WHEN GOD\'S PEOPLE BETRAY HIM, MULTITUDES PERISH By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)
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Introduction
The words of God remind us that as His people, we hold a solemn responsibility to walk in righteousness and uphold the truth. When God's people betray Him, the consequences ripple far beyond their lives, affecting multitudes who depend on their faithfulness as a moral compass. This message explores the critical role of God’s people as the salt and light of the earth, the consequences of their betrayal, and the call to return to a life of uprightness in Him. Let us consider how our actions as believers shape not only our lives but also the destiny of others.
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God’s People: The Salt and Light
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” (Matthew 5:13)
God’s people are called to preserve righteousness and shine as examples of godly living. When we live according to His will, we provide a moral and spiritual framework that sustains society. However, when we stray from our divine calling, we lose our effectiveness, allowing corruption and evil to flourish.
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The Consequences of Betrayal
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The betrayal of God’s people brings devastation. Multitudes wander in desolation because those entrusted with the truth have forsaken their first love. When we pursue worldly ambitions and yield to pride, we invite God’s retributive justice, causing suffering not only to ourselves but also to countless others who depend on our example of faithfulness.
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The Need for Soberness and Obedience
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
God calls His people to walk soberly and obediently. Intoxication with pride and worldliness leads to spiritual blindness, making us susceptible to the enemy’s attacks. By remaining vigilant and rooted in God’s Word, we can fulfill our role as a barrier against the tide of evil sweeping through the land.
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God’s Wrath: A Call to Repentance
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:6)
God’s wrath is not arbitrary but a demonstration of His mercy and love. Through chastisement, He seeks to restore His people to righteousness and reverence. Those who truly belong to Him must humble themselves, acknowledge their transgressions, and return to their first estate.
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The Responsibility of God’s People
“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:12)
God’s people are entrusted with the responsibility to repair the breaches and restore godly paths. Our faithfulness has the power to transform not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. When we walk uprightly, we glorify God and fulfill His purpose for humanity.
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Summary
The betrayal of God’s people has far-reaching consequences, leading to spiritual desolation and suffering for many. However, through repentance, obedience, and vigilance, we can return to our divine calling and become instruments of restoration and righteousness. God’s wrath serves as a wake-up call, urging us to realign our lives with His will.
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Conclusion
In these perilous times, let us remember our responsibility as God’s chosen people. We are called to be the salt and light of the earth, preserving righteousness and guiding others toward Him. By humbling ourselves, seeking His face, and turning from our wicked ways, we can experience His forgiveness and healing for our land.
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Call to Action
Take time to reflect on your relationship with God. Are you walking in obedience and upholding the truth? Commit today to returning to your first love and fulfilling your divine purpose. Encourage others to do the same, and together, let us stand as a righteous remnant in a wayward generation.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God’s mercy endures forever. No matter how far you may have strayed, He is always ready to receive you when you turn to Him with a humble and contrite heart. Be strengthened in the knowledge that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Trust in His faithfulness, walk in His light, and experience the abundant life He has prepared for you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
