The Cycle of Good and Bad In Scripture
Old Testament Examples Noah’s obedience is followed by Noah’s drunkenness (Gen. 6-8; 9:20-25) Abraham’s obedience is followed by Abraham’s lie (Gen. 12) Israel’s praise of God is followed by Israel’s complaining (Ex. 15:1ff, 22-25) The Levites consecration is followed by unauthorized worship (Lev. 9; 10:1-3)
Old Testament Exampl Old Testament Examples Israel’s godliness is followed by Israel’s worldliness (Judg. 2:16ff) Elijah’s triumph is followed by Elijah’s depression (1 Kings 18; 19:1ff) Jonah’s preaching is followed by Jonah’s pouting (Jonah 4:1ff)
New Testament Examples Peter’s affirmation is followed by Peter’s self-will (Mt. 16:16,22-23) Peter’s affirmation is followed by Peter’s denial (Mt. 26:33,69ff) Simon’s salvation is followed by Simon’s sin (Acts 8:12ff) Peter’s acceptance of the Gentiles is followed by rejection (Gal. 2:11-14)
People can forsake the way of righteousness when times are good (Deut. 4:9; 6:11-12; Judges 2:19) People change for the worse when outside pressure is put on them (1 Cor. 15:33) The Devil looks for opportunities to defeat you right after you have done well (Lk. 4:1-2,13; Gen. 2-3; Job 1) Lessons Learned
We must be careful not to think we are invincible (1 Cor. 10:12) Learn to be obedient to God at all times (Job 1::21; Phil. 4:12) Lessons Learned