A Grander Scheme: The Pride (Part 2)

One Year Bible (July 16)

I Chronicles 22:1-23:32

A GRANDER SCHEME: “The Pride” (Part Two)

The word “Scheme” can be used in a bad way or a good way.

We will continue with the storyline found in I Chronicles 21 which we began yesterday. As we look at it closely, we will see the message unfolding here as the central focus that spills over into the rest of the book. So, we dare not miss this important message.

The definition of “Scheme’ is “a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or idea into effect.”

In this passage, we examine the “evil scheme” behind this encounter and the “master plan” throughout this story and beyond. It will all come to light for us in some pretty amazing ways.

Yesterday, I asked you to post two words that describe the “The Master Theme” of the Bible. It is tough to use just two words to describe anything, Isn’t it? I am enjoying reading your words.

My two words would be... SINNER. SAVIOUR.

Some might say, “Salvation”, but I decided to go with “Saviour” because it is about a PERSON, God the Father, God The Son, and God the Spirit who created man in THEIR image. Three in One.

There was also a man at the fall…and death and separation. It would take one perfect sacrifice to satisfy “the wrath of God”. An animal sacrifice could not accomplish this task.

All of the pieces of the puzzle fit into One Big Puzzle. One Tapestry. One Giant Hall of Faith.

Take the genealogies, for instance, how in the world do these fit into “the bigger picture”? They are just a bunch of names, right? They showed God’s people their rights, privileges, and lineage because of their names being entered into this book.

Did you know that there will be another book that is far greater? It is called the “Lamb’s Book of Life” as is told in the book of Revelation. Jesus told his disciples, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b)

How do you feel about names being written in a book NOW?

This, my friends, is seeing the OT through NT eyes, and I Chronicles 21 offers much for us to “SEE”...

Today, we will look deeper at the first part of the GRAND SCHEME. PRIDE was the original sin and it is "still going strong today".

Isn't having "PRIDE In Yourself" a good thing? We are certainly told that in today's society. "Just believe in yourself".

The original sin was the result of choice. The angels had the choice to worship God or reject him. Satan was an angel and he chose PRIDE. He certainly did "Believe in Himself". This began his descent to the earth as a fallen being.

Adam and Eve were walking in perfect communion with their Father in the garden and they encountered the serpent.

This "fallen one from heaven" brought the choice to them as well, “Wouldn’t you want to know what God knows?”

Did he lie to them? “NO” not exactly. The Bible tells us he was “crafty”. He took the truth and twisted it.

(90 % truth, 10% lie.. That’s his M.O.)

The woman replied to him, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” The serpent came back with, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:1-6)

Next, let’s look at the story of Lucifer’s fall from heaven, “Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you…” (Ezekiel 28:11-19)

Satan lived in the perfection of Heaven and that was NOT enough for him. Out of pride, he wanted to be equal in power with God. Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony and fellowship with each other, creation, and in fellowship with God in the garden, but that wasn’t enough either. They wanted to have knowledge beyond what they knew. They wanted what God had…

The original sin was PRIDE, the downfall of a perfect angel and perfect created beings.

It is interesting that ‘The Chronicler’ who is writing Chronicles completely leaves the details of David’s “adulterous sin, murder, and consequences” out of this book. Why do you think he chooses to leave this part of the story out? (Please comment below.)

Instead, he only focuses on the sin of PRIDE relating to the taking of the census. How is this "foolish decision" related to pride? I would love to hear your comments. We will talk more about this...

Before the people can open their eyes to see the “Savior” they must recognize their “Sin”. This is the beginning of ... “THE GRANDER SCHEME”.