Accountability

Scriptural Guide for this lesson is: Genesis 9:1-10:32)

God promised that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood. A rainbow would follow rain as a reminder that God keeps his promises. Man must treat all living creatures well. God created a special covenant with humans that gave them dominance over the earth, yet it made them accountable to God for each action. There is hardly a more sobering statement in Scripture than Romans 14:12; So each of us will have to answer to God. The words "each of us" apply to Christians and non-Christians alike. And though believers will be saved by grace and not by works, once in Heaven our reward there will be determined on the basis of our works. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgement will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was. If the building that has been put on the foundation still stands, the builder will get a reward. But if the building is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. The builder will be saved, but it will be as one who escaped from a fire. Jesus said, "And I tell you that on the Judgement Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said." (Matthew 12:36) If we must give an account to God for every word spoken, surely we must give an account for every hour spent carelessly. The wise response to such truth is to evaluate your use of time now and spend it in a way that you would like to hear at the Judgement. And if you cannot answer your conscience regarding how you use your time in the growth of Christianlikeness now, how will you be able to answer God then? In what areas do you need accountability? Prayer time? Bible study? Sharing your faith? Pick an area in your life that needs improvement. Find someone to hold you accountable to help you make the changes that God wants. 

Exploration: (Matthew 12:36); (Hebrews 13:17)

Do Not Criticize Other People

(Romans 14:10-12)

So why do you judge your brothers or sisters in Christ? And why do you think you are better than they are? We will all stand before God to be judged, because it is written in the Scriptures: "As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'Everyone will bow before me; everyone will say that I am God.'" So each of us will have to answer to God.