BOGO: two sins that usually show up together

Week 16 in the Word – April 16, 2021

In the Scriptures, we meet all kinds of people. Some are exemplary in a positive sense while not a few are memorable for their foolishness, pride, and rebellion. They become horrible examples of attitudes we hope we will never display.

Two of these attitudes that seem to be found together are presumption and ingratitude. Presumption is defined by the Google dictionary as “behavior perceived as arrogant, disrespectful and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.” Ingratitude is “forgetfulness of or poor return for kindness received” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingratitude).

Charles Spurgeon spoke about presumptuous sins which the psalmist prayed against (Psalm 19:13). He (Spurgeon) considered presumptuous sins to have one or more of these characteristics: we know they are wrong but commit them anyway, we do them deliberately, we do them on purpose because they are wrong, or we do them out of a “rash confidence in [our own] strength.”

King Saul acted presumptuously when he brazenly ignored the law of God and the instructions of the prophet Samuel. He was presumptuous rationalizing his sinful actions whenever confronted. When David spared Saul’s life twice, he showed ingratitude toward the man he considered his enemy.

Nabal is another character whose presumption and ingratitude were evident. He refused to recognize the goodness of David and his men and act in a neighborly way toward them (I Samuel 25).

In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother showed crass ingratitude toward his father and resentment for the mercy and grace he showed to the prodigal. The older brother presumed that he deserved all that the father had given him, but even that was not enough. So, he refused to celebrate the return of the son that had been lost but found, dead but alive. Again we see a mixture of presumption and ingratitude.

On one occasion, Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17). Only one of them, a Samaritan, showed gratitude and returned to thank Jesus for this life-changing miracle.

May we beware of the dangers of presumption and ingratitude. If you buy one, you are likely to get the other one, too. No extra charge. Watch for these negative examples as you read the Word this week.

Looking back

Last week we began the book of I Samuel and saw the events surrounding the birth, boyhood, and prophetic ministry of Samuel as a judge in Israel. Samuel under God’s direction anointed Saul as king, but later pronounced the judgment of God on him. Samuel then anointed, David, a most unlikely candidate to replace the unfaithful Saul.

Our readings in Luke showed Jesus continuing to call people to godly faithfulness and to carry a cross as they follow Him. Many outcasts of society did believe in Him. The scribes and Pharisees grumbled about how Jesus received such low life types, but He defended their response claiming that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. What does it say about the religious authorities of the day that they grumbled while heaven rejoiced? May we not be like those legalistic, hypocritical teachers.

Looking ahead

This week we will learn the sad ending of Saul’s reign and his life while at the same time God continues to bless David who patiently waits for the promised throne to become his. We will be concluding I Samuel and beginning II Samuel.

In Luke, we will be treated to some of Jesus’ most well-known parables (the Prodigal Son, the dishonest manager, the persistent widow, and the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple). Jesus warns of coming judgment in His teaching about a stingy, rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. We will find ourselves enamored with Jesus even as his words convict us of our need for His forgiveness.

Tip of the week

Keep in mind the principles of biblical interpretation whenever reading Scripture. The most basic principle is “Scripture interprets Scripture.” The Bible is God’s word and since He is the author, and He is completely true and all-knowing there can never be contractions in His book. That is why we are exhorted to study the Word diligently and fully so as not to err when seeking to understand what it is saying and how it is to be applied.

A good introduction to this subject is here and in RC Sproul’s book Knowing Scripture here.

Week of April 16-22, 2021

April 16/Day 106 Ugly Ungratefulness (I Samuel 19-21: Luke 15:11-32) Audio here. April 17/Day 107 Who’s Your Master?(I Samuel 22-24; Luke 16:1-18 ) Audio here. April 18/Day 108 Heeding a Timely Warning (I Samuel 25-26; Luke 16:19-31) Audio here. April 19/Day 109 The Danger of Presumption (I Samuel 27-29; Luke 17:1-19) Audio here. April 20/Day 110 His Kingdom is Forever (I Samuel 30-31; Luke 17:20-37) Audio here. April 21/Day 111 Prayer in the Face of Injustice (II Samuel 1-3; Luke 18:1-17) Audio here. April 22/Day 112 The Cost of Following Christ (II Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43) Audio here. If you do not have a copy of my book you may want to order one here. However, you may also access the daily audio recordings generously provided by my friend and pastor Charlie Evans above.

NOTE: Audio files will be added as they become available. *