution. Christians are to trust God and not themselves- proverbs 3:5-7; trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; ... do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the lord and depart from evil.
Thirdly, be willing to listen to rebuke. To rebuke is an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behaviours or actions. Asa was a fool for not listening to the messenger from God and for treating him with such contempt It takes a wise man to listen to rebuke- Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 27:5; Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
