INTRODUCTION

The Bible is plain that believers should not put their trust in men. It is also clear that men should not trust in themselves. If any person could ever have rightfully trusted in himself, it would have been the apostle Paul. He was "circumcised the eighth day," "an Hebrew of the Hebrews," and "a Pharisee" (Philippians 3:5Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
See All...). In the midst of all this, Paul knew these were not worthy of his trust for eternal life. In fact, he said that he did count these things but dung, that he may win Christ (Philippians 3:8Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation?
See All...). If Paul understood that he could not put his trust in himself, no other believer should assume that he or she has any ability or merit worthy of trust.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read Matthew 26:31-34 [31] Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. [32] But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [33] Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. [34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
  See All.... Peter trusted in himself that he would never say he didn't know the Lord. He failed miserably. Cain trusted in himself that he was giving the Lord the correct offering. The Lord refused it (Genesis 4:5But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  See All...). We should always trust in the Lord and believe and do what He says (Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  See All...).
• What are some areas of life where you might not put your trust in others, but you would quickly put your trust in yourself? How is one just as wicked as the other?
• In whom did the Pharisees trust (Luke 18:9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  See All...)? Why did they begin to trust in themselves? What did they lose sight of in order to begin trusting in themselves?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to guard you against trusting in yourself.
• Ask the Lord to help you to be conscious of your trust.

HYMN

Trusting Jesus

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