DAIL TEXT, Today's Thursday, July 8, 2021, The reasonings of the wise are in vain (1 Cor. 3:20).

DAIL TEXT, Today's Thursday, July 8, 2021

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021

Thursday, July 8, 2021

The reasonings of the wise are in vain (1 Cor. 3:20).

In the days of ancient Israel, Satan used false religion to promote sexual immorality. Today it does the same. False religion tolerates immoral behavior and even tries to make it appear normal. Therefore, many who claim to serve God have abandoned his clear moral standards. Which have been the results? The apostle Paul mentioned them in the letter he wrote to the Romans (Rom. 1: 28-31). Among “things that are not appropriate” are all kinds of sexual immorality, including homosexuality (Rom. 1: 24-27, 32; Rev. 2:20). Without a doubt, it is very important that we obey the clear teachings of the Bible. The philosophies of man ignore or contradict the just divine standards. They do not promote the fruitage of God's spirit, but "the works of the flesh" (Gal. 5: 19-23). They produce pride and arrogance, so that people become lovers of themselves (2 Tim. 3: 2-4). These characteristics are contrary to the meek and humble spirit that Jehovah wants us to have (2 Sam. 22:28). w19.06 5, 6 pars. 12-14

How was the faith of the Israelites tested when they entered the Promised Land?

The first thing Satan did was take advantage of the normal desire for it to rain and water the fields. In the Promised Land, it rained very little from late April to September. Good harvests depended on the rains that used to start around October. The neighboring nations of Israel believed that certain rites were necessary for the gods to give them much-needed rain. Satan led the Israelites to believe that their life and prosperity depended on their adopting these pagan customs. Those who did not have faith in Jehovah believed that this was the only way to avoid long droughts, so they performed pagan rites in honor of Baal.

What second tactic did Satan use? Explain how you used it.

Satan also appealed to the carnal desires of the Israelites. The religious rites of the pagan nations included disgusting immoral acts, among them the prostitution of women and men in the temples. Those nations not only tolerated homosexuality and other forms of sexual immorality, but considered them normal (Deut. 23:17, 18; 1 Kings 14:24). They believed that all this served for the gods to make the land fertile. Many Israelites were attracted to these immoral pagan rites and began to serve false gods. In reality, they let Satan catch them.

According to Hosea 2:16, 17, how did Satan obscure Jehovah's identity?

Satan used a third tactic: He obscured Jehovah's identity. In the days of the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah pointed out that false prophets caused the Israelites to forget their name because of Baal (Jer. 23:27). Apparently, the Israelites stopped using God's name and replaced it with Baal, which means "owner" or "master." In this way, the difference between Jehovah and Baal was blurred in the minds of God's servants, making it easier for them to mix Baal worship rites with Jehovah worship. --Read Hosea 2:16, 17 and footnote.

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.