The Way of Man is not in Himself

The Way Of Man

We fall from God’s guidance to our own guidance, or the devil’s guidance.

It sounded good! (Gen 3:4-5 NKJV) Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. {5} "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

One Chapter Later . . . (Gen 4:8-10 NKJV) Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. {9} Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" {10} And He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground.

The way of man is not in himself (Jer 10:23-24 NKJV) “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. {24} O LORD, correct me, but with justice; Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.”

The problem is that we don’t know where our way will lead us. (Prov 16:25 NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Early on, they learn the meaning of “Mine!” Last Sunday, we mentioned a problem that young children have in their learning: Early on, they learn the meaning of “Mine!”

The Problem The problem is that we become selfish and self centered. It’s a problem that many never come to understand. Jesus said we need to understand the beauty of giving.

The beauty of giving. (Luke 6:35-38 NKJV) "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. {36} "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

The beauty of giving. (Luke 6:35-38 NKJV) {37} "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. {38} "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

What is our way of dealing with people?  When we walk into many businesses today, we are greeted with a question, “May I help you?

What is our way of dealing with people? When we walk into many businesses today, we are greeted with a question, “May I help you? This simple, friendly greeting can deteriorate into, “What do you want?”

What is our way of dealing with people? The people at Chick-Fil-A, have taken this one step further, they have substituted for “You’re welcome,” “My pleasure.”

What is our way of dealing with people? Sometimes we speak without a word; Often Carolyn will look at me, and say “Smile!” A smile means a lot!

What does the Bible say about guidance?

We are told to ask for the old paths.   (Jer 6:16 NKJV) Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

“And ask for the old paths, where the good way is”  (2 Pet 3:1-4 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), {2} that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

“And ask for the old paths, where the good way is”  (2 Pet 3:1-4 NKJV) {3} knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, {4} and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

In other words, they forget that they will give account to God. (Psa 10:13 NKJV) Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, "You will not require an account."

Tragically, they fail to understand that going God’s way is the good way.

We tend to forget, Where the good way is.

What is the good way?

It is a way of being at peace with God.

It provides peace and security for all.

Wives are provided for by husbands who love them and care for them.  (1 Tim 5:8 NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Children are provided for and have guidance for daily living.  (Eph 6:4 NKJV) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Where do we find God’s guidance?

It comes from God’s word.  (Psa 119:101-107 NKJV) I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. {102} I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. {103} How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! {104} Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.

It comes from God’s word.  (Psa 119:101-107 NKJV) {105} Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. {106} I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments. {107} I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. 

It comes from asking for His guidance.   (James 1:5-6 NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

It comes from asking for His guidance.   (James 1:5-6 NKJV) {6} But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Some fail to ask for God’s guidance.  (James 4:1-4 NKJV) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? {2} You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

Some fail to ask for God’s guidance.  (James 4:1-4 NKJV) {3} You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. {4} Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

We need to understand that God is God.   (Psa 100:3 NKJV) Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Do You Know the Way?

Jesus said He is the Way.  (John 14:1-6 NKJV) "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. {2} "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. {3} "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Jesus said He is the Way. (John 14:1-6 NKJV) {4} "And where I go you know, and the way you know." {5} Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" {6} Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

It is a difficult way.  (Mat 7:13-14 NKJV) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. {14} "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Conclusion Are you on the right way? Are you honoring God in your life? Are you asking for God’s guidance? Are you seeking to be friends with the world? Is there something you need to make right in a public way?