1. Wednesday Night Adult Class South Jackson church of Christ Lesson 3 – The Problem with Modifying God’s Masterpiece September 21, 2011 rpack119@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ray.pack www.wordpress.com/insidethebackpack

2. Introductory Thoughts Sincere, well meaning efforts of spiritual modifications are terribly sinful The problem of modification is addressed repeatedly in the book of Genesis A diligent student of God’s word will be shocked as they read about modification Tonight’s lesson is an admonition to learn and to do better

3. Introductory Thoughts One of man’s greatest weaknesses also leads to man’s greatest successes Man is constantly seeking improvements, better ideas and modifying existing standards This is a great philosophy in the business world, but brings disaster in the spiritual world Throughout civilization God has urged a strict dependence on the divine way The results of modifying God’s masterpiece leads to apostasy

4. Mention of Modifications Caused by Pride Most modifications come as a result of man’s pride deceiving him into thinking he can improve on God’s plan Two powerful illustrations of this are found in Genesis The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 The treatment of Joseph Genesis 37

5. Mention of Modifications Caused by Impatience Scripture urges us to “wait” for the Lord’s work to be done God’s plans are working on a divine timetable Psalm 25:5, 21 – Psalm 27:14 – Psalm 37:7,9 The problem of waiting is compounded by the fact that Satan is tempting us to an impatient state Illustrated in one Man - Abraham Genesis 15:1-6 – Genesis 16:1-2 – Genesis 17:18

6. Mention of Modifications Caused by Encouragement Modification is often done due to the encouragement from our peers I call this giving way to the majority opinion – A group mentality Illustrated through Sarai and Hagar Genesis 16 God in later years warned Israel about modifying His plans because of encouragement of others Exodus 23:3

7. Lessons to be Learned You can change God’s plans, BUT, Pleasure leads to pain Success leads to ruin Destiny leads to turmoil You can conform to God’s plans BY Waiting Meditating Submitting Trusting Following You cannot censure God’s plans

8. Next Week’s Lesson Creation: Divine and Complete