It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Posts tagged ‘suffering’

God’s Kingdom Laws: Submit to Others, Do Not Retaliate and Do Justly   1 Peter 2:13-25

There are natural laws and spiritual laws that are in place that dictate natural and spiritual outcomes. There are the laws of the various nations and countries that the citizens must abide by or they could be, in danger of paying the penalty for their failure to obey. We are more familiar with the natural laws that govern this world, such as the law of gravity. As followers of Christ,we are called to humble ourselves, submit to others and to do the right things.  

1 Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.   For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.   Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 

Most people do not have a good understanding of God’s spiritual laws that govern the spiritual realm such as the act of submitting to those in authority, because it is the will of God for His people. When we are doing the right thing even when others are offending us we are showing the world we trust in God’s faithfulness to provide and protect. We are to give honor to all people because they are image bearers of God. Jesus told the people to render unto Cesar the things that belong to Cesar which was respect, that is due all who are in authority but we are to fear(obey) God. If it is not illegal, immoral, against our health and safety, or God’s laws, we are to submit to those in authority. 

1 Peter 2: 18-22 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

We often see people who want to seek revenge or demand an eye for an eye when it comes to their injuries or injustices. Some people feel they are justified in wanting harsh penalties of others because of what they experienced,or because of the unequal treatment done by others.  They want just as much, if not more, punishment to be given to       the perpetrator or violator, but God tells us that He will be the vindicator and judge. 

Some people are punished more harshly because of their class, culture or socioeconomic background and they feel cheated.  But this is all part of the pride of life, in that we want to be esteemed just as great as others, or at least be vindicated to the same extent. God has told His people to trust Him to vindicate us and to love mercy in whatever form it may arise, knowing God is the ultimate judge who will judge justly in the end. 

1 Peter2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. NKJ

God has shown us His way and that is for us to do justly, just do the right thing. We are to give everyone, unbiased and unprejudiced treatment, doing the right thing for the right reasons. This is how we are to walk truthfully and in integrity, without looking for anything in return, not even right treatment in return. This is the requirement that the true followers of Christ should set for themselves. We are to love mercy; we should be devoted to showing forgiveness and celebrate it with passionate, open-hearted gladness when it is shown to others. We should not seek out punishment toward others, but should always look to show mercy and forgiveness no matter the situation, as God has forgiven us. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Jesus showed us how-to walk-in mercy and forgiveness. On the night Jesus was betrayed He washed the feet of His disciples including the one who betrayed Him, to be put to death. Jesus gave broken bread to those who were with Him as a symbol of His body that would be broken for them and He poured the wine as a representation of His blood that would be poured out for humanity.  We are told to remember Christ every time we take part in the act of communion, the one who gave His life for many. For this reason, God requires mercy of His children. We also can follow His examples of being broken bread and poured out wine by forgiving others and loving others in spite of what they do to us.

The world is living life in fear of lack, in scarcity and in self-focus, while the true followers of Christ are giving out of their hardship, and sharing their resources and loving those that were unlike themselves. Christ is the One who gave Himself for others, the One who became poor that others may be rich, the One who died that others might have abundant and eternal life and the One who forgave and loved those that abused and reviled Him. 

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. NKJ

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. NIV

Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, God has called them kings and priests on the earth. These are God given earthly positions that have certain roles, functions and responsibilities upon the earth. As kings we hold the position of royalty as in the family of God and should conduct ourselves accordingly. As priests we offer prayers and petitions for the people that are in our sphere of influence.  

 We see these roles displayed in the life of Christ, the One in whom we are to get our identity and should also mimic, impersonate and imitate while we live on this earth. As image bearers of God and Christ followers our purpose is to display the love, mercy and the forgiveness of God which brings glory to His name on the earth.  

 1 Peter 2:24-25 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.   For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

We are now part of a new family, citizens of a new country and our allegiance is to our Sovereign King, Jesus. Many get stuck in their own ideas about their rights and ethnicity in the flesh that they fail to be transformed in their minds into the image of Christ and to make Jesus the Lord over all. There is so much division in the church, in the body of Christ because many refuse to let go of the old nature, old life and its priorities. When Jesus is King over our lives He will reign in every area of our life regardless of our past, affinities or affections.

For all who by faith believe in Jesus as their Lord and King, God has given them the Holy Spirit to help them in their weaknesses. God knows our heart and mind and the Spirit of God intercedes for us that we may walk according to His will. Though our life choices may not be perfect, God knows how to take our bad choices, and what the enemy meant to be evil against us, and turn it around and to work it for our good. It will then become as a testament of God’s goodness, mercy and His glory. 

When we have knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, then we are able to see more clearly the Godly nature and workings of God in the earth and in the spiritual realm. Satan’s major attack is against the people of God, while trying to tempt them into rebelling against God. But God in His Sovereignty and purpose will use the very things the enemy has brought against His people to transform them and develop them into the image of His dear Son.  

God has always had representatives in the earth to show His way, His word and His righteousness. From the beginning with Abel, to the laws of the Jewish nation, to the prophets and now through the word of Christ, God has always provided an example to the world and to show them the way of salvation.  It has always been the choice of every person to us their will to choose whether they will remain in their fallen mind set or to let go and choose to obey the light of God’s word. 

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain but He washed me clean as snow.

 

 

 

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The Enduring Word 1Peter 1:19-24

God’s purpose for humanity is for us to be in a close personal relationship with God as our Father, Jesus as our Lord and Savior and with one another in love. Because Christ died for all, we are called to be His ambassadors to bring other into salvation and become His disciples.

God’s truths are revealed to us by His word and through the life of Jesus. By faith we believe Jesus is the Son of the Most-High God and accept and trust His truths until they are established in our hearts and minds. Then comes the testing of our faith, to show if we really and truly believe God’s word, whether we will obey it or not.  Truth that is not tested is only a theory, but a truth that is tried and has been tested and proven trustworthy, will be established in our hearts and becomes fact. Standing in faith under pressure is like metal being refined with fire, it removes the impurities but leaves a genuineness of faith to the praise and glory of God. 

Jehovah, is the Almighty God and He is Sovereign over heaven and earth and yet Satan is called the prince of this fallen world. Satan is most responsible for the evil, hate and problems in this world.  These truths sound as though they are conflicting statements or an oxymoron. God is ultimately the Sovereign King over the world and as a just and holy God He has limited Himself to His word. God in His Preeminence and excellent love for mankind created them in His image and gave them dominion over all He created. At the same time God gave them a free will, the ability to choose their allegiance and loyalties, and thereby allowing mankind the power to determine their own destiny. God in His Righteousness and Holiness had to respect the will and choice of mankind, as they turned over their dominion to Satan when they disobeyed him.

1 Peter1:19-21 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Philippians 1:20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. NIV

God in His Omniscient, all-seeing and all-knowing power knew mankind would be seduced by Satan into rebellion and disobedience against their God and King. But God made provision to redeem this fallen world system and mankind before the world was formed. Though sin, Satan and the fleshly cravings of mankind created a fallen world system that is geared to destroying and ensnaring humanity, God had made provision that the Son of Man, Jesus, would redeem this world with His precious blood. 

1 peter 1:18-20 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you  NKJ

God’s word will forever stand and there are no “take-backs” with God. Even though Satan became prince of darkness, God was bound by His word and His truth. It was man that relinquished dominion of this natural world to Satan and it would take a man, Jesus The Son of Man, to redeem their authority and dominance back to the former natural and spiritual world. Now there are two kingdom powers operating in the earth, the fallen world with darkness, principalities and powers of Satan, and also the Kingdom of God, which functions in both the natural and spiritual realm. 

God’s kingdom on the earth is both natural and spiritual. Many people are confused or blinded to the spiritual aspect of God’s kingdom and how His spiritual operation functions through faith in the earthly realm. 

Many people lose hope, lose sight, lose faith and lose confidence in God when they go through hard, horrendous or catastrophic experiences. This is because their perspective is only on their natural view or stance regarding their situation, such as the death of a love one, or a terminal illness or the loss of finances. Their attention is self-focused and overly concerned on what they have lost, and their belief that God did not intervene or stop those things from happening to them. These are very natural thoughts and as human beings our first response is in the natural, but the Holy Spirit of God is there to help the spirit of man to navigate through these life crises according to God’s word with a supernatural perspective. 

This old-world system has lost sight of mankind’s created purpose and has been taught to live a lie as to why they exist. People are naturally self-seeking, self-serving and full of pride. Many people are blinded by the lies of this world and are living as though this is the only life they have. Many spend themselves on these fleeting moments that are like passing vapors and they build their lives as castles on sand that will soon be washed away. We are to pass our time here as foreigners and sojourners, people who are passing through this space and time to do the will of God who created us to fulfill His purpose, to show God’s love and reflect His Glory.  

Luke 6:47-49 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that our souls are purified and it is through the truth of God’s word that we can love one another enthusiastically, eagerly and energetically. The heart is deceitfully wicked, full of greed, selfishness and hate, and only God can purify the heart through His Spirit and His Word. 

Jeremiah17:9-10 “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; Who can know it? The Lord, search the heart, /test the mind even to give every man according to his way. KJV

 How would we live if we truly understood that this time on earth is but a moment and only the trial run for eternity. So many people live this life as though they will live on earth forever, making homes and legacies thinking they will last, while neglecting the true eternal destiny of the soul. 

What do you spend your time on? Where is your time invested? Will impact your eternal future?  

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1 Peter Chapter 1:1-21

I. A Heavenly Inheritance 1 Peter 1:3-12

II. Living Before God Our Father Chapter 1:13-21

Jesus came and showed us how to live a life of obedience to God through humility and humbleness of spirit. Jesus was willing to suffer personally for the ultimate will and glory of God. Even though He was The Son of God, He was also the Son of Man and He learned obedience through the things He suffered. 

May we too display our faith in God through obedience, even in our pain, in our suffering and in our loss, so that a dying world may see and know the Hope we have in Christ. 

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

For followers of Christ, our hope is grounded and built on the foundation of the life of Christ. He is the person in which our Hope is anchored, He is the embodiment of our Hope. It is with a fixed and determined belief and confidence, that what He has promised He is able to perform.  This is unlike the wild fancies that are conjured up by trickeries, lies and deceits of this fallen world, that all societies are exposed to through social norms or mass media. This often causes people to lose heart when their unrealistic dreams or wishes fail.   

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, NIV

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, NKJ

This principle of testing and the trying of one’s faith was shown at the beginning in the garden. God’s abundant love for mankind had already been displayed when He gave them of every tree in the garden to eat, created them in His image and gave them authority over all His creation. The only exception was the tree of knowledge of good and evil and that was the test of their faith and obedience to God. Faith that is not tested it’s just a theory. It is not until our faith has been tried and proven that it becomes our reality.

Living Before God Our Father 1 Peter 1:13-21

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear. WEB

Matthew 7:26-27​“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Jesus told us to take His yoke and learn of Him. Jesus was humble and trusted God to be faithful to His word. We are to be as a good soldier, one who is about the business of their leader’s mission and not their own selfish desires. 

Before the foundation of the world was laid, we were chosen by God to be in the family of God.  Jesus paid the price for our sins and the treason we committed against God. Jesus brought us back into the family of God and brought His kingdom to earth. That is the Good News of Christ; the kingdom of heaven is now available to us on earth. The kingdom of heaven is mentioned more than any other subject in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus preached, the good news of the kingdom of heaven is at hand and is now available to all humanity. This is the gospel of Jesus that the kingdom of God has arrived on earth.

I Peter 1: 17-21 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Jesus preached, “Repent,” which means, to turn or to change the way you think. Jesus is saying, because God’s kingdom has returned to mankind on the earth we can change the way we think about life, ourselves and how we conduct ourselves. Jesus tells us what the kingdom of God is like and how we are to operate in this new kingdom. Jesus taught in parables that most people did not understand and many still do not. But, for His disciples, those who sought and asked for the meaning of the parables, it was revealed to them. It is the same today. Jesus tells us to ask, seek and knock and when we ask for wisdom God will give it to us. God is ready to answer our prayers and the word tells us we have not because we do not ask God or we ask with the wrong motive.

Luke 11:9-10 So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

 

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To Fellowship in the Suffering of Christ

Many may say they want to know Jesus, to walk like Him and be in fellowship with Him, but they have not come to the realization of what that really means, which is a fellowship of His suffering.  As Christ followers we must change the way we evaluate the things that are happening to us and around us. We must change the way we view life and our expectations in life. 

1 Peter 5:10-11 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJ

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

God’s purpose is for us to reveal His love and His glory in the earth, which we see through the life of Christ. God’s glory and love is revealed in the earth when we are obedient to His word and by obedience our faith is displayed to those who are lostand in darkness so that they too may come to the Light.

All humanity knows how to be mean, prideful, hateful and to want revenge for the evil that is done to us, it is a natural part of fallen mankind. But the love of God is seen when we show, forgiveness, mercy and love to others. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

God’s goal for our lives is that we walk in love and obedience in hard and difficult times, just as Jesus did. Through this we will reveal God’s love to a lost world and this will show our faith and trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit we can gothrough hurt, pain, agony and persecution without hurting others in return, and this is God’s purpose for our lives. Some people may call getting to the end of the trial their goal, but forGod it is the going through the trial, with love and mercy, this is His purpose. It is the trying or testing of our faith in Him. 

What some may call the process; God calls the purpose. What some may call the end; God calls a spin-off or the result of the faith that was shown during the time of the testing of our faith

1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  NKJ

Many people struggle just to get through their hardships and trials, so they can be blessed and that they may see goodness and rest in the end. But actually, the blessings are byproducts of us accomplishing God’s goal. Which is us being patience and being light in dark places and by showing of His mercy and forgiveness in difficult situations. God’s purpose and plan for our lives is to show His compassion and love in these hard and difficult times. It is in these situations that we demonstrate our faith and the likeness of Christ in the face of adversity. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ

Though Jesus was the Son of God, He suffered many things at the hands of evil men and because of this sinful world system.  It was through this very process of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection that He obtained salvation for all humanity.

If Jesus’ life is being formed in us then we too will experience challenges of our own, so that we too may have opportunities to forgive the wrong that we have experienced. In this we willreveal, reflect and resemble the likeness of Christ in our homes, families and community. 

Revelation 1:9 I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. NLT

1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

The world will tell us that we should expect to receive only the good from God and should feel deprived or mistreated when we go through challenges and difficulties.   When our faith or sonship as children of God is challenged, by Satan or this world, we are to stand firm in who we are in Christ. 

It is in these challenges of life that stretch us and grow us into the image of Christ. Though we enjoy and rejoice in God’s blessing and favor, we will learn patience and perseverance through the things we suffer and the challenges we experience.  

Paul was ready to put aside his comfort and to be broken bread and poured out wine for those around him that they might see God’s light in him and believe in the risen Christ through his life. 

2 Corinthians 4: 7-10 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

We are to be reminded of our God given goal, purpose and intent, which is to know who we are in Christ and to display His power, light and love in a dark and hopeless world. 

Self-pity is from the devil and we fall into his trap when we focus on ourselves and become disheartened because of the things we go through. 

We are to be God’s light and share His hope through the power of the Holy Spirit who encourages us and gives us the endurance we need. Then we can have the same attitude and mindset as Christ and we too can say, Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. 

2 Corinthians 4:11-12 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. NKJ

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Again, we must change the way we think about the things we go through as an opportunity to show God’s love and the light of His glory in a dark and hopeless world.

Every act of kindness can have at least three touch points, the joy as the one who gives, the thankfulness as the one who receives and the pleasure of one who witnesses the mercy, grace and compassion of God.  When we are generous we show God’s love and others receives His love through our generosity, while others may also witness this love of God.

Romans 15:5-7 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. NKJ

 

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Perception VS Perspective   “To Follow Jesus”

Perspective, is the ability (whether natural or acquired) ofseeing all the relevant facts, records and data in a meaningfulway that is, reciprocal, interrelating or corresponding to amutual relationship. Perspective gives meaning to the other person’s view by putting oneself in their position, and it gives one the ability to see past themselves to develop a view that is inclusive and not exclusive. 

There is a general perception that all a person has to do is to say that Jesus is the Son of God and they will go to heaven.  This is the only information they have received and have known; therefore, it is their perception and their reality, but it is totally wrong! It does not line up with His word, Jesus said, if anyone wants to come after Him, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus, this still applies today.  

The true perspective is that Jesus gave of Himself, He died on the cross that we may have a new way of living that operates in God’s kingdom.  Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him.  To “take up” is a continuous act of taking up and not something that is done just one time. Therefore, we are to daily and continuously take our cross and die to self (pride, self-interest), while putting God’s kingdom ways and purpose in the forefront.  

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. NKJ

Many people will say they know Jesus and that they are a Christian, just because they have an intellectual knowledge of Jesus and yet, they do not obey or follow after Jesus. They do not walk or live in His way, which is to deny self-pride and to love others. They do not receive His truth according to the written word of God that Jesus is the only way to the Father. They do not have eternal life with the Father because they have refused the only way, which is the acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord, the One Savior that they must obey and serve.  

John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

Most people think they can keep on living their lives according to this fallen world of sin and still have a safety net of salvation. This is because of their perception is that they can say one thing with their mouth, while refusing to live a life of commitment to Christ’s kingdom way, which is to love others and deny self-pride. The true perspective is what Jesus says, that we are to die to self-interest. Just as a grain of wheat must die and be buried that it may sprout and produce more grain, we also should die to self-pride and produce more fruit in the lives of others. The person who loves their life more than the love of Christ, will eventually lose it. Those who die to pride -self, who choose to serve Jesus and to follow in His footsteps by loving others as He has loved us, God the Father will honor.  

John 12:24-26 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

It is in the challenges of life that we seek God and grow and arebeing fashioned into the image of Christ. It is through the things we suffer that we learn to be obedient to God’s word. 

Hebrew 5: 8-9 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, NKJ

We are not to allow our personal perceptions, concerns, struggles and biases mar or distort our perception of God, so that we are unable to see God’s perspective and His kingdom ways while living here on the earth. We must understand there is sin on the earth and we have an enemy, Satan, who wants to kill, steal and destroy the God-like image we have in and on us. Therefore, life will not be without hurts and pain, but what the enemy meant for evil God will turn those things around to grow us and transform us into the image of Christ. 

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.   For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. NKJ

Our perceptions may be limited by our own life experiences, which shapes what we think of ourselves and others and what we believe we can or cannot do. Some statements we perceive as fact or real but they are not true. A true perspective as fact is only revealed after the reality of God’s truth is established. 

God’s perspective is Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”Not a way or just one of many ways but “The” only way to the Father. God’s truth says we can live this life victoriously, because we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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Suffering A Way to Learn Obedience

We have been trained by this fallen world system to think we should live life without difficulties or suffering. This thought has been cultivated in the minds of the masses so as to get them to question their lives, their purpose and God’s love for humanity. Suffering has been viewed as though something is wrong with the people suffering or that God is being harsh and unloving God. Yet the Bible tells us Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered. We should let His suffering be an example of how we should navigate and deal with life’s suffering.

Hebrews 5:7-9  (Jesus) who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,  though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 

In past times followers of Christ viewed suffering as a natural process of life that one would go through while acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and His will for their lives. Through this process we can learn to trust God with the outcome of our circumstances. That He will give us the strength to endure the hardship, to develop character and integrity while we go through the process. God’s word has always been clear on this subject, in this life we will have tribulation but we can go through them with optimism because of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

John 16:32-33 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me3 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus told us what to expect in this life, so that we would not be blinded by Satan’s lies and live in despair and self-pity but that we should trust Him. We are to learn how to have peace in whatever situation we are in by trusting in God’s goodness and His love for us. We have seen those who have experiencedoverwhelming challenges, pain and difficulties in their life and they still show sympathy and compassion to others. They did not let the things they went through define who they were or the love God has for them. Those who do not have this hope may go through the same challenges and pain and yet they becomebitter, disheartened or full of self-pity because their hope is in themselves and this life alone. 

1 Corinthians 15:19-23 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 

Through suffering we learn to view things from a spiritual perspective and through the knowledge of God’s spiritual kingdom on earth. If we assess this life through our natural affinities, sympathies and attractions, we as a people will be most miserable. In this life there is so much hate, wrong doing and destruction and without the hope of God through faith inChrist we could easily give up on this life and mankind. 

God did not create the suffering; it is the result of a fallen world and the schemes of the enemy to get people to feel anger and hate, while blaming God for their problems. It is Satan who comes to steal, kill and destroy but Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The “might” rests witheach one of us. Jesus came and gave us the opportunity to live an abundant life but the choice remains with us.  The more we learn to trust and obey God’s word the more we are able to grow in character and in understanding of God’s will for our life and that He will bring us through this and our faith will glorify Him.  

John 9:1-3 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.  And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 

Life is about two choices, the fear of Satan or faith in God’s love. It is our choice to believe the lies of the enemy or the truthof God’s love. The question in every life situation is whose word will we believe? Satan speaks lies to invoke fear and Jesus speaks the truth of God’s love for us. Every person will face challenges in life, suffering and pain and there will bechoices as to whether they will operate in fear or love through faith. These choices will speak loudly as to what we truly believe and who we have faith in. When we walk in fear our actions say we do not trust God to be able to provide and protect us. When we wall in faith our actions will say, no matter what happens we trust God, though we may lose everything wecan still trust Him with the outcome of our life. 

Job13:15-16a Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.   He also shall be my salvation…

Christ is our example the first one to live this new life God created for His children. As He is so are we in this earth and we are to learn obedience through the things we suffer. Having faith in God, no matter what the enemy brings to us, believingGod will work it out for our good and His glory.  

Father open our eyes that we may see the spiritual things You are doing in our lives. Let us believe and have confidence in knowing that what the enemy meant for evil You will turn it for our good and Your glory. 

1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 

2 Kings 6:16-17 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

2 Peter 2:19,21 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.   For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

NKJV

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We Are to Learn Obedience Through the Things We Suffer

As followers of Christ we must change the way we view life and how we assess and evaluate the things that happen to us and around us. Some people have been taught an ideological teaching which says believers should not suffer or experience agony and grief. This is far from the truth, this fallen worldsystem is filled with challenges, pain and misery and we all may suffer in life at some point. It is going through these hardships that we learn to trust, respect and obey God’s word just as Jesus did. 

Hebrews 5:8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. NKJ

God sent His Son to redeem this world and to pay a debt we could not pay and it was the things He suffered that taught Him obedience and to trust God to navigate His life in this fallen world system.  We will encounter tests and trials that will challenge our faith just as Christ did and we too must choose to put our trust and respect in God our Father. 

1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ

God required obedience from the first Adam but he rebelled against God’s command. Jesus came as the second Adam and even though He was the Son of God, He was obedient in the things He suffered. Jesus was despised and rejected by men and He endured the shame of dying on a cross for our sins.  The servant is not greater than his master, the things Christ went through believers will go through also.   We too may experience persecution, rejection and some may experience a martyr’sdeath or live as an outcast, dead to family and friends.  

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. NKJ 

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJ

Christ is our example in that He trusted God in every situation to judge justly, to orchestrate and navigate life situations in ways that would bring God glory and allow His light to shineinto dark places.  Some situations may appear as though we are lost and are without any hope of being vindicated in this life. Though it appeared, in the natural, that Christ was defeated when He died on the cross but His death was a victory for sinners saved by grace. Our limited minds can only see thingsin part, but the Almighty God can reach across the lines of life and death, rich and poor or soul and spirit to bring about a triumph that none could have imagined.  

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ

The difference between the world and the followers of Christ is how they will allow oppositions and life challenges to affect the love they show to others and their actions during times of hardship or suffering. The world will say, you deserve better oryou should not have to suffer through these hard times. However, God’s word tells us of a different way and that we will experience tribulations as Christ followers. Jesus was sent to seek and to save the lost, He came to be spent, depleted and used for us that we may be redeemed. Jesus came and died to His own ambition and laid aside those momentary life accomplishments done in this natural world to do the work of His Father. Now we might be saved, to have an eternal life and to be with Christ forever. 

John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” NKJ

It is when an olive is crushed and the grape is pressed that the true essence of its inner life flows out. It is when a cup is rattledor shaken that what lies within spills out. The same goes for humanity, as life presses in on us, that which dominates withinwill spills out, be it the love of God or the hate and fear of the enemy. When life comes at us hard, when we are well spent and totally exhausted then we will see our true automatic response in those situations.  Rather than justifying our actions with theexcuses of this world, we should take note as to what has flowed out of our soul and ask God to create in us a clean heart and to let His love flow in and through us. 

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. KJV

Life is about challenges and choices and through these challenges and choices we will display our faith and beliefs to both the natural and spiritual world around us. God is glorified when we obey His word and have faith to trust in His love for us. Satan constantly comes to try and create doubt and to challenge God’s word. He is seeking and looking for an opportunity to devour those who give him permission through their lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s word. 

Do we expect to receive the good and not the challenges of sonship? It has been the challenges in life that stretch us and grow us into the image of Christ. Though we enjoy and rejoice in God’s blessing and favor, we learn respect, submission and obedience through the things we suffer and the challenges we experience.  Paul too was ready to be broken bread and poured out wine that those who knew him might be believe in the risen Christ in his life. 

2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ

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