Worship 401: The Value of Life

MONDAY

In Exodus 20:13 God gives the Israelites the commandment, "You shall not murder". The Hebrew verb for "murder" refers to a premeditated and deliberate act (see Exodus 21:12-14; Numbers 35:29-34). Next, read Genesis 5:1-2 and Genesis 9:5-6 to gain insight into why God gave this command. What makes every human being valuable in God's sight?

TUESDAY

Read Matthew 5:21-26 and see what the Lord is teaching us with regard to murder. What is at the root of this sin? Must you actually murder someone to be subject to God's judgment? Jesus instructs us how to deal with our anger. If you have a problem with a brother or a sister, when should you deal with it? What does God want us to do before we come to Him? See also Ephesians 4:25-26. Commit 1Peter 4:8 to heart and apply it to your life. Praise God for His instruction and for revealing His heart's desire for us.

WEDNESDAY

Read Genesis 4:1-12. Why was Cain so angry at his brother Abel? What did it lead him to do? When Cain gave into his anger it led him to sin. What did God instruct him to do in verse 7? What is the nature of sin? What does it want to do to you? God also reveals something very positive in this verse. We have the ability to overcome (master) our sin. How could Cain have done this? What would have been a good spiritual response to Abel finding favor with God? Have you ever been angry with a brother or sister because they are doing good? Have you ever been envious or jealous of someone who is being blessed by the Lord? Read 1Corinthians 12:26 and ask yourself , do you suffer with those who are suffering? And do you rejoice with those being honored? Remember the message of 1Corinthians 13, love is the most excellent way!

THURSDAY

Read Romans 13:1-7 and 1Peter 2:13-14. What does God call us to do in these verses? Who establishes the governing authorities? Who are we rebelling against when we go against them? In verse 4, what is the sword supposed to be used for? Is the sword used with God's approval or disapproval here? God himself instituted the death penalty for lawbreakers in the Old Testament (remember Exodus 21:12-14). Understand the distinction between the criminal act of murder and the justified punishment instituted by God. Despite what the world may say, we must trust in God and obey what He teaches us. Write Romans 8:28 on an index card and commit it to heart. Remember the heart of God is all good! Seek the good in your circumstances always and in all the commands and teachings of God.

FRIDAY

Read 1 John 3:24 and 5:3. The Greek word for the verb obey is tereo (tay-reh 'o), which means to guard (from loss or injury). When God calls us to obey his commands what is he asking us to guard or protect? What has he given us that he does not want us to lose? There are so many precious gifts God has given us and it is for our sake that the Lord commands us to obey him. He is teaching us how to protect ourselves from losing or injuring all the precious gifts he has given us. Read Exodus 19:5 and Isaiah 1:19. The Lord warned the Israelites to obey him (to protect their relationship with him). We see from the scripture that most of them did not listen (see 1Corinthians 10:1-13). How about you? Do you see the heart of God is filled with love for you and that his commands are not burdensome? Are you guarding what he has given you? Read Ephesians 6:10-ff for further insight into how you can guard the gift of God!

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