Week 5: January 29, 2017

Topic: Unrighteousness……..Part 1

Bible Reading: Romans 1: 18-32

Unrighteousness

Unrighteousness is every conduct that is neither righteous nor upright. It is every behavior that is sinful and wicked. It can also be described as whatever that is evil and not virtuous. Therefore, all vices are unrighteousness.

Unrighteousness is not limited to conducts, but it includes the laws. Every afflictive and oppressive law is an unrighteous law. Any law that is not right or provide justice for people most especially the unfair and unjust laws, are the unrighteous laws.

Plague to Mankind

Unrighteousness is one of the greatest ways that mankind are using to afflict, oppress and persecute one another. This misconduct is widespread among humanity and it is a plague that is plaguing every tribe, race, gender and Nation under the sky.

Unrighteousness is like a contagious disease which is spreading at an alarming rate from one person to another. It is like a cancer that has spread to every anatomy of the body and it can also be described as a raging inferno that is threatening human existence.

Nowadays, unrighteousness is a common occurrence between the following people:

· Siblings; parents and their children; Husband and wife; Relatives/family.

· Friends; colleagues/co-workers; Neighbors; and the church of God.

It has high percentage of occurrence between the people in authority in governments/establishments and the poor/subordinates.

Had it been that there is no unrighteousness, this world will be a beautiful, peaceful, comfortable and joyful place to live, unlike the present situation of chaos.

There is No Unrighteousness in God

Almighty God is righteous and there is no unrighteousness in Him. He established His heavenly throne with honesty and righteousness; therefore He is against every form of unrighteousness.

Unrighteousness of Mankind: It was written that the Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth and He saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. God saw that every plan and intent of the thoughts of human heart was only evil all the time. So the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart Genesis 6: 5-6. Other creatures did not made God to be sorry, but human that He so much loved and created His image.

Noah was righteous: Presently in the world the righteous people are very rare to find, but the unrighteous people are abound everywhere. The same thing happened during the time of Noah because the Lord declared that he was the only righteous person in that generation Genesis 7: 1. Are you ready to shed your unrighteousness and become part of the righteous people of this generation?

God’s Covenant: Although God made covenant with all His creation that He will never curse the ground for man’s sake and He will never destroy every living thing as He has done. However, that does not mean that the unrighteous people will neither be punished nor go scot-free Genesis 8: 21-22. Change today and refrain from your unrighteous conducts before the judgment of God come upon you.

Righteousness of God: Our God is neither unjust nor unfair and there is no injustice on the part of our God. Then one can confidently say that there is no unrighteousness in God Romans 9: 14. Since our God is righteous, then it is our unrighteousness that commends and confirms the righteousness of God. Our sinfulness serves a purpose because it helps people to see how righteous our God is. Isn’t it unfair for God not to punish us? Romans 3: 5. Since you know that you will be punished for your sins, then abstain totally from all forms of unrighteousness.

Declare that God is righteous: It is the duty of every Christian to declare in whatever situation/condition they are that God is upright, faithful and righteous. Some so called believers will be querying and insulting God because of their situation. Such people must desist from this nefarious activity Psalm 92: 15. Do not strive with your Maker, but announce His righteousness to every inhabitant of the earth.

God’s Intention

God has beautiful plans for mankind, but our sinful nature always complicate the goal. However, the people who stay on course and abstain from unrighteousness will realize the goal.

God will be merciful to our unrighteousness: God in His infinite mercy will forgive our wickedness, overlook our iniquity and will never again remember our sins. God will be merciful and gracious toward our sins and He will remember our deeds of unrighteousness no more. The Bible stated that “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more” Hebrews 8: 12.

God cancelled our record of charges: The generosity of Jesus Christ our Lord made Him to cancel the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Since it was written that He wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us, and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross Colossians 2: 14. So do not return to your vomit, but start walking in newness of life and serve Him in the newness of the spirit.

God in our Midst: The Lord is in our midst to guide and guard us, since He has said I will never leave nor forsake you. He will be fair and do no unrighteousness or anything unjust. Everyday He brings His justice to light by handing down justice; He never fails, but the unjust knows no shame Zephaniah 3: 5. As long as you are filled with His fear and accept Him fully, He will continue to manifest in your midst to direct your path.

Practicing Christians will dwell in safety: Practicing Christians who did not betray their faith shall do no unrighteousness. They will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will dwell in safety and no one will make them afraid Zephaniah 3: 13. For this grace to come to pass in your life, you must forsake Satan and his works.

Week 6: February 5, 2017

Topic: Unrighteousness - Part 2

Bible Reading: Romans 1: 18-32

The study shall continue with the various types of unrighteous conducts.

Conducts of Unrighteousness

There are many conducts of humans that are reckoned as unrighteousness in the Bible and the presence of God. Some of them shall be discussed to enlighten believers so that they will not fall into the traps of the devil.

Crucifixion of Christ Again: Many Christians are crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ on daily basis due to their misconducts. This group of people who profess/confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior with their mouths are denying Him with their deeds. The scripture stated that those who were once enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit. People who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the age to come if they turn away from God, it will be difficult to bring them back to repentance since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame Hebrews 6: 4-6. Be careful; do not allow your conducts of unrighteousness to crucify Jesus Christ afresh and disgrace Him publicly. Wherever you are and in all deeds, you must not allow the glorious name of God to be blasphemed through you Romans 2: 24.

Self Seeking: Many Christians nowadays are self-seeking; they are more concern about their fame, position and image in the public eyes. This action of self interest is contrary to the teaching of the Holy Bible. It is a common occurrence for Christians to think or say, “I will heal you of your sickness or since you have seen me, I will deliver you from your troubles” such people must know that whatever happens, “It is not by their might or power but the grace of God”. The Book of Psalms stated that we humans must not arrogate glory to ourselves, but always give glory to God and glorify Him in all things. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name we give glory, because of Your mercy and truth Psalm 115: 1. Therefore whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10: 31. Stop all your self serving conducts because anyone who is self seeking do not obey the truth but unrighteousness, and such people will be punished since they have provoked the anger of God Romans 2: 8. If you don’t want the anger of God in your life, stop all your self seeking activities and give glory to God fully. If you don’t want confusion and evil to dominate your life, refrain from self serving conducts today James 3: 16.

Never make friend through unrighteous mammon: Anyone who want to be your friend or an associate must be honest and righteous. All your relationships must not be based on lies, deceits, and materialistic things of this world Luke 16: 9-11.

Perversion of justice and partiality: Do not judge unjustly or show partiality to the wicked; do not punish the innocent and justify the guilty Psalm 82: 2. You must do no injustice in judgment; you must not be partial to the poor nor honor the rich and powerful people, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbors Leviticus 19: 15. Treat people equally; judge in righteousness and not because of their social or financial stature.

Circulation of false report: You must never spread rumors about people. You must not circulate false reports in order to destabilize people’s lives or put the church of God in disarray. You must not gossip, backbite or assassinate other people’s character for personal gain. All the aforementioned conducts are unrighteousness that can make God’s eye to be bitter towards you. It is written that “you shall not circulate a false report, do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” Exodus 23: 1. Therefore, do not spread false reports; do not cooperate with the wicked people by lying on the witness stand or help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

Taking advantage and defrauding people: We must realize that God will punish anyone who is taking advantage of brother/sister in the Lord. So do not cheat people in all matters because the eye of the Lord is looking at you. He will recompense you for all your deeds 1 Thessalonians 4: 6. Cheating and defrauding are unrighteous conducts that you must abstain from at all times.

Oppression and trampling on the poor: It is the directive of the Lord not to oppress people. However, there are special categories of people that God will pour out His anger quickly on their oppressors. The Bible stated that “do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother” Zechariah 7: 10, Deuteronomy 24: 14-17. In the world today, people are oppressing the poor to enrich themselves. The rich and the politicians are sharing the wealth of the Nations among themselves at the expense of the poor forgetting that they will end their lives in poverty. “He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty” Proverbs 22: 16. Every soul that conspire together in any church, organization or government to tread down on the poor through various laws and excessive taxes/tariffs will never have the opportunity to enjoy the amassed wealth and spend their illegal riches says the Lord Amos 5: 11. God, remember your promise that You will arise, because the poor are oppressed, because of the groans of the needy; You will set us in safety and in salvation for which we pant Psalm 12: 5. Arise O’ Lord today according to Your word because of the suffering of the weak and cry of the poor, rescue us according to the yearning of our hearts and protect us from those who malign us.

Usury and extortion: Usury is a very rampant form of unrighteousness. Whenever people charge excessive interest on loans to brothers and sisters in the Lord, what they always say is that “the cost of money very high”. This is against the Biblical teachings because the Lord instructed us not to take usury or any interest from our brethren in the Lord Leviticus 25: 36-37. Presently, it is not only usury but extortion too is widespread among the inhabitants of this world. Anyone who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor Proverbs 28: 8. Income from usury will end up in the pocket of someone who will be kind to the poor.

Distortion of Judgment: You must not divert the judgment from the poor in their causes. Anyone who denies people justice in their lawsuits simply because they are poor is an unrighteous person. Therefore, make sure that the poor are given equal justice in court, as it is written that “you shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute” Exodus 23: 6. Be fair to the poor people in their court cases.

Do not take bribe to pervert justice: Anyone who accepts bribe to kill or do injustice to the poor/innocent person is cursed. Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood Deuteronomy 27: 25. God forewarned that taking bribe will make you to ignore certain things that are clearly seen because bribe makes even a righteous person to twist the truth. So you must accept no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous Exodus 23: 8. Make sure you do neither accept nor give bribe so that you will not find yourself in a tough situation. It is for this reason that the scripture says “You shall not pervert justice or show partiality, do not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous” Deuteronomy 16: 19. Be fair and show no favour; make sure you do not misinterpret or misapply judgment.

Fairness and equality: Do not be unfair to people, but treat everybody with equality. Since unfairness is a conduct of unrighteousness then abstain from this nefarious behavior. Do not deny justice to your subordinates, but listen to their complaints and resolve the situation quickly with your available resources Job 31: 13. Let fairness and equality be your watchword.

Week 7: February 12, 2017

Topic: Unrighteousness……..Part 3

Bible Reading: Romans 1: 18-32

This study will continue with the unrighteousness among the Nations of the World.

Unrighteousness Among Nations

The Bible says “… The earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished” Isaiah 51: 6. Since the world is growing old with her inhabitants, isn’t it enough for mankind to be filled with wisdom and move closer to their Creator instead of loving the Serpent of Old called the Devil and Satan? If the earth will wear out like a garment, why is it that humans don’t realize that they have limited time and seek the eternal Salvation of God and His righteousness which will never end?

Ingrates and dishonouring God: Presently in the world, countless Nations know God, but they do not honour and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks for what He has done in their lives. Instead, they become futile and godless in their thinking with foolish reasoning and stupid speculations which make their senseless minds to be darkened. Professing/claiming to be wise, instead they became fools. They exchange the incorruptible glory and excellence of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, animals and reptiles Romans 1: 21-23. They have forgotten the commandment of God that says “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” Exodus 20: 4. Every Nation that is honouring statues more than God must stop these satanic activities immediately and demolish such statues. They always claim that the statues are their National identity which is not true because devil is using the statues to mislead, entrap and put them in bondage. These countries always celebrate satanic festivals/holidays for their carved images rather than Christian celebrations.

They think it is not worthwhile to acknowledge God: The teaching of the Holy Bible is to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” Proverbs 3: 5-6. The opposite is what is happening today in the world because Nations do not deem it fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth to be known. They thought it is foolishness to acknowledge God. So He abandon or gave them over to debased/depraved minds to do things which are improper and repulsive because they are filled with all unrighteousness and other vices Romans 1: 28-29. These Nations always think they don’t need God and all their achievements are due to their smartness. What they are interested in are the physical achievement in science, military, medical and economical fields.

Dishonesty and gluttonous activities: In many countries their officials/leaders are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain or money Ezekiel 22: 27. In most cases this corruption is widespread to every department of the government to the extent that the gluttonous activities are visible/reflects in the lives of their judges. Their leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims, while their judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey Zephaniah 3: 3.

Bloodshed: Bloodshed is so rampant in the world today which is against the love of God. The Bible says “Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed and establishes a city by iniquity” Habakkuk 2: 12. Yet blood of the innocent are being shed on daily basis because of selfish ambitions and lustful desires. It is for this reason that God commanded that let no innocent blood be shed in the midst of the land which God has given to you as inheritance, else the guilt of bloodshed will be upon you Deuteronomy 19: 10. If you don’t want the guilt of bloodshed to come upon your Nation, stop immediately the armed robbery, hired assassins, secret executions, elimination of political opponents and terrorist activities.

Bribery, usury and extortion: Bribery and corruption is like a second nature in several countries of the world, but God is against these nefarious behaviours. It is written that “In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase, you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion and have forgotten Me” says the Lord Ezekiel 22: 12. Do not give or accept bribe, let all the loan racketeering and extortions cease in your land.

Insolent and treacherous people: Nowadays, children are rude and arrogantly lack respect for the elders in many Nations of the world. In some cases, you will see a child calling an elder by name. It is a common occurrence to see the young people insulting or disrespecting aged people because of their wealth, position or financial background and the ignorant people think this is the things in vogue Isaiah 3:5

Betrayal and deception are the norms of the day, something that the Bible described as disgusting Psalm 119: 158. People betray and deceive their spouse, government and employers. It is for this reason that the scripture stated that their prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain while the priests defile the temple by disobeying God’s instructions Zephaniah 3:4.

Abominable activities:  In the world today, there are many abominable things that humans are doing. Some of them are the following: making tattoo marks on their bodies, gay activities, lesbian activities, weird hair-do, and men wearing women’s clothings, while women are wearing men’s garments, skin bleaching/whitening, changing from male to female or from female to male. Since every abominable thing is unrighteousness, then all these aforementioned activities are unrighteousness in the presence of God. The Bible stated that “for this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which is due Romans 1: 26-27.  Nations must stop all the abominable things they are performing before it is too late.

Disobedient and adamant:  The people of countless Nations do not obey God and they do not harken to the voice of God. They refused to be taught and they do not receive instructions, corrections and warnings sent to them by God. Truth has perished and it has vanished form their lips Jeremiah 7:28. Many Nations neither obey the voice of God nor receive correction, while some neither trust in the Lord nor come closer/near to God Zephaniah 3:2. Many Nations believe in their economic might and military prowess rather than God. Such countries must change immediately.

Filthy behaviours and idolatry: Several nations value and elevate their idols above God which is causing miseries for them. These nations must realize and acknowledge that the Lord is our God and the Lord is one. He is the Creator of the heaven and the universe Deuteronomy 6: 4. Nations must not make any idol for themselves, neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar. They must not set up an engraved stone and worship or bow down to it Leviticus 26: 1. It is for this reason that God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie they are worshipping and serving creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen Romans 1: 24-25.

Oppression and robbery: The people of numerous countries practice extortion and commit robbery. They oppress the poor and the needy and ill-treat the foreigners by denying or depriving them justice Ezekiel 22: 29. Such countries must not trust in oppression, they must neither rely in extortion nor put their hope in stealing. If their wealth increases, they must not make it the center of their lives Psalm 62: 10. Woe to the bloody Nations! It is full of lies and stolen riches; they are never without victims because their victims cannot get away Nahum 3: 1.

Rebellion and Pollution: “Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, “who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin” Isaiah 30: 1. Woe to the nation of oppressors, rebellious and polluted Zephaniah 3: 1. The Nations must change from all their unrighteousness, repent and turn fully to God before His judgment comes.

Week 8: February 19, 2017

Topic: Unrighteousness……..Part 4

Bible Reading: Romans 1: 18-32

Unrighteousness

The final part of this study shall continue with the outcome of unrighteousness.

Consequences of Unrighteousness

There are many consequences of unrighteousness that were mentioned in the Bible, and we shall discuss some of them.

All unrighteousness is sin: Every unrighteous behaviour is a sin and any wrongdoing is a sin which means every rude, mean, and wicked actions are sins. Though these unrighteousness may not lead to death if such people repent on time before the repentance period passes away 1 John 5: 17. Therefore,  change and confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins, He will also cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Remember that Jesus Christ our Saviour did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, of which you are one of them Luke 5: 32. If you turn fully to God, then He will teach you His way and restore your faith because He is good and upright Psalm 25: 8.

The unrighteous people have strayed: Every unrighteous person and people who love the wages of unrighteousness have stray from the righteous path which leads to life. Therefore do not forsake/abandon the right way by following the wayward way of Balaam who loved the reward of unrighterousness 2 Peter 2:15. Do not allow the love of money, position or fame to make you stray from the faith and righteous path by following the footsteps of the wicked people in the world 1 Timothy 6: 10.

Abomination to God: Everyone who cheat and deal dishonestly together with all people who behave unrighteously are an abomination to the Lord your God Deuteronomy 25: 16. Some Christians are doing abominable things in the churches. They set abominable things which God hates in the house of the Lord in order to defile it Jeremiah 32: 34. All these nefarious activities must stop. They must put away their abominations; refrain from any abominable practices; Then they will endure and neither be moved nor strayed again Jeremiah 4: 1.

Judgment

We shall discuss some of the judgment that will come upon the unrighteous people.

Misery and distress: Doom awaits those who pronounce wicked decrees and issue evil statutes. Misery awaits anyone who enacts unjust and harmful laws. “Woe to the leaders/judges who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they prescribed Isaiah 10: 1. “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chamber by injustice, who uses his neighbor's service without wages and give him nothing for his work Jeremiah 22: 13. If you don't want sorrow and distress in your life, do not promulgate unrighteous decree. If you don't want to be accursed do not use cheating, extortion and forced labour to build your house/establishment.

Condemnation: People will be condemned for enjoyed doing evil rather than believing the truth. People who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness may be condemned says the Bible 2 Thessalonians 2: 12.

Wrath of God: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” Romans 1: 18. If you don't want the anger of God to come upon you then stop all your unrighteousness.

They will not inherit the Kingdom of God: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; those who indulge in sexual sin or worship idols/idolaters, or thieves, or covetous, or drunkards or revilers or extortioners will not inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10.

Ways to Overcome Unrighteousness

The followings are some of the ways to overcome unrighteousness.

Always seek the glory of God: Do not seek your own glory, but the glory of God in order to overcome unrighteousness. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. In whatever situation you find yourself, always glorify your God. Do not arrogate any of your achievements to your wisdom, skill or educational background, but give glory to God who makes it possible. Anyone who speaks of himself is looking for greatness and personal glory which is a common occurrence in the world today. It is for this reason that Jesus said, “He who speaks for himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him” John 7: 18. Prove to the world that there is no unrighteousness in you, by glorifying and seeking the glory of God all the time.

Do not take brethren to court: Resist the temptation to take any brethren to court of law to be influenced and judged by the unrighteous people. It is better for you to endure cheating knowing that God will avenge you rather than go to the court of law 1 Corinthians 6: 1. Settle whatever happens amicably without partiality, but with fear of God. Resolve any issue according to the Biblical doctrines and teaching so that it will be reckoned as righteousness for you.

The wicked must forsake their ways: The wicked people must forsake their evil ways; they must banish the thought of doing wrong and quit thinking evil thoughts. They must repent and turn to the Lord who will have mercy on them. They must turn to our God who freely pardon and forgive generously Isaiah 55: 7. If you want to overcome unrighteousness, repent and turn fully to the Lord.

You must recognize that you are a sinner, since “all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3: 23. After acknowledging that you are a sinner, you have to confess your sins, and then ask for forgiveness of sins. You have to show remorse and make a resolution not to return to your sins again. It is then that the faithful and just God will forgive you your sins and purify/cleanse you from all unrighteousness 1 John 1: 9.

Do not give any part of your body for sinful use: Do not allow the Devil to use any part of your body as an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now raised with a new life. So use your body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Paul advised about this issue saying “Do not present your members as instrument of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God Romans 6: 13. Make sure you do not allow your eyes, ears, hands, legs and heart to be used as instrument of unrighteousness.

Finally if you want the Lord to count you as a righteous person, start caring about the justice and the rights of the poor people. It is written that “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked/unrighteous does/do not understand such knowledge” Proverbs 29: 7.

The Seal: Jeremiah 22: 3-5: Thus says the Lord “Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. For if you indeed do this thing, then shall  enter the gates of this house, riding on horses and in chariots, accompanied by servants and people, kings who sat on the throne of David. But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself “, says the Lord, “that this house shall become a desolation”.