TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MAKES YOU HOLY, PART 5

TRANSFORMING LOVE

GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 5 

“…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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 “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). The sinful nature, its information, and activities is what God’s people WERE  familiar with. “….[All of God’s people]... USED TO LIVE in sin [too], just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of [them] used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of [their] sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! Holiness, AS A CHILD OF GOD, becomes, by choice and by faith, the NEW familiar.  “…a new creature ...all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

EVEN in areas where you have comfortably DONE WRONG and lived unrighteous, it’s OVER. “…The [past]...sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV).  “….When you [used to]...follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results [WERE]... very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

God’s people are NEW CREATIONS in their minds, emotions, hearts, spiritual life, physical life, and financially life. OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY!. God’s people are “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…In this world we (God’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New creations]… are HIS (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “... In him (Jesus, the TRUE VINE) we live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have our being (have a spiritual identity as a new creation) ...For we are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

God’s people or true disciples of Christ are NEW CREATIONS. When they abide with God, the Holy Spirit, within the “covenant unity” relationship they WILL NOT continue to PRACTICE a sinful lifestyle. “...Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “...Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

Without Jesus Christ there is NO freedom from the bondage of sin, but becoming reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus “WILL” FREE you from the bondage of sin.“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Paul said: “...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… [God, the Holy Spirit SENT the] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

When God’s people are RECONCILED to HIM through Jesus they are MADE HOLY again.

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

“…God [through Jesus] ...makes everything holy and whole [by reconciling]... together [God’s Holy]...spirit, [your]...soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ (the one who reconciles,) is [with]in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Apart from Jesus, God’s people couldn’t be MADE WHOLE, HOLY, be RESTORED, or become SPIRITUALLY ALIVE. Jesus is the ONE who makes them into NEW CREATIONS. “…[God]... the [Holy]...SPIRIT gives [them spiritual]... LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “……God [makes them]... ALIVE with Christ ...[and he forgives them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…apart from [Jesus, sinful mankind]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“Can the Ethiopian (born sinner) change his (her) skin, or the leopard his spots [change their sinful nature]? then may ye also do good, who are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23 KJV).  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful nature]? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

When God’s people become NEW CREATIONS they STRUGGLE with the OLD nature when it comes to LIVING HOLY and RIGHTEOUS. “...For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want...” (Galatians 5:17 NASB). “…The sinful nature wants to do evil ....so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5:17 NLT).

Why is the OLD SINFUL NATURE a STRUGGLE? “...If we say that we have no sin (no sinful nature), we deceive ourselves and the truth (God’s indwelling Holy Spirit) is not in us...” (1 John 1:8 KJV). “… there is none righteous; no not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV).  “…there is none who doeth good...” (Psalms 14:1 KJV).

 “...Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye (a sinful nature) also do good, who are accustomed to do evil...” (Jeremiah 13:23 KJV). “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The STRUGGLE with God’s people is NOT with FREEDOM from SIN, but with the RENEWING their MINDS. “…be conformed to the image of His Son (NEW CREATION)…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “..Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“….as he (she) thinketh in his (her) heart, so is he (she)…..” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (PUTTING NEW INFORMATION IN THE HEART) ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

 “…from within, out of the heart of man (WOMAN), proceed (COMES) evil thoughts...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

 “…[God’s people’s minds]... are being [transformed]... every day [by God’s WORD]...” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT). “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS (his WORD)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…The sinful nature (affected the old information in the heart and it) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit (affects the new information in the heart and it) gives [God’s people]... desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES (old information & new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people] are not FREE  to carry out [their] good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

STRUGGLING to “overcome” sin is part of the process of “working out YOUR “own” salvation.” God’s people are to “….work out [their] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). Every day God’s people are: “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

They are actively “…[choosing to] …throw off [their] old sinful nature and [their] former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“ ... [God’s people are also choosing to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to [their] neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

And they are  “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from [them], with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….[They]... also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“… [His people choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

God’s also HELPS his people, when they feel WEAK in their struggle to overcome sin. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). Paul learned this after his own struggle with trying to live holy and said, “...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong...” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). ). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

“…He will keep [his people]...strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…When [God’s people are]... weak, then [are they]... strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in [their]...weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [his people]… both to will  (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [they] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God MAKES his people HOLY and FREE from the bondage of sin. However, it is his people’s choice to “work out their own salvation” in order to STAY Holy and FREE from the bondage of sin. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).“… [God’s people]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [they]... might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in [his people], and abound, they make [them]...neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[God’s people willingly CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE [THEIR]... CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF [THEY] “DO” THESE THINGS, [They]... SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

“….work out [YOUR] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

“...my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...” (Philippians 2:12 NASB).

“.... Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure...” (Philippians 2:12 MSG).

God doesn’t LEAVE his people to STRUGGLE to overcome the bondage of sin, alone. When they cry out for help in their weakness, Christ SPEAKS, to them, through God’s POWERFUL Word and strengthens them.  “…[They] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from [Jesus, his people] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

 In other words, self-effort, through the flesh nature, will result in moral behavior or self-invented righteousness. Empower-effort, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, will result in HOLY (Godly morality) behavior and true righteous through Jesus. “….Apart from Me (Jesus, the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [God’s people] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Self-effort impacts OUTWARD behavior, but empowered-effort impacts both the OUTWARD and INWARD behavior. “…[God’s people] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“...If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit gives his people]... a new heart, and...[puts]... a new spirit [within them]. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

God’s people can boldly say: “I AM A NEW CREATION!” “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… [Thus, God’s people]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s people BECOME “NEW CREATION” who choose to“…In this world [they] are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). God’s people choose to “… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

Working out their OWN salvation helps them“… [change, transform]… into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).)  “…[the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

 work out their own salvation, which helps them become more and more like Jesus Christ.

God HELPS them. “…It is God which worketh in [his OWN people] both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, LOVES his people and has EQUIPPED them with EVERYTHING “good” they need to “keep” his commandments, LIVE HOLY, conduct themselves in righteousness, do HIS WILL and the things that are pleasing in HIS SIGHT. “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … equip[s] (or provides)… [each of his people]... with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)..“… it is God who works in [each of HIS people]…  in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).   “… [God, the Holy Spirit] …work[s] (within each of his people) … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Is God’s people FORCED to KEEP his commandments or do they freely CHOOSE to “KEEP” his commandments out of the OWN professed love for him? The bible says, “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

“…the words (God’s commandments) that I (Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life...” (John 6:63 KJV). “…..therefore choose life….” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…walk by the Spirit (the WORDS are Spirit)…” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). “….if [God’s people]... live in the Spirit (are made spiritualy ALIVE in the WORD), let [them] also walk in the Spirit (the WORD)…” (Galatians 5:25 KJV). “… if [God’s people]... abide in [Jesus, this Word]…” (John 15:7 KJV).  “…the words (God’s commandments) ...are Spirit...” (John 6:63 KJV). “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

If God’s people willfully CHOOSE to KEEP God’s commandments, the indwelling Holy Spirit will HELP them do it! God’s gives his people the NECESSARY faith, the POWER, and the GUIDANCE. “…..God hath dealt to every [one of us] the measure of faith.” (Roman 12:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, will “… strengthened  ... [his people] … with might by his Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…The steps of a good man(woman) are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

God SUPPORTS his people ALL along the Christian journey. He won’t leave them or change on them. They can TRUST and DEPEND upon God, the Holy Spirit, with ALL their hearts.  “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…HE (God, the Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP [his people]... STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). ^“….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “(PSALMS 119:138 NLT).

“… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, supplies EVERYTHING his people NEED to LIVE holy and FREE from the bondage of sin.  He’s GIVEN them ALL THINGS that pertain to LIFE and GODLINESS!!  “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [HIS people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…[God]...will supply all [HIS people’s]... NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “...He careth for [them].,,” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is the one who provides...[for his people] …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]...need (through his Word)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Yet, God’s people are NOT slaves to the “covenant unity” relationship with him. They are FREE to CHOOSE to DEPART from him any time.  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU (God’s people)]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

“… [YOU CHOOSE (God’s people choose)]... this day [and every day]...whom [they] will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… whom ...will [you]...serve [this day: CHOOSE]….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God’s people, on their OWN volition, choose to “…..present [their]... bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Roman 12:1 KJV).

However, God’s people also CHOOSE to be led by the Holy Spirit, which comes from “…..renewing … [their]... mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Jesus willingly CHOSE to be led by God, the Holy Spirit. He demonstrated he trusted and depended upon God when he LAID DOWN his lay his life for HIS purposes. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus was allowed, but willing to die a criminal’s death in order to DO his Father’s WILL. “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...He (Jesus) [entrusted]... Himself over to [God] ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

.“…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, [his]...righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“... AS MANY as received him (the WORD of GOD), to them... [God, through Jesus GAVE them the] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (DAUGHTERS) OF GOD, even to them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, has given his people the RICHES and multiple GIFTS of his GLORY (his presence, his goodnesses, and his indwelling working power), but they CHOOSE, to receive those riches, by faith.  “…receive the word implanted…[by faith]...” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO [God’s people]... ACCORDING TO ...[ THEIR] FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).

“… God will supply all [his people’s need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…What is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN [them]…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in [each of them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [them] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Jesus COMES with multiple GIFTS from HEAVEN.“…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “… It is …[the]... Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “….every good gift and every perfect gift … cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…[SO]...What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).