What actions should we take to "turn them from their evil ways"? Key Verse: Jeremiah 23:22 “But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them from their evil ways and their evil deeds.” Listening Before Speaking - Stand regularly in the Lord’s “council” through unhurried time in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 1:2; Isaiah 50:4). - Allow the Spirit to correct and cleanse your own heart first (Psalm 139:23-24), so your words carry holy weight. Proclaiming God’s Word Clearly - Speak His words, not personal opinions (2 Timothy 4:2). - Present the full counsel of God—grace and truth together (Acts 20:27; John 1:17). - Use plain, everyday language so hearers grasp the message (Nehemiah 8:8). Calling for Repentance - Lovingly urge people to “turn…from wickedness and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). - Explain that repentance is a decisive, Spirit-enabled change of mind and direction (Acts 3:19). - Highlight the seriousness of sin and the certainty of judgment (Hebrews 9:27), while pointing to Christ’s atoning work (Romans 5:8-9). Modeling a Holy Life - Live what you teach (1 Timothy 4:12). - Keep short accounts with God—confessing sin quickly (1 John 1:9). - Show integrity at home, church, and workplace so skeptics “may be ashamed” of false accusations (1 Peter 3:16). Practicing Persistent Love - “Snatch others from the fire” with mercy mixed with godly fear (Jude 23). - Maintain gentle firmness: “If anyone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). - Be ready to forgive seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22), reflecting the Father’s long-suffering heart. Interceding in Prayer - Plead for the Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8) and for opened eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). - Battle unseen forces hindering repentance (Ephesians 6:12-18). - Thank God in advance for every sign of softening hearts (Philippians 4:6). Staying Alert and Accountable - Partner with other believers for mutual courage and clarity (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Welcome correction yourself; it keeps pride from dulling your influence (Proverbs 27:6). - Guard against discouragement—some soil needs repeated sowing before fruit appears (Matthew 13:19-23). Encouraged by God’s Promises - “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20) - “Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3) Stand in His council, speak His word, live His character—God will use these actions to turn many from their evil ways. |
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