From Exalted to Cast Down

Larry R Evans

April 2-9, 2011

Reflective Introduction

It has been said that “A bit of carbon in iron makes powerful metal; a bit of truth in a lie makes powerful deceit.” It could also be said that a bit of self-exaltation mixed with bestowed wisdom and beauty can lead to self-destruction. Such is one insight with this week’s lesson. But let’s not stop there! What happens when a convicted sinner yields his or her heart in faith to the grace of a loving Savior? Can a leopard change his spots? Of course not, but the miracle comes when the sinner puts self aside and allows Christ to live inside. This inner controversy is the very same one that raged in heaven leading to the expulsion of Lucifer. What he failed to learn in Heaven redeemed sinners are learning in a world raging with the expressed inner turmoil of a fallen angel:

Rom 7:21-25

21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! (NIV)

Reflective Quiz

1. Being perfect allows for the possibility of sinning. (Ezek. 28:15) True or False?

2. Regardless of Lucifer’s fall, God’s model of perfection is still the best. (Ezek. 28:12-19). True or False?

3. Sin entered when the gift was valued over the Giver. (Ezek 28:17; Deut. 8:11-14) True or False?

4. Forgetfulness is a sin problem. (Deut. 8:11-18) True or False?

5. The privilege of serving God is always a humbling experience. (Ezek. 28:14,17) True or False?

6. If God designed us to be in His image it is only natural for us to see ourselves as gods. (Isa. 14:12-14) True or False?

7. Not all who proclaim prophetic insights are angels of light. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) True or False?

8. A characteristic of sinfulness is the desire to masquared sin with goodness. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) True or False?

9. Physical dangers are the only security risk facing a Christian. (2 Cor. 11:13-14) True or False?

10. What two questions did God ask the first family after sin entered that unmasked the deceptive tactics of Satan? (Gen. 3:3-9; 4:6-9)

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