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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 154

STUDY 154

Text: Proverbs 16
6 June 2004

Dear Parents,

FORGIVENESS FROM THE LORD
As sinners, we cannot but appreciate the fact that we will sin again and again. Thankfully, the Lord does not deal with us according to our sins. Instead of punishing us as we deserve, He extends forgiveness instead. We are to learn deep lessons from the forgiveness that we receive from the Lord! We are to extend forgiveness to others as well. As we bring up children, we will find the need to exercise a forgiving spirit time and time again!

AN INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE CONCERNING FORGIVENESS
We have a very interesting perspective on forgiveness in the following text.

In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity.
And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

Proverbs 16:6

Let us consider the following lessons that we may learn from the study of this text:-

1. Atonement is necessary to cancel out the problem of iniquity

Of course, God Himself must provide the atonement. The Lord Jesus is the perfect atonement for all our sins.

2. The reference to “mercy and truth”

How does a person show true appreciation of the atonement that God provides? The text suggests that there must be appropriate responses and these are to be evidenced in the life of the believer. The person who has truly appreciated God’s provision for atonement will seek to express it in at least two ways:-

a) In Mercy

Mercy must now characterize the way in which he lives his life. As he has been shown mercy, he must now show others mercy.

b) In Truth

The person who has received forgiveness must ever seek to walk in the light of God’s truth as best he can. He cannot continue to walk in darkness.

3. The Fear of the Lord

To crown it all, the person who has been forgiven must seek to walk in the fear of the Lord. One of the good expressions of fearing the Lord is to depart from evil.

We have a great challenge to apply these truths in our life! Let us teach our children about the practical ramifications of the doctrine of atonement.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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