Memory Work:
Q1. Why does God forbid all covetousness?
God forbids this sin, so that no desire contrary to his will may arise in our hearts. (James 1:14, 15)
Q2. But can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?
No; even the holiest men in this life have only a small beginning of this obedience. Yet they desire to live according to all God’s commandments. (Romans 7:21, 22)
Q3. Why, then, must this law be so strictly preached?
God will have his law strictly preached, so that we may learn to know our sinfulness better, may daily seek forgiveness in Christ, and may continually ask for the grace and help of his Holy Spirit. (Galatians 3:19; James 2:12)
Things to Look Up:
- Why should we be content with what we have? Matthew 6:32,33; Hebrews 13:5.
- What should we do, when we fall into sin? 1 John 2:1, 2.
- How does Paul describe the struggles of the Christian life? Romans 7:22, 23
- What spiritual service do we owe to God every day? Romans 12:1, 2.
- What will the believer do, when he sees daily sins and blemishes in his life? Canons of Dordt 5, art 2