God gives warnings, and they are repeated throughout the Bible. He repeats these to prevent unnecessary hardships. Like a good parent, our Lord wants the best for us, which often takes His intervention. Sometimes we think of warnings in a negative light, but they are God’s mercy and grace in action. The Lord placed man in the Garden of Eden but warned them about what not to do. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” [1]
Often, the Lord’s warnings don’t contain a lot of explanation but require us to trust Him and obey simple instructions. God’s warnings come in different packages: a pastor’s sermon, the voice of the Holy Spirit, reading God’s Word, a dream, a word from a friend, or some other way the Lord lets you know there is danger ahead. Think back in your life and recall when the Lord warned you. How did you react, and what did the Lord teach you through this situation?
Healthy Boundaries
Each of us needs healthy boundaries to keep us on the best path. When I am on the best way in life, my life is full of purpose and fulfillment; when I am not, the opposite is true. Paul writes to the church in Colosse, warning them about destructive behavior for us and others. The words Paul wrote almost two thousand years ago are just as applicable today. Colossians 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[2]
As believers, we may be saved and have a new nature in Christ, but we also have our old nature. Our sinful nature wants to do everything Paul noted, but our new nature wants to please God. As people, this is an ongoing battle, and only with God’s help can we put to death our sinful nature each day.
Lord, Help Me
If we are honest, we all struggle to overcome our sinful desires. Our Lord knows our weaknesses and is always ready to warn and help us be overcomers. There is nothing wrong with admitting to the Lord you need His help each day in prayer. Sometimes, we fail; when we do, we can go to Jesus and confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. As we spend time with the Lord in prayer and His Word, we feed our new nature in Christ, making our ears more attentive to His guidance. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [3]
To learn how God gives warnings, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/live-new
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.