AVOIDING A SPIRITUAL LETDOWN!

AVOIDING A SPIRITUAL LETDOWN!

2 Peter 2:9-10

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Ps 19:13-14

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

           Only twice, in the Authorized Version, do we find the word “presumptuous” used. Both occasions are listed above. In the Psalms the word means “to be arrogant or proud.” In Peter’s epistle it refers to the man himself as “a daring and audacious man.” Merriam-Webster says that to be presumptuous means “the overstepping of due bounds.” God might simply call it sin.

           It is clear that each of us have had those times when some sin has “easily beset” us. We were going along at a pretty good pace and suddenly we have a spiritual letdown. We are dismayed to find that we were not as strong as we thought. At the time when we thought “it can’t happen to us” – it did! Suddenly we crash from the mountain top to the valley. So how do we avoid these spiritual disappointments – or, at least, make them less frequent?

           Peter says that we need to have a proper view of our self. He indicates that presumption grows out of self-will and a lack of respect for “dignities.” This is the Greek word doxa from which we get the word doxology. It is anything or anyone that is glorious or worthy of honor. We need to be careful because we dwell in a land where the prevailing attitude is disrespect.

           The Psalmist indicates that we need to watch our mouth and guard our heart. He said: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD.” Be careful of what you think about all day long. Don’t be a smart mouth. Don’t use foul or inappropriate language.

Dear Lord, Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. AMEN