Straw, the camel's back and grace -- Part 3
 

Straw, the camel's back and grace -- Part 3
One too many straws

Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: Straw, the camel's back and grace -- Part 3---- Date: 05/30/2000
Keywords:   "consequences" "snare"


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Passage: Judges 2:1-4*

1. The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you,

2. and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.' Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?

3. Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you."

4. When the angel of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud,

Questions

1. Make a list of some modern day proverbs or sayings that can paraphrase what God is saying in verse 3 (i.e. If you play with fire, your gonna get burned!):

 

2. Do you think God is out to punish the Israelites or is he just 'clueing them in' to what happens when they choose to ignore commands he's given for their own well being?

 

3. Have you been advised not to dabble in porn?

 

Practical help

In today's study we'll focus on verse 3. What kind of picture does this verse give you of God? Do you see him as the stern disciplinarian ready to bust some heads or as the loving father who wants his commands to be seen for what they are -- wise direction for an abundant life pleasing to him?

Up to this point and in spite of their repeated disobedience, God had continued to provide for the Israelite's possession of the land he promised them. But God did not give them commands because he likes to hear himself talk. He gave them wise direction because it was time they took responsibility for their own choices.

Today God does much the same with us.

Have you dabbled in porn and not suffered much in the way of consequences? Well, that camel's back may be just one straw (porn experience) away from breaking! That next porn site visit may be the one that snares you. It may be the one that makes you realize that you're no longer in control. Why don't you make it the one where you say -- "You know, God's right! I don't need this." Then turn off the computer and walk away.


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*Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.