God is our justifier, and He came not to condemn, but to save

Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

A person can justify the wrong person. And a person can condemn the wrong person. In both cases, these people are an abomination to the Lord.

First of all, God does not condemn even wicked people, and thus there is no need to justify them. Only God can actually do that. But, what’s being said here, is called corruption. When a person who knowingly seeks to justify a wicked person and their behavior, it’s abominable to God. That is, it’s a disgusting thing to God. He abhors this kind of thing. He detests it.

And, when a person condemns another person who is just, that is also loathed by the Lord.

It seems like we feel just like the Lord does. For when we see a wicked person get off the hook in a courtroom, it’s terrible to us. We don’t like it. And, when we see someone be falsely accused and betrayed, we don’t like it either. God has put His laws and ways into our very hearts and inner beings.

Finally, here’s another perspective. God will take someone who is wicked, and bring them face to face with His love and His forgiveness, and if they will receive Jesus Christ, then they will be justified and saved. And, that’s a blessing to God and to any other person.

And, God knows the truth about any and all men, and ultimately vindicates those who have been dealt with in a treacherous way.

Lord, You are great, and we are not. You are holy, and want us to be more like You. Please comfort the afflicted. We praise You in Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. God is the loving justifier.

2. God is not the condemner.

3. God loves those who others condemn.

4. Let’s try to be more like God towards others.

5. There is a golden rule.

6. Let’s treat others the way we want to be treated.

"If" you have been foolish..........

For me, I would not say, "if", but yes, of course I have been, in fact, many times.

As I read in my devotions this morning, these verses stood out to me.

Proverbs 30:32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand to your mouth.

Proverbs 30:33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, And as wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

We tend to exalt ourselves, it comes naturally, it's really the problem of the "pride of life" Jesus talked about it so often, and we have so many examples of it in the Old Testament.

And, if we have devised or thought evil, yes, of course we have, then here is what we ought to do, and why.

We should put our hand on our mouths, that is, stop it. That's the simple instruction the Lord gives us here. If it's coming out of your mouth, put your hand on your mouth and stop it.

Then, the reason.........just like the churning of milk produces butter, if we do not exercise self control, and we are tempted to anger, and do not exercise self-control, it will produce wrath.

Self control, is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us, to help us in so many ways. This is a big area where He can help. Self control, is when He helps us to master ourselves, and to restrain ourselves, to have control of ourselves.

The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, not the one who condemns us. He has come into our lives, to come alongside of us and to take our hearts as it were by His hand, to lead us and to guide us.

One of the main ways the Holy Spirit guides us, is to lead us to the forgiveness of God. The Bibles says in 1st John 1:7, But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

So, may the Lord be our helper today. We all have done foolishly, more times then we care to think about. But, the Lord has not given up on you, and will never give up on you. One thing He will do for you, for sure, is to help you.

Lord, thank You for having the Holy Spirit live inside of us, and for being our Helper. We confess our sins to You, and ask for cleansing, and strength. May we walk in that self control that You give to us. In Jesus name, amen..........

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Practical Application and promises from God.

1. Remember, God does not condemn you.

2. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

3. Take God's hand as it were, and let Him lead you today.

4. God is going to finish what He started in your life.

5. Be merciful to others, they may need more help then you do.

6. Jesus came to save, not condemn, let's try and act just like Him.