Three Major Themes from the Selected Scriptures
Theme 1: The Justice and Sovereignty of God
Key Scriptures: Nahum 1:2-3; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Proverbs 8:13
Point 1: God is Just and Righteous
- Nahum 1:2-3 – God’s justice is certain; He will not overlook sin.
- His patience does not mean He ignores wrongdoing (2 Peter 3:9).
- He will bring judgment in His perfect timing (Ecclesiastes 3:17).
- His power is displayed in His righteous actions (Psalm 97:2-3).
- Jeremiah 23:23-24 – God is omnipresent; no one can hide from His justice.
- There is no escaping His sight (Psalm 139:7-12).
- He is close to the righteous but opposes the wicked (Isaiah 59:1-2).
- He holds all creation accountable to His truth (Hebrews 4:13).
- Proverbs 8:13 – The fear of the Lord leads to rejecting evil.
- Holiness begins with a reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10).
- Arrogance and wickedness are opposed by God (James 4:6).
- True wisdom rejects sin and pursues righteousness (Romans 12:9).
Summary: God is righteous, omnipresent, and just. He hates sin and will judge wickedness, but He is also patient, allowing people time to repent. His sovereignty means no one can escape His justice.
Theme 2: The Danger of Pride and Self-Reliance
Key Scriptures: Luke 18:9; Psalm 52:7; Psalm 25:16-18
Point 2: Pride and Self-Righteousness Lead to Destruction
- Luke 18:9 – Those who trust in themselves reject God’s grace.
- The Pharisees were condemned for self-righteousness (Matthew 23:27-28).
- Justification comes from humility before God (Luke 18:13-14).
- Pride blinds people from their true spiritual state (Revelation 3:17).
- Psalm 52:7 – Trusting in wealth or power instead of God leads to ruin.
- True security is found in God, not in riches (1 Timothy 6:17).
- Seeking refuge in anything other than God is foolish (Isaiah 30:1-3).
- Self-reliance without God results in destruction (Matthew 7:26-27).
- Psalm 25:16-18 – The humble cry out for mercy, knowing their need for God.
- God responds to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
- Seeking God in humility brings deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14).
- He forgives and restores those who seek Him (Isaiah 1:18).
Summary: Pride and self-righteousness keep people from true repentance. Those who trust in their own strength, wealth, or power will ultimately fall, while those who humble themselves before God will find mercy and security in Him.
Theme 3: The Call to True Righteousness and Holiness
Key Scriptures: Titus 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 John 3:2-3; Luke 1:68-75; Psalm 19:7-11
Point 3: A Transformed Life Reflects God’s Holiness
- Titus 3:1-2 – Believers are called to godly living and humility.
- We must be obedient to God and kind to others (Romans 12:10).
- True righteousness is lived out in actions, not just beliefs (James 2:17).
- We reflect Christ by rejecting slander and embracing humility (Colossians 3:12-13).
- 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 – Our hope is in eternal life, not earthly success.
- We are citizens of heaven, living by faith (Philippians 3:20).
- Confidence in God allows us to live without fear (Isaiah 41:10).
- Our true home is in eternity with Christ (John 14:2-3).
- 1 John 3:2-3 – Believers are being transformed into the image of Christ.
- We are God’s children, purified by His grace (Ephesians 1:4-5).
- The hope of Christ’s return calls us to holiness (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
- Our lives should reflect Christ’s righteousness (Romans 8:29).
- Luke 1:68-75 – God’s salvation calls us to live in righteousness.
- His mercy redeems us from sin (Ephesians 2:4-5).
- We are saved to serve Him in holiness (Romans 6:22).
- Fear of the Lord leads to righteous living (Proverbs 16:6).
- Psalm 19:7-11 – God’s Word is the foundation of true righteousness.
- His commandments bring wisdom and joy (Psalm 119:105).
- Obeying His Word leads to eternal reward (Matthew 7:24-25).
- His Word revives the soul and directs our path (Joshua 1:8).
Summary: True righteousness is not self-made but is the result of God’s transforming power. As we submit to His Word, live in holiness, and walk by faith, we reflect His character and grow into Christ’s image.
Final Takeaway:
These three themes summarize the Christian walk:
- God is just and will judge the wicked while calling all to repentance.
- Pride and self-righteousness lead to destruction, but humility brings life.
- True righteousness is found in Christ, and believers must reflect His holiness in their lives.
The Path of Justice, Humility, and Righteousness
(Verse 1)
The storm moves at His command,
Fire and wind bow to His voice,
Justice stands unshaken still,
For He alone is God.
(Verse 2)
No man can hide from His sight,
No heart escapes His gaze,
He searches deep, He knows the soul,
And calls the wayward home.
(Verse 3)
The proud stand firm in fading strength,
Yet crumble when the trials rise,
But those who trust in Him alone,
Will never be put to shame.
(Verse 4)
His mercy lifts the humble heart,
His grace restores the weak,
He clothes His own in robes of light,
And leads them in His truth.
(Verse 5)
To walk in Him is life and peace,
To love His Word is joy,
For holiness is not in name,
But in the life transformed.
The Call of the Righteous
(Verse 1)
The Lord is just, His ways are sure,
He sees the depths of every soul,
No one stands apart from Him,
No secret stays unknown.
(Verse 2)
The proud will fall, the strong will fade,
Yet those who trust will stand,
Not by their might, not by their way,
But by the grace He gives.
(Verse 3)
The humble seek, the broken bow,
And mercy finds them there,
The lost are found, the weak made strong,
For He restores the soul.
(Verse 4)
The righteous walk where He has led,
Their steps are firm in truth,
Not looking back, not turning away,
But following His light.
(Verse 5)
His Word remains, His promise holds,
A light that never fades,
And those who walk in holiness,
Will see the King one day.
(Verse 6)
No fear remains, no guilt endures,
For love has set them free,
The path is clear, the call is sure,
To walk in Him alone.
(Chorus)
Rise and stand, walk in truth,
Let mercy shape your way,
For those who trust and walk in light,
Will see the Lord one day.