TRANSFORMING LOVE
GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 3
“…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 the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, it is important to understand that God is Spirit and NOT HUMAN. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV).
“… I AM HOLY(completely, entirely, wholly without sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. His divine BEING is set apart; “without” and completely “FREE” from any and all sin. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).
HOLY is WHO God is and ONLY God knows what it is LIKE to be SET APART and FREE from SIN. “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).
In addition, God, the HOLY one, can NOT and will NEVER, “EVER” MIX with SIN. In fact, SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES naturally; just like oil and water. “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off (SEPARATE your) from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).
Therefore, from God’s perspective holiness is a NOT an option, but a requirement of the CALLING into the “covenant unity” with HIM. “…For God hath not called [his people] unto uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV).
If his people want to sustain a continual “covenant unity” relationship with God, holiness is the WAY. “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).
HOLY simply can NOT bond, MIX, UNITE, or be yoked together with SIN on ANY level (big or small). SIN creates a REAL chasm. “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]... And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ with Belial? [NONE]...Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [NONE]...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “... And besides all this, between us (the holy ones) and you (the unholy ones) a great chasm (barrier) [EXISTS] …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).
Holiness explains why God, the Holy Spirit, disciplines sinful behaviors. “….the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it…. (Isaiah 35:8 KJV).
When God’s people truly understand how important holiness is to God it will become important to them also. God purposefully DESIRES for his people “…to put on the new man (woman), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).
Holiness becomes important to God’s people, because they love him and want to keep his commandments. “...If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). God’s commandment say: “…as he which called you is holy, so ye be holy in all manner of conversation...” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV).
To truly experience and participate in HOLINESS, Jesus told his disciples to “…deny [themselves]…..and follow me (God’s WORD)….” (Mark 8:34 KJV).
The HOLY lifestyle often COMES through the discipline of the Lord. Self-denial is a witness that God’s people have chosen to separate themselves to the service of God. It is total surrender. “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people (or self), and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG).
JESUS SAID: “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus offered his earthen vessel as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “…[also God’s people’s] … reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Self-denial or becoming a “living sacrifice” reveals itself when God’s people, willfully and voluntarily, deny themselves to follow God. Peter said, “…we have left all and have followed thee...!” (Mark 2:8 KJV).
God allows trials and tribulations that may include: unfairness, suffering, lack of control, blocks of time, heartbreaking loss, complexities, questions, doubts, loneliness, no reciprocity, and pain. A HOLY and committed child of God “...honors [the love they have for God by keeping his commandments] ...even when it hurts, and does not change their mind …” (Psalm 15:4 NIV).
God’s people WILL NOT continue to practice an ongoing life of sin. “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6 KJV).
“.... Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [indwelling spiritual] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
The indwelling Holy Spirit, within God’s people, empowers them, regardless of the situation, to do the things that are PLEASING to God. “… [The WORD of GOD]... liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ (the word) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [his people, by the power of HIS Word]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).
“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…NOW UNTO [THE WORD OF GOD]... THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the [HOLY]... POWER that worketh in [God’s people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
God’s people are MADE holy as New CREATIONS “in” CHRIST. This means they ARE set apart (indwelling Holy Spirit) and FREE from the bondage of sin. “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set [his people]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).
The sinful nature has LOST complete control over God’s people. “ ...[Children of God]...are not controlled by [their]... sinful nature [anymore]. [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
God’s tells his people to “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). Then God tells them HOW to be conformed to the image of his Son. “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
God’s people often WONDER “why” they STILL struggle with SIN “IF” they are free. To conform means to imitate and obey God’s WORD. Renewing the MIND, with God’s WORD, means putting spiritual information within the heart by studying and reading.
Conforming and transforming requires WORK on the part of God’s people. God has DONE the hard WORK by “SETTING” the soul FREE. “...You [God’s people]... were washed (cleansed from sin), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV). “…[God creates in his people] a clean heart and [renews a right] spirit within [them]…” (Ezekiel 36:26 & Psalm 51:10 KJV).
The FREED soul or NEW CREATION, however, does the work of CHOOSING to WALK and LIVE FREE daily. “...Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves [daily]... from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (maturing, growing, developing, etc) holiness in the fear (respect, honor, etc.,) of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV). “...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is his people’s] SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).
God’s people are to “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation …” empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit...” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).
God’s HELPS his people WALK and LIVE in FREEDOM if they WANT him to HELP. “… The Sovereign Lord helps [his people]…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT). “…God …works in [his people] TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
“...My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). God’s “…grace is sufficient for [his people]…”
“…God … equip[s] ...[his people]... with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (his people), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God’s people, daily, do the WORK of : “…[willfully choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness….” (James 1:21 NASB).
They, daily, “…[choose to] …throw off [their]... old sinful nature and [their]... former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV). “…[They will, daily] ... [choose to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to [their] neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT). “….[They will, daily, choose 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).
“….[God’s people will]... also [daily, choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of [their]...mouth….” (Colossians 3:8 KJV).
“… [And his people will choose, daily, to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).
“…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). They have been GIVEN the indwelling POWER to “… Choose LIFE ...[daily] …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Jesus (the Word) saith…I am THE ...LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…I (the Word) am come that THEY MIGHT have (spiritual) LIFE, and that THEY MIGHT have [SPIRITUAL LIFE] ... more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).
“…[However God warns his people that whoever they willfully choose to] ...yield [them]selves (daily) servants to obey, his (her) servants [they will become]... whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).
Discipline is important for becoming Christ-like. “….[Daily, God’s people are to]...WORK OUT [their]… own salvation …” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).
God encourages his people to be zealous about working out their salvation and repenting from wrong conduct. “...Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent...” (Revelation 3:19 NASB). “...Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent...” (Revelations 3:19 NIV). “...The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!...” (Revelations 3:19 MSG).
Repentance means God’s people turn from their wicked ways by completely changing directions. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (destinies)...” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
The MOST important way God’s people change directions is by RENEWING their minds (thought life). They RENEW their minds (thought life) by putting NEW INFORMATION into their HEARTS. “...But 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).“...[Therefore,]... be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God...” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
God’s people may NOT like discipline. Nonetheless, God desires for his people to be HOLY and LIVING FREE from sin, just like he is HOLY and FREE. “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lord who makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).
Lessons through discipline are not easy or pleasant, but God disciplines every single child without exception. God knows that discipline is a guaranteed road to holiness and obedience. You “…are being made free from sin…. Your fruit unto holiness…” (Romans 6:22 KJV).
God’s people are TOTALLY FREED from sin, but it is their, personal, CHOICE to STAY free. “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). They have been GIVEN the indwelling POWER to “… Choose LIFE ...[daily] …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Jesus (the Word) saith…I am THE ...LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV).
God not ONLY FREES his people, but he tells them HOW to STAY FREE and he EMPOWERS them to STAY FREE. However, it is a CHOICE. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).“...I can DO ALL THINGS through Christ…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works IN YOU TO WILL and TO ACT (DO)…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people] in [their] weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).
Without HOLINESS, God’s people WON’T see HIM in their situations, circumstances, or lives. “...those who are not holy will not see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:14 NLT).God, the Holy Spirit, will NOT look on ANY wicked, sinful practices with FAVOR. “… [God]… can not look on wickedness (no matter how small) with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB). “… O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked…” (Psalms 5:4 NLT).
The indwelling Holy Spirit, through God’s WORD, advises his people to “…examine [themselves], whether [they] be in the faith; prove [to their]... own selves. [To]...know [whether or]... not [for their]... own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in [them], except [they] be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
In other words, God’s people are to do a heart assessment. “...whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6 KJV). “…examine YOURSELF...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
“… we are each responsible for our own conduct …Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit…” (Galatians 6:5-8 NLT).
“... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, ... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
"…REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).
God’s people are created anew “IN” Christ Jesus. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... The old life is gone...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
God’s people are FREE from the bondage of sin, which means they can walk and LIVE righteous, if they CHOOSE. “…It was for freedom that Christ set [his people] free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my]...sin...[nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).
“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom...” (Galatians 5:13 MSG). “...brethren (sisters), ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh..” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).
“...For if, after they (his redeemed people) have escaped ... they (his redeemed people) are AGAIN entangled in them (their former sinful lifestyles practices) ... it would be better for them (his redeemed people) not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them (his redeemed people) according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).
Further, “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD..” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).
“…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).
“…For thou art Not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity…” (Psalms 5:4-5 KJV).
“…Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).
“...Abide in me, and I in you...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).
God’s people are FREE, without a doubt, to LIVE righteous lives and will bear MUCH fruit. “…[God’s people] SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
“…The Holy Spirit produces ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (his redeemed people, New Creations, etc.,) bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be [God’s people or]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
God’s people are NOT only MADE holy by becoming NEW CREATIONS, but they can TRUST and DEPEND upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, to empower them to LIVE HOLY, FREE from sin, and righteous.“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[spiritual strength]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to enable his people to become holy) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of empowering holiness within his people]…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Holiness comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit and apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit, God’s people COULD NOT become HOLY. “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [the]… HEARTS [of his people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God [now] dwell[s] in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s his people]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
“…[God’s people’s]... great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…His divine power hath GIVEN unto [his people] “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).
“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him(her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
“….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power (authority) to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).
“…[Thus] ...What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…those [who have been given GIFTS from heaven,] ...have [also]... experienced the good things of heaven …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
God’s people are MADE HOLY and FREE from sin, but they choose, DAILY, to LIVE and WALK in that FREEDOM by working out their OWN salvation. “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).
If God’s people have NOT lived HOLY, FREE, or RIGHTEOUS, his GRACE is sufficient to get them BACK on the right track.“…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward ...[them]; that ...[they will], always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
“…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV). “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).
God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).
“...There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love COVERETH a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).
Therefore, “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).
“..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [his people]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). "…REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “….Then [they]... will know that I am the Lord [their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).
However, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).
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