How close to the edge can you drive?

Sunday   11-29-15      Modesto, California

Scripture reading:    1 Thess 4 – 5   2 Thess 1 - 3

S=Scripture O= A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  1 Thess 4:1  Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. NLT

Heb 11:5-6  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

Gen 5:22 “Enoch walked with God 300 years...” NIV

O.  Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God.  The book of Hebrews gives an example in Enoch... who had this testimony “that He pleased God.”  He also walked with God 300 years. That’s a long walk!

Someone tells the story of the wealthy woman who was trying out chauffeurs to drive her Cadillac.  She took them to a dangerous mountain road with a drop-off at the edge of the road and instructed the potential driver to drive as close as he dared to the edge.  Most failed the test.  But one refused and insisted on driving as far from the edge as possible.  He got the job.

A.  I have often thought of some Christians who want to know if this or that is considered sinful.  It seems that they want to walk as close to the edge of sin as possible and still squeak through the golden gates.

P.  Lord Jesus, may my goal in life be to walk so closely with You that I am far from the dangers on the other side of the road.  May I leave behind this testimony, that I sought to please You.  Amen.

Ralph