YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH
GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 5
WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE
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The bible teaches Christian parents to “…bring [their children]… up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord...” (Ephesians 6:4). The key phrase here is the “….nurture and admonition……of the LORD...”
It means to train the children through love, correction, and discipline and for the same reason God trains his OWN children so “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters [of God] at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
“….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).
“… His name (Jesus) is called The Word of God (scripture) …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ... for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man (woman) of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV). “... [Jesus, the Word] ... opened their minds to understand the Scriptures...” (Luke 24:45 NLT). “... Let the Spirit (the Word, scriptures, etc.) renew your thoughts and attitudes...” (Ephesians 4:23 NLT).
Peter needed to be corrected, so God told him this: “...Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB).
“...Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).
Satan “demanded,” which means he requested permission to SIFT or TEST Simon Peter and God, the Holy Spirit, ALLOWED it, just like he allowed testing for Job. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause...” (Job 2:3 KJV).
IT PROVES, “...[God’s people]...wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places....” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).
“...And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels...” (Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG).
“.... I have prayed for you [PETER], that your faith may not fail...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB). “...But I have prayed for thee (PETER], that thy faith fail not...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV). “...Simon [PETER], I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).
Thus, “….All things work together for good to [God’s people]... that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…[Satan thinks) ...evil against [God’s people]; but God mean[s]... it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).
“…. The proof of [PETER’S]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory (which is his presence, his goodness, and his power) and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ...” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV).
Job was a “…blameless, and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). Job said, “…Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).
“… [God]... knoweth the way that [each of HIS children] take; when he hath tried [them], [THEY]... shall come forth as gold [and Job and Peter DID]...” (Job 23:10 KJV).
Jesus was so confident that PETER would come through his TEST OR SIFTING he said to him: “...when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB).
“...When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).
“...when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV).
“…[So]... brothers and sisters …when your faith is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow...” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
Peter SAID: “...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE...” (1 Peter 5:5 NASB).
“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).
Peter had OFTEN been corrected by God and later on God, allowed him to BE TESTED or SIFTED. Peter learned, first hand, who he REALLY was during the SIFTING of his SOUL. He SAW his own inadequacies and humbled himself under the MIGHTY hand of God.
When God allows his people to go through TESTING or SIFTING they willing choose to surrender to the affliction bought to them with HIS permission. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
Job’s health was impacted too, “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).
Job’s wife even said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV). “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 KJV).
Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).
God allowed JOB to go through THE TEST or SIFT. “...The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).
Job lost EVERYTHING, upon earth, tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job knew “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth…” (Romans 12:1 & Luke 12:15 KJV). Apostle Paul, who said, “…for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV).
How many of God’s people are mad at God and blame him for allowing afflictions or difficulties into their lifestyles? “...Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does...” (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG).
“...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen...” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).
Job’s and Jesus’ response to their TESTS or SIFTING was humility. God’s people are to surrender themselves to God’s sovereign will, no matter what HE allows to happen to them. “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…"Father ... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Jesus said, “…LEARN from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
Peter SAID: “...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE...” (1 Peter 5:5 NASB).
“…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, …” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up...” (James 4:10 KJV).
“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).
Nothing HUMBLES a man or woman MORE than real-life experiences of afflictions or difficulties. “…spared not his own Son [from testing], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Jesus “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered (or was tested in)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters [of God] at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV). It is surrendering humbly UNDER God, the Holy Spirit’s, mighty hand, that we ACCEPT the afflictions, corrections, and chastisements HE ALLOWS.
God’s people ALSO WAIT patiently for God’s timetable in the SIFTING or TESTING. “...The… trying of [God’s people’s]… faith...worketh patience ...let patience have her perfect (maturing, spiritually developing) work, that [his people]... may be perfect and entire (spiritually mature and whole), wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV).
“…[God] knoweth the way that I (his people) take; when he hath tried ...[them], I (they) shall come forth as gold...” (Job 23:10 KJV). AND “….the proof of [his people’s]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV).
God has said: “…In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ASV).
When being “TESTED”or SIFTED lasts TOO long it doesn’t feel like you are overcoming IT, but that IT is overcoming you.
Trusting God’s sovereign will, during TESTING, can become questionable to some of HIS own people. The long-term distress of SOME TESTS and the continual disappointment feels as if God is no longer involved with your test. However, God has said, “…[My people]... have overcome…” (John 6:33 KJV). If Jesus said “...[My people]... have overcome” then THEY have! THEY win!!!
Even if THEY don’t understand the LONG “TEST,” they can CHOOSE to trust and depend upon God’s sovereignty anyway. “...O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?...” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).
God “… ways [are often]…past finding out…” and his ways will NOT always make human sense (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). God “… is able to do [or work ALL things together]… exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). God’s ways are simply “…past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV).
Humility is also a sign that the SIFTING of the SOUL has done its righteous work in the HEARTS of God’s people. Jesus said: “…I am humble ...IN HEART …” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). In addition, “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). Jesus “…humbled himself ….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “...[God’s people are to willfully choose, like Jesus did, to]...humble [them]selves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).
Jesus said: “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...He (gave Himself over to Him (God, the Father and the Holy Spirit) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).
During the SIFTING of the SOUL, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way…I have NOT seem the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread…The Lord forsaketh NOT his saints; they are preserved for ever…The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein for ever… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land…behold the upright; for the end of that man (woman) is peace…But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in a time of trouble. And the Lord shall help deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust him…” (Psalm 37:23-40 KJV).
“…The plans [God has]…for [the SIFTED soul] … [are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them], plans to give [them, expectant]... hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which …[God, the Holy Spirit; Jehovah Jireh, your PROVIDER] … hath prepared for … [SIFTED souls] … that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).
Another MIRROR VIEW happening, at the SIFTING of your SOUL, will REVEAL who you really are. It will also REVEAL whether you will choose to surrender to the TESTS God allows to afflict and correct you. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
A MIRROR VIEW of who Peter was happened at the SIFTING of his SOUL. This means Peter chose to humble himself and surrendered to the TESTS God allowed to afflict, chastise, and correct his soul. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).
Jesus said to PETER: “...when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB). “...When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG). “...when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV).
Peter was eventually converted. He was still fearless, courageous, and bold, but his conduct was now GOVERNED and EMPOWERED by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.
Peter became one of the PILLARS of the church and “the ROCK” as Jesus had affirmed he would be. “...And when James, Cephas (Simon Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars...” (Galatians 2:9 KJV). “ ... thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church...”(Matthew 16:18-19 KJV).
Peter needed a LOT of correction, but God, STILL used him to ADVANCE the Kingdom. He was one of the most important biblical LEADERS and played a PIVOTAL role in writing two of the New Testament epistles. “ ...I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (my church). And I will give unto thee (PETER and God’s church) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven...”(Matthew 16:18-19 KJV).
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