TRANSFORMING LOVE
GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 4
“…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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KNOWING and BELIEVING, by faith, what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for his people, through Christ can HELP them LIVE FREE. “...[You have been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV). “...Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV)
FREEDOM, for God’s people, means they are no longer in bondage to sin or under the devils’ power. Most importantly the human WILL is FREE to choose HOLY and RIGHTEOUS living.
God freed his people FROM sin, not TO continue to sin, but to FREELY choose to LIVE HOLY.“...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....” (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).
God’s people have the indwelling Holy Spirit abiding within them, which lovingly convicts them about the ongoing practice of a sinful lifestyle. “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God...” (1 John 3:6-9 KJV).
God’s people have died to sin, and WON’T continue to practice a sinful lifestyle. “.. .[god’s children] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“... Knowing this, that our old man(woman) is crucified with him, that the body of sin (and its old intimate attachments) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV).
“... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (trust and dependency upon)... of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
“... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “...all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
When God’s people begin to “work out their OWN salvation they can struggle through it and experience great suffering. Suffering, to be HOLY, is not necessarily a negative condition. The bible says, ‘...he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;...” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV). God freed you FROM sin, not TO sin, but to LIVE holy. .“...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....” (Galatians 5:13 MSG).
Struggling to OVERCOME sinful practices is NOT the same as comfortably MAINTAINING sinful practices. “...No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him...” (1 John 3:6 KJV).
Jesus, God’s WORD is the way God LEADS his people to LIVE free from sin, SET APART, and HOLY. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…This (God’s WORD) is the WAY; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY (Jesus, God’s WORD) is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).
God wants his people to walk in THE PATH of holiness by FOLLOWING His Word. “…In this world [God’s people] are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “... The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
God promises that the Holy Spirit will lead his people into the WAY or PATH they should follow “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “... he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 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).
“…I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
God DISCIPLINES his people. “...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). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
When God, the Holy Spirit, DISCIPLINES he doesn’t USE condemnation or judgement, but GRACE. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
“…My GRACE is sufficient for [my people]: for my strength is made perfect in [their] weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 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, …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).
If God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t condemn or judge his people, they are NOT to condemn or judge themselves either. God’s LOVING presence may CONVICT his children, but he doesn’t ACCUSE them of anything. There is an ACCUSER, but it's NOT God. “...For the accuser (the devil) of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down...” (Revelation 12:10 NIV). “...The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God. They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the BOLD WORD of their witness....” (Revelation 12:7-12 MSG).
“…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
God’s discipline is about transforming his people’s conduct so it will line-up with his standard of holiness. He will CONVICT his people about their conduct, through discipline, to HELP them BECOME holy like he is HOLY. “…[His people]... shall be holy (not just moral) unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).
God’s people can’t even depend upon their OWN condemnation or judgement of themselves anymore. They are NOW NEW CREATIONS “in” Christ Jesus. “... In him (Jesus) 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 (people)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). You are “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
“….But ye are...[NOW]... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
SIN SEPARATES from HOLINESS naturally. The TWO don’t MIX and are like OIL and WATER. That’s why BECOMING HOLY is important to God, the Holy Spirit. “...Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“…[Your ongoing practices of]... INIQUITIES … [will separate] … [you and] God [the HOLY Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).
“... Everyone (no exceptions) who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 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. 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).
“...[God’s people have mistakenly]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God says, “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
God’s people rationalize and overlook certain sinful behaviors, which makes them THINK God does the same thing. HE DOES NOT! “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “… [GOD IS]... HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher … my thoughts higher…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).
God is the HOLY Spirit. “…he remains faithful [to who he IS and does NOT change), for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… [GOD IS]... HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
God is not like mankind, God is HOLY. God is SPIRIT. God, the Holy Spirit, hates sin, because sin is destructive, especially for those He loves.
God, the Holy Spirit’s discipline is a demonstration of HIS HOLY LOVE. It also REVEALS God’s PLAN for his people’s absolute good.“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…The plans [God has]…for you (His people)….[are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “...I know the plans I have for [my people],” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). “... I know the thoughts that I think toward [my people], saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give [them] an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
“... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (Jesus) and cause him grief ... [and]...his life [was made]... an offering for [his people’s] sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit’s HOLY character and immutable nature means that WHO he is, WHAT he says, and EVERYTHING he does is TRUSTWORTHY, STEADY, and absolutely DEPENDABLE. “…he remains faithful [to who he IS and does NOT change)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
Holiness was GIVEN to God’s people through the GIFT of righteousness. “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).
The GIFT of righteousness is JESUS CHRIST, which was SOWN into the hearts of his people. “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).
“… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, his GIFT of righteousness) into [the] hearts [of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).
“…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus, the GIFT of righteousness) is the WORD OF GOD ... THE WORD …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).
God has EQUIPPED his people, through his GIFT of righteousness to LIVE FREE, LIVE RIGHTEOUS, and HOLY. “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep ...may he (the Holy Spirit) work in [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the GIFT of righteousness)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
“…His [“HOLY” indwelling] POWER hath GIVEN unto [his people]… ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “... God will supply all [their need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God’s people]... can do all things through Christ (LIVE HOLY) which strengtheneth [them to do it]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
God’s people LIVE BY FAITH in the GIFT of RIGHTEOUSNESS who works “in” and “through” them.“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[HOLINESS]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to enable the GIFT of righteousness) THROUGH each of [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of cultivating and producing holy, righteous living]…” (John 14:10 KJV).
HEARING God’s WORD helps and enables God’s people to LIVE by FAITH. The scriptures say, “... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 KJV).
God SUPPLIES a “measure of faith” and his WORD builds it up in the hearts of his people. “... For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself, more highly than he ought to think;, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “...For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come...” (John 16:13 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, gives his people the GIFT of RIGHTEOUS, but, they choose, DAILY, to LIVE and WALK in that RIGHTEOUSNESS by working out their OWN salvation. “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).
“Can two (God’s people and HIS SPIRIT) walk together, except they be agreed...” (Amos 3:3 KJV).
“…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).
" Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth (continually or through daily practice) hath not seen him, neither known him." (1 John 3:6 KJV).
God’s people willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to walk with God each and every day. God won’t force them. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… [God’s people CHOOSE]... this day [and every day]... whom [they]... will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
“...We know … that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).
“...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).
“… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
God’s people will do what’s in THEIR “OWN” hearts to do. “..as [a man or woman] thinketh in his (her) heart, SO IS HE (she)…” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). “…for out of the heart proceed EVIL THOUGHTS (what YOU “THINK”)…” (Matthew 15:1 KJV).
Part of “working out their own salvation” means God’s people CHOOSE to RENEW their minds. “…The sinful nature ...And the [Holy] Spirit ...These TWO FORCES (of old information and new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people]... are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
Apostle Paul said, “...for the good that I would I do not, but the evil which I would not, that I do…” (Romans 7:19 KJV). “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful NATURE]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Apostle Paul WANTED to do right, but couldn’t. This helped Paul recognize, in order to live FREE and HOLY from sin’s previous domination and influence, he NEEDED, Jesus, the POWERFUL WORD of God. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful NATURE]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
God wants his people to KNOW, they can’t live HOLY without him. They NEED Jesus Christ. No amount of human effort will ever get them to true holiness. “….apart from Me (Jesus, the WORD), you (God’s people) can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…The flesh (the crucified sinful nature) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (through the crucified sinful nature) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT).
Whatever LIFE God’s people are living, they have CHOSEN it. for themselves. “… I have set before you (god’s people) life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [“YOU”]...choose life (the life “you” want)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
If God’s people want to practice a sinful lifestyle, it’s their CHOICE. God’s people can’t CLAIM to have a “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and still WALK and practice DARKNESS. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT). “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the show of spiritual fruit, revelation knowledge, or righteous deeds), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22 NASB).
Trying to PRETEND to be HOLY without God often LEADS to self-righteousness and comes from the pride one’s takes in their OWN religious acts, which result in: “...self-invented spirituality and services, ...self-made piety, justification, carnal knowledge and sanctity...” (Mamalis 1985). “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…So letting your sinful nature CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to death. But letting the Spirit CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…” (Romans 8:6-9 NLT).
Skillful acts of religious actions to elevate yourself as being morally superior to others is “NOT” holiness. “…The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income …those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).
HOLY pretenders make-up or invent their own version of being Christ-like, but do NOT imitate Jesus Christ at all. “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
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