INTRODUCTION

The righteous should rebuke and reprove the works of the wicked in every way possible. We should always try to remove the confidence the wicked might gain by thinking they are right in the eyes of the Lord. There are many ways that the hands of the wicked are strengthened: when believers approve the works of the wicked; when believers remain silent concerning the wickedness of the wicked; and when believers lie concerning the works of the wicked especially by suggesting that they are righteous. The wicked only need one preacher who suggests that God approves of their wickedness to help them grow in strength. They begin spouting about how God made them that way or how God is pleased with them just as they are. They may believe they are okay, but they are in fact tottering on the brink of destruction.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God is displeased with anyone who encourages the actions of the wicked (Proverbs 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
  See All...; Isaiah 5:20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
  See All...). The wicked should be warned (Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  See All...; 1 Timothy 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
  See All...; Titus 1: 12-13). Consider Peter's words to Simon (Acts 8:17-22 [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. [18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. [20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): As technology opens the door for more voices to be heard, it also opens the door for more voices to be approved by others. What are some ways in which we can approve or disapprove of the words and deeds of the wicked?
• Why is it so important that we not strengthen the hands of the wicked? Whose hands are you strengthening?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you reprove, not approve, the works of sin.
• Ask God to cause your words to weaken the hands of the wicked.

HYMN

MY PRAYER

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