Presumptuous Sins
Take a few minutes to read Psalm 19. Our focus will be on verse 13.
“Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” (NASB)
To presume something is to have our minds made up before the evidence is offered. That is why they present evidence in a court of law before one is judged. Can you imagine your judges pronouncing you guilty before they hear your case?
Another way to consider “presumptuous” is to view it as assuming what you may want to hear or you presume to speak on behalf of someone else. This is where you think in your mind what they might do in a situation and act according to what you thought and not what was actually done, or would be done.
Many people presume that God will change His mind in the end times. Well the Bible teaches that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It also teaches that God is faithful. And while it does say that God is love, it also says that God is a consuming fire, and warns people not to be caught in His wrath.
In Psalm 19:11, we read: “By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.” (CEV).
We do not need to presume what God might do if we do something, because God has already taught us His way. When we do not follow His instructions, we have been warned, and we will deserve the punishment God deals to each one who does not obey Him. Anytime you catch yourself saying something about God like “surely God would not punish someone for this sin or that”, or perhaps you might say: “God did not say not to, so it must be alright”. Another catch phrase that is heard from many would be: “it seems to me…
My friends, if you cannot produce a book, chapter, verse authorization for what you want to believe, you are being warned not to follow your own thoughts and feelings. We encourage everyone to follow God’s word faithfully and diligently. We believe there can be no salvation for those who do not serve God faithfully.
And no, you do not need to read between the lines. God’s word is simple enough to be understood and there are no secret codes or messages hidden in the pages of the Bible. God is up front with everyone. Obey and be rewarded, disobey and be punished. The choice is always yours. Make the right choice.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor, 4/22/2009

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