TRANSFORMING LOVE
GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 2
“…WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH (DISCIPLINES)…” (HEBREW 12:6 KJV).
“…be ye holy, for I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).
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“…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).
At some point, when God’s people “…[fall] away…” or …”keep on sinning….” it may be wise to ask themselves if they have genuinely received him as Lord and Savior.
It may not be the case, but some SAY if you turn away from Christ maybe you never really trusted him in the first place. “...They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us...” (1 John 2:19 KJV).
Discipline provides an opportunity for God’s people to give God their whole heart and not just lip service. Peter said, “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…’” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). Job said, “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Apostle Paul said, “...Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
The bible tells God’s people to be sure of their salvation and that they are “in the faith…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6 KJV).
What are some of the ways God’s people can personally examine themselves to evaluate if they are “in the faith?” THE WAY THEY ENDURE AND HOPE IN THE GOSPEL WILL BE A SIGN.“...If [they[ continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, [but continue to ENDURE, [THEY]... SHALL BE SAVED] ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).
If God’s people are “in the faith” THE WAY THEY LOVE WILL PROVE IT. “..Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love...” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).
“… In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother…” (1 John 3:10 KJV). “…All men (women) will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…" (John 13:35 NASB).
If God’s people are “in the faith” THEIR SPIRITUAL FRUIT WILL BE A WITNESS. “…By their fruits, [because] …every good tree bringeth forth good fruit….[and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM...” “…Ye shall know [God’s people, who in the faith]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
“... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the] lives [of his people]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
If God’s people are “in the faith” THEY WILL BE A “LIGHT” TO OTHERS and they will SEE it. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven...” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).“...This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples...” (John 15:8 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, disciplines his people so they won’t simply “DO” the Christian religion, but so they will actually “BECOME” authentically Christ-like. “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity...” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).
Jesus died for EACH of his people and willingly gave up his entire life so they could go and LIVE free from SIN. “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).
Jesus laid down his LIFE out of his love for his people and “HIS” people will also laid down their lives for him. “...Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren...” (1 John 3:16 KJV).
In this WORLD or upon earth, God’s people are LIKE Jesus Christ. “…In this world we (God’s people) are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “... perceive ... the love of God [through jesus], because he laid down his life for us (his people)...” (1 John 3:16 KJV).
“... Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and ...he rose again the third day ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “..Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).
“ ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).
“...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries...” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV)
It will be COSTLY, for God’s people, to make JESUS Lord of their LIFE. “...Anyone who won’t [choose to] ... shoulder his (her) own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG). “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV). AND “…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments …” (John 14:15).
“…If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple …” (Luke 14:26 KJV).
However, when God’s people laid down their sinful lifestyles for a Christ-like lifestyle is not an equal exchange. They get the better end of the EXCHANGE. “…for Christ …suffered for sins …, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST….” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit’s, transformation process, through trials-and-tribulations, is a LOVING discipline that can make his people feel unsafe, even though they are SAFE “in” Christ. “... For in the day of trouble he will keep [his people]... safe in his dwelling; he will hide [them]... in the shelter of his sacred tent and set [them]... high upon a rock...” (Psalm 27:5 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“… he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). ). “...he careth for [his people]…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous (god’s people) runs into it and is safe…” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB).
Unsafe feelings make God’s people mentally and emotionally vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Nonetheless, the bible says, “...These things I have spoken to you, that in me (his WORD) [my people]... may have peace. In the world [they]... shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I (God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD) have overcome the world” (John 16:33 KJV).
When God, the Holy Spirit, allows trials-and-tribulations to discipline his people it can ignite fear, doubt, questions, loneliness, hopelessness, weariness, and the experiences can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Don’t give up!!! “... And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...” (Galatians 6:9 KJV).
Undergoing God’s allowing of trials and tribulations requires endurance, perseverance, long-suffering, patience, daily living by faith, and long-term trust in God. Yet, “...Blessed is the man (woman) that endureth temptation: for when he (she) is tried, he(she) shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him...” (James 1:12 KJV).
God’s allowing of trials-and-tribulations is meant to humble God’s people, make them holy, transform their conduct, and direct them to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Submitting to the Lordship of Christ is a challenging, but NECESSARY lesson of TRUE discipleship. It is God’s custom to “… humble [his people], and to prove [their commitment to him], [and] to know what was in [their[ heart, [and to SEE]...whether [they] wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).
When God through Jesus is Lord. God’s people will be humble, committed, allowing their hearts to be cleansed by the WORD, and choosing, because they love HIM, to keep his commandment.
The testing of God’s people faith is more for their benefit than God’s benefit. It comes to “… humble [his people], and to prove [their commitment to him], [and] to know what was in [their[ heart, [and to SEE]...whether [they] wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).
God allows his people to go through tests to prove to THEM (God already knows), what is truly in their OWN heart. “...the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart… For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander...” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “…out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks...” (Luke 6:45 RSV).
God already knows your heart.“...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me...” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). God looks at the “…hidden man(woman) of the heart (where the MOTIVE is)…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts … [or wrong MOTIVES] … these … come from within, and defile a person...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The HEART “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
God wants his people to SEE their OWN hearts. God does this by allowed, his people, to go through trials and tribulations. Challenging situations and circumstances will always prove whether his people will keep HIS commandments or not. “….prove [to you] … what [is] in [your own] heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).
King Hezekiah was allowed to be tested. “… God left him, to try him that he might know all that was in his heart…” (2 Chronicles 32:31 KJV).
His heart was not right before God and God knew it. “..In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).
Hezekiah had a rebellious, selfish, and prideful side that God knew was hidden in his heart. “But Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).
Hezekiah SAW, with his OWN insight, the darkness that was hidden within his OWN heart as well as his many weaknesses.“...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him (by God, the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).
“...Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world...” (Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV).
Eventually Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).
Those who endure and submit to God’s discipline will shed the old nature and its mindset. “...Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...” (1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV).
God knows his people better than they know themselves and HE knows what is best for his OWN. “...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me...” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT).
Discipline does hurt and it incites many different negative emotions, during the process, but it allows God’s people to PARTICIPATE in his holiness.“...everyone [of God’s people, children, sons and daughters, etc.,) undergoes discipline ...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
God’s purpose for discipline is always about his steadfast love for his people and his desire for them is to participate in his holiness. Therefore, “….My son (daughter), despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him..” (Hebrews 12:5 KJV).
No matter how God’s people SEE his discipline or judge it; it will be profitable for them. When they don’t faint, but endure God’s discipline, they will receive the richness of His holy fruit “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and faith…” (Galatians 5:22 KJV). “...Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life...” (John 3:6 NLT).
BUT, “... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces [spiritual]...fruit in [the] lives [of his children]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Holiness means to be SET APART and FREE from SIN. God set his people FREE for the purpose of FREEDOM. Holiness empowers them to LIVE FREE. “…but as he which hath called you is holy (FREE from sin & set apart), so be ye (God’s people) holy (FREE from sin & set apart) in all manner of conversation (life)...” (1 Peter 1:14 KJV).
“... It was for freedom that Christ set [his people]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB). “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).
“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“...[His people]...can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
God ALLOWS, his people, to be disciplined and just because it gets really challenging and hard; God doesn’t END it until it produces “….the peaceable fruit of righteousness…” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).
God’s discipline for the PURPOSE of holiness is the MOST important of his TRANSFORMING LOVE. Holiness ALLOWS God’s people TO SEE him better, clearer, more authentically, and in life changing WAYS!
“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] … is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB). “… [God allows trouble]…for [his people’s] profit, that [his people] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
“...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).
“...[For it is God] who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...” (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirt CALLED his people to BE HOLY. He is willing to DISCIPLINE them and CORRECT in order to bring about HOLINESS within their hearts, speech, and conduct. “...the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in...” (Proverbs 3:12 NIV). “...Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent...” (Revelation 3:19 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life...” (1 Thessalonians 4:6 NIV).
“...Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will...” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).
The trials and tribulations are different from person to person, but they serve the same purposes. “…that [his people] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
God’s people NEVER go through their trials and tribulations alone, even when it seems like it. God never leaves them, forsakes, them or fails them. “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). Truly, “…God [is] with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If [they] are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
“…Behold, I am with … [my people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [my people] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
Jesus said God loved him and “…sheweth him all things that himself doeth….” (John 5:20 KVJ). And Jesus said, “…..for I do always those things that please him…” (John 8:29 KVJ).
Jesus’ obedience, through his trials and tribulation was “…so the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded me…” (John 6:38 KVJ).
God through Jesus gave his people an example of HOLY behavior when going through trials and tribulations. He encourages his people to imitate him. “...be… imitators of God…..as beloved children …” (Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).
The focus of discipline is holiness, which aids in setting God’s people apart, FREE them from sin, and empower them to LIVE righteous.“…Jesus Christ is in [his people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [God’s people] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
Holiness is one of God’s most important core values and it GOVERNS his divine CHARACTER. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… there is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty...” (Revelation 4:8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV),
Shared values are important in relationships, especially in the “covenant unity” relation with God, the Holy Spirit. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “..[God’s people]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... will come in, and [with his people, he]... will share a meal together, [with them]... as [covenant unity]... friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).
Holiness is a core VALUE that is most important to God, the Holy Spirit and guides HIS conduct. God wants his people to SHARE that SAME, especially as WITNESSES of his GLORY (his presence, goodness, and working power). “There is none as holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).
God’s values are immutable which means they NEVER change.“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV),
God’s HOLY value plays an important role in the “covenant unity” relationship with his people, which impacts the closeness and intimacy he longs to share with his people. “… I AM HOLY(completely, entirely, wholly without sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. “... between us...[there is]... a great chasm …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).
That’s why “…God hath not called [his people]... for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). And, therefore, “…[God disciplines, his people] ...for [their]... profit, that [they]... might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
“...Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (maturing) holiness in the fear of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV).
Without holiness God’s people won’t even see the Lord “...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).
“...[For it is God] who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...” (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV).
They won’t see Him as the Holy Spirit and won’t SEE him from a HOLY perspective. God could be present in your life every day and you won’t see him. “...Blessed are the pure [holy] in heart: for they shall see God...” (Matthew 5:8 KJV). “...When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it...” (Genesis 28:16 NIV).
The lack of holiness is usually one of the underlying reasons for God’s discipline. God says, “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).
Holiness is a trait that WITNESSES that his people have BEEN “SET APART” for God’s divine purposes. “...Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself...” (Psalms 4:3 NIV).
If you are not committed to becoming HOLY and SET APART for God’s purposes; repent and “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness...s” (1 John 1:9 KJV).
God knows his people are NOT holy in all their ways just yet, but he does want them to start BECOMINE HOLY day by day. “...Through these (HIS HOLY WORDS) he has given [his people]... his very great and precious promises, so that through them [they] may participate in the divine [HOLY]... nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires...” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV).
Holiness comes with the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT. “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). Which is also, “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).
Sharing in God’s holiness comes by FAITH; trusting and depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwell in his people)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (with God, the Holy Spirit, again)…” (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).
“…His divine power hath GIVEN unto [his people] “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).
“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the [“covenant unity” relationship with God, the] … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [his people’s holiness]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
GOD’S PEOPLE ARE “MADE” HOLY AS “NEW CREATION” IN JESUS CHRIST.
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