MONTHLY STUDY LESSON
Psalm 33:12
Introduction
While this verse may have originally applied to the nation of Israel, it is obvious that the principle here applies to any nation or to all nations.
I. A Godless Nation.
A. Many say that our nation is godless. There is certainly much to suggest that this saying is true.
1. There is such a lowering of moral standards that many do not at all take seriously the Ten Commandments.
2. There is a disregard for personal property.
3. There is a disregard for personal purity.
4. There is even a disregard for human life.
5. There is a disregard for laws, whether man's or God's.
B. The thought of a godless nation is chilling.
1. It is like shepherdless sheep.
2. It is like a fatherless child.
II. The Nation That Is Not Godless at All.
A. One might say that our nation is not godless. The problem is that the nation has too many gods.
1. There is the god of success.
2. There is the god of money.
3. There is the god of pleasure.
4. There is the god of sex.
5. There is the god of fame.
6. There is the god of power.
B. With so many gods, is it surprising that the one true God is forgotten?
III. The Nation Whose God Is the Lord.
A. When the text was written there were many gods. Most nations had several. Some had hundreds.
B. Jehovah declares again and again that He is a zealous God and will permit no rivals. This idea of monotheism changed the world.
C. What is necessary for a nation to be able to say that their God is the Lord?
1. They must honor His laws.
2. They must respect His name.
3. They must honor His day.
4. They must respect His house.
5. Above all, they must respect Him!
D. What is the result when a nation honors God?
1. They have less turmoil and unrest within.
2. They have more compassion for helping those who are without.
3. They have a heightened sense of security.
4. Perhaps we have yet to see how many blessings might come to any nation that takes this text seriously.
Conclusion
On a day when one looks back to the founding of this nation; on a day when we are grateful for the wisdom and the sacrifices of the past; it is good to look ahead to what can be in the future.
Illustrations
The makers of caps have gone beyond advertising to putting some humorous and whimsical mottoes on their products. One cap said, "I am Their Leader. Which Way Did They Go?"
Someone has humorously suggested that if native Americans had had a more strict immigration policy our country wouldn't be in the mess it is now! Since most of us are descended from immigrants, we can be thankful that our ancestors did get to come to this land. We should not be surprised that other people want to come and share our freedoms, nor should we be selfish in sharing them.
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Dan Steinruck
2741 Briarpatch Lane
Powhatan, VA 23139
Phone (804) 598-4675
FAX (804) 598-1468
