What Is Life Worth? - Genesis, Psalm, Proverbs - January 21, 2007

Sunday school Lesson – What Is Life Worth? – 01-21-07

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study, “Creation Faith: Living by GOD’S Design.”

Our lesson is on the sanctity of life. Every one of us were conceived, breathed fluid in our mothers womb and in a few minutes went from breathing fluid to breathing air and fully equipped to nurse and develop into a functional human. So each of us are a living miracle.

Life is a mystery and is a gift from GOD. I like being and living as a human. But the greatest gift is eternal life through CHRIST.

I admire all the young mothers both wed or not who choose life for their unborn child. Being a mother or a father is not easy. But when a child or children are conceived the parents are creating and propagating life. GOD gave life and so GOD planned for man and woman to carry on what HE started.

Life is very special. Ephesians 1:3-4:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5]

GOD knew every human ever to be conceived before HE created the world. GOD through HIS omniscience could have decided not to make mankind. But through HIS love for us, even though HE knew that the first man and woman would sin, HE chose to create the human race. At the same time HE had a plan for the redemption of mankind through HIS SON JESUS.

I am glad GOD chose to allow me to experience life in my human body. But I am in awe of HIM that HE allowed HIS only SON JESUS to die for me that I might have eternal life and live with HIM as HIS child, through the miracle of rebirth, forever.

Let’s read Genesis 9:5-6: (Life is Worth Taking Accountability For)

5 I will require the life of every animal and every man for your life and your blood. I will require the life of each man’s brother for a man’s life.[3] Gn 4:2,8 6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in His image.

Before the flood there were massive killings of fellow humans. After the flood, GOD made it clear that human life was precious.

This scripture is where we get the authority for capital punishment.

Life is in the blood. GOD makes it clear that all humans and even the animals are accountable to GOD for taking a human life. If someone takes the life of another, we are to determine was it deliberate or an accident. So we have government with the judicial system to help make that decision. Justice is sought both for the victim and the perpetrator.

Let’s read Psalm 139:13-16: (Life is Worth Praising GOD For)

13 For it was You who created my inward parts;[3] Lit my kidneys You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.[4] DSS, some LXX mss, Syr, Jer read because You are remarkable and wonderful [5] Hb obscure Your works are wonderful, and I know [this]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all [my]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.[6] Ps 69:28; Ex 32:32; Jb 14:5

This scripture is the heart of our lesson. It expresses how intimate GOD is with the creation and development of every human. Life is precious.

Now I know this may raise a lot of questions. What about those created who are mentally or physically challenged? What about miscarriages? What about those who turn out to be the dregs of society? If GOD were so intimately involved, why would HE allow a problem child to be born? And the list goes on.

Here are a few thoughts the LORD has revealed over the years:

Just because we have accepted CHRIST as our SAVIOR and LORD does not exempt our loved ones or us from the circumstances of life. We are subject to disease, accidents, death, suffering, financial problems, mental problems and many others. Our life style, our genetics, our environment, habits and other factors have a part in circumstances that come our way.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10:

7 Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

We, as Christians, are jars of clay but in these jars we have the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and the assurance when we exit these jars of clay we will be in the presence of the LORD. Death is very much a part of living and all humans will die, unless the LORD comes.

2 Corinthians 1:4:
4 He comforts us in all our affliction,[2] Or trouble, or tribulation, or trials, or oppression; the Gk word has a lit meaning of being under pressure. so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Christians still live in their “jars of clay” and are not exempt from the circumstances of life. When bad things happen to good people GOD wants us to come to HIM for comfort and help. HE wants to be with us every step of the way, through tragedy or affliction, so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we received from HIM.

When a life is cut short, we ask why? I have asked GOD that question. The answer, “yes, some lives are shorter, but, would you deny that person eternal life with ME in heaven just because they will not live long upon earth? The key is to enjoy the wonderful memory of those you have known only for a short time knowing that you will be with them in heaven for all eternity.”

Yes, GOD has the power to intervene and protect and we should always pray for the sick and for the protection of our loved ones and ourselves. But there will be a time when GOD decides it is time for that loved one or us to come home.

Mankind sinned and sin ushered in disease, decay, imperfections, death and things that are wrong with the world. GOD intended the world to be the ideal place for mankind to live forever. Thus HE gave Adam and Eve the opportunity for making the right choice by choosing to obey GOD and not eat the forbidden fruit. I believe the right choice would have meant life eternal for them and their offspring. This immortal life would have come from the tree of life, which GOD had planted in the garden.

Notice in last week’s lesson GOD had the tree of life guarded to keep Adam and Eve from eating from the tree and living forever in their sinful state. Adam and Eve made the choice to disobey GOD and as GOD promised the consequence was death, Death both physically and spiritually. So we are left with an imperfect world but with the opportunity to be redeemed by GOD, through CHRIST, to live eternally as HE intended through the miracle of rebirth.

Our world is a mixture of humans. The mix includes those who know GOD through CHRIST, others who are seeking to find GOD and those who care less or even rebel at the thought of GOD. In this imperfect world, bad things happen to all people both those born-again or not.

Disease, accidents, health problems, mental problems, social problems and all sorts of challenges apply to all people. Every human is born into an imperfect world and are imperfect themselves. Through CHRIST every Christian is redeemed but remains in this imperfect world. So Christian and non-Christian alike are subject to the imperfect world and all the problems it can bring our way. Humans have intelligence but I believe GOD reveals to mankind how to repair and heal fellow humans which benefits both Christian and non-Christian alike. I believe GOD can heal through HIS divine healing, through the gift of medicine (This includes surgery, medications, therapy, etc.) and healing the mind to accept the condition one may have.

Some may raise the question about someone taking their own life. Life is precious and all who contemplate taking their own life need to reach out for help. Those who take their own lives are distraught and are mentally sick. GOD does not want anyone to take his or her own life but the mind is subject to disease like any other part of the body. When a person smokes or eats unhealthy and dies of a related disease it is a form of self-destruction. When one has a mental disease and takes his or her life, it is a tragedy, but it is a disease.

Some relate the taking of one’s life to the unpardonable sin but I do not believe that. I believe the unpardonable sin is the absolute rejection of the calling of the HOLY SPIRIT to repentance and salvation. The person rejects the calling of GOD to the point they have hardened their heart and GOD can no longer appeal to them and their need for salvation. Some people worry that they have committed the unpardonable sin. But if a person worries that they have committed the unpardonable sin, then GOOD NEWS, if they had they would not worry about it. So if you are worried, then ask GOD to forgive you and ask CHRIST to come into your heart right NOW!!!!

Let’s read Proverbs 1:10-19: (Life is Worth Valuing)

Pr 6:20–21 10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.[11] Ps 141:4 11 If they say—“Come with us! Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.[12] Lit Let’s ambush for blood Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun![13] Lit person for no reason 12 Let’s swallow them alive, like • Sheol, still healthy as they go down to the • Pit. 13 We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder.[14] Pr 24:4 14 Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share our money”[15] Lit us; one bag will be for all of us — 15 my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path,[16] Pr 16:19 16 because their feet run toward trouble and they hurry to commit murder.[17] Lit to shed blood [18] Pr 6:17; Isa 59:7 17 It is foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it, 18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;[19] Lit they ambush for their blood they attack their own lives. 19 Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly;[20] Pr 11:16–18; Ezk 22:27; Hab 2:6–12 it takes the lives of those who profit from it.[21] Lit takes the life of its masters

Proverbs was written as a father instructing his son. We know that the world offers many opportunities for young men and women to make right and wrong choices. It is important for all of us to make the right choices. The flesh, ego or peer pressure entice some people to try drugs, smoke, engage in premarital sex, homosexual activities, pornography, stealing, etc. The consequences have not changed and apply to the Christian as well as the non-Christian. The consequences always lead to destruction. All humans need to make the right choices.

Let’s read Proverbs 24:10-12: (Life is Worth Protecting)

10 If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. 12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs hearts consider it?[7] Pr 21:2; Ps 44:21 Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?[8] Pr 24:29

As Christians we are to be ready to help those who cannot help themselves. Think of the Germans enslaving the Jews. Sadam and his sons had no respect for life. Some of the African countries have ruthless militia who kill the innocent, just for the sake of killing. Has GOD chosen the United States to be the protector of the innocent in other countries?

Have Christians been chosen to protect the rights of unborn children? Not through violence but by establishing and maintaining crisis pregnancy centers to give support to all mothers considering life or death for their unborn child.

Life is precious. GOD wants us to experience life abundantly.

Let’s read Jeremiah 1:1

The Call of Jeremiah
4 The word of the Lord came to me: 5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb;[1] Ps 139:13–16 I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

GOD has a plan for every life ever to be born. But HE never violates our right to choose. Humans are accountable to GOD for their choices. Choose CHRIST and find forgiveness and eternal life. Serve HIM in obedience, as HE directs you.

Life is precious and HE has a wonderful plan for your life. JESUS came that all who accept HIM may experience life more abundantly. John 10:10 - 10 A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Your presence upon earth is no accident. Your life is a gift from GOD. Get to know HIM through a more intimate loving relationship.