THE RULES OF THE GAME

“…haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands [shedding] innocent blood, a heart [devising] wicked schemes, feet…quick to rush into evil, a false witness [pouring] out lies, and a person [stirring] up conflict…” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

1) put God first, 2) have no other Gods, 3) respect God’s name; 4) take a weekly Sabbath; 5) honor mom and dad

6) don’t commit murder, 7) don’t commit adultery, 8) don’t steal, 9) don’t lie; 10) don’t envy others

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…but to fulfill them…” Jesus clarifies in Matthew 5. “Therefore whoever relaxes one…of these commandments…will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5:17-22).

Rediscover: Rules Are Meant To Renew, Not Ruin

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5-6)

“Oh how I love your law, I meditate on it all day long. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies… wiser than my teachers… [with] more understanding than my elders…I gain understanding from your precepts -- therefore I hate every wrong path…” (Psalm 119:97-100; 104)

Don’t Kid Yourself: Truth Has Consequences; You Won’t Get Away With It

“…and you may be sure that your sin will find you out…” (Numbers 32:23)

“put to death…what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness…On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Col. 3:5, 6)

What is your secret compartment – What are you hiding?

“I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself…have committed against you [O God]. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commandments, decrees and laws you have given your servant Moses…” (Nehemiah 1:6-7).

Rather God gives an embrace -- as God renews His covenant of love (Nehemiah 1:5), gathering the Hebrew people -- bringing “…them to the place [He has] chosen as a dwelling for [His] Name…” (Nehemiah 1:9)

Give Thanks For the ‘Hedge Of Protection,’ God’s Truth/Boundaries Ultimately Provide

Sure Job had trials, but because of God’s ‘hedge of protection,’ Satan could not “…lay a finger…” on Job, in an ultimate, death-inducing way. (Job 1:12)

“Those who fear the Lord have a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge…” (Proverbs 14:26); “As for God, his way is perfect…He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him…” (2 Samuel 22:31);

[God] will cover you with his feathers [as you obey Him] -- and under His wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 91:4); “The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, [providing refuge] as they dwell between his [strong] shoulders…” (Deuteronomy 33:12)

“Lord…you make my lot secure. [Why] the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places….” (Psalm 16:5-6)

Oh Lord, “…how I love your law…[for] your commandments make me wiser than my enemies…wiser than my teachers… (Psalm 119:97-100; 104)