Correcting Pride to Be Fruitful

“Correcting Pride to Be Fruitful”

Prov. 3:12; John 15:1-8 

SUBJECT: CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Understanding God’s design to develop and transform us encourages us to respond favorably toward our troubles. Clearly God desires that we humble ourselves to his will. When troubles come, we must examine our hearts for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue to bear spiritual fruit.  

RELEVANCY:

Nothing compels us to take inventory and make spiritual changes like troubles. When facing adversity, it is important to look inward to see what corrections should be made to truly stay on course with the Lord’s will.

Certainly, we must move forward in growth, and trouble is God’s tool to encourage us along.  Therefore, we need to understand HOW to respond to troubles for spiritual benefit.  

INTRODUCTION:

The Lord Always Requires His Beloved Children to Make Changes in at Least Four Areas.

The Lord insists that we:

    A) conquer pride and humble ourselves to His will.

    B) come to the place where we hate sin and purge ourselves of evil.

    C) sift our friendships so that they are in keeping with His plan for our lives.

    D) adjust our priorities so that we place highest value on the things of God and, in turn, adopt new habits of behavior based on right priorities.

Sometimes Pride, Sin, Harmful Relationships, and Wrong Priorities Are So Deeply Embedded Within Us That We Can Hardly Recognize Them in Ourselves. During such dangerous blindness we need God’s help. Today let’s concentrate more on correcting our attitude of pride to be more fruitful.  

 MESSAGE:

I.  WHAT MOTIVATES THE LORD TO CORRECT OUR PRIDE?

Proverbs 3:12, For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

God out of love for us seeks to make us more like Christ using trouble. A prideful reaction to trouble would likely involve defensiveness, stubbornness, or even denial. Instead of accepting God’s help or acknowledging our mistake, our ego-driven response often leads to deflecting blame, dismissing constructive feedback, or masking vulnerability with anger and a false sense of superiority.

Some common carnal and prideful behaviors may include:

• Blame Shifting: Refusing to take accountability by shifting responsibility onto others or the situation.
• Rejecting God’s Help: Stubbornly refusing assistance from the Lord out of a fear of appearing weak or needy.
• Antagonism and Defensiveness: Responding to God’s correction with hostility, irritability, or sarcasm to protect one's self-image.
• Doubling Down: Committing deeper to a flawed course of action just to prove oneself right.

We only prolong the trouble with such reactions and guarantee its reoccurrence! Even when we become complacent and due to His great love, the Lord may permit troubles to come our way to jostle us forward in our spiritual walk. If we begin to walk just one degree away from the truth—in pride we will soon find ourselves a long way from the path of righteousness the Lord intended.

OUR LORD IS MOTIVATED TO CORRECT US SO THAT WE BEAR MORE FRUIT.

Another reason the Lord corrects us is that we may be fruitful. Jesus taught this point using the analogy of a vine and its branches:

John 15:1-8, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Our Lord taught that believers must stay intimately connected to Him to be spiritually productive. Christ is the true source of spiritual life, God the Father shapes and nurtures believers, and bearing “fruit” represents exhibiting holy character and beneficial activities. This brings ‘glory’ to God! Accordingly, what can we learn….

   1. A Diligent Farmer Works Hard to Prepare the Plants to Bear Fruit.  Vs 1-2

God, our heavenly Father, is the “husbandman” or vinedresser—farmer. As the Gardener, He cultivates the Vine and the branches to achieve their best productivity; a grapevine needs the attention of an insightful gardener. Wild vines are rather unproductive. God’s role of producing growth is somethings the Bible’s repeatedly portrayal. (1 Cor 3:6; Col 2:19).

      A.  The Father Prunes Us.

John 15:2, Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

           1. Pruning is a Continuous Matter.

He will continue to prune us—so that everything in our lives bears fruit or, in other words, is beneficial to his eternal purposes.   Vs 2

           2. Pruning is a Painful Matter.

Whatever he cuts away from our lives, even though it may involve the pain of adversity or trial, is for our benefit. It's dead wood as far as the Lord is concerned, and dead wood occupies space—or in the case of our lives, our time and energy—that could be occupied by fruit-bearing activities.

I once played basketball religiously; my friends and I would play several “pick-up” games every evening after work. It was normal to play seven days a week for at least 2 hours each evening at the gym. I really loved the game and could play well! But when I was saved, I could not afford to spend as much time at the gym as I uses to. I could not be faithful to the Lord’s House and play Sunday morning B-Ball also. Further, I could not build a solid relationship with my wife if I were playing basketball every evening after work. I could not involve myself in church visitation activities and our own neighborhood German ministry if I continued to play basketball every evening. God ‘purged’ my life of many aspects of basketball so that my time and energies could be used to share the gospel, learn about the Lord Jesus, and to serve other believers. My life became more ‘fruitful’ for Christ because the Father as the farmer cut away excess—wasted time and energy—in my life to enable me to be more fruitful for His Kingdom.

     B.  The Father Focuses Us.  John 15:2

 The act of pruning appears harsh at times, but so necessary. The farmer cuts back the lush, growing branches just as they are about to flower. But all of this is done for the ultimate good and benefit of all involved.

           1. From Good to Better.

The wise gardener knows that good must sometimes be sacrificed for better. Grape branches can grow very fast and very long (twelve to twenty feet). But as they develop length and size, they use resources that could be channeled into making fruit. Pruning focuses the growth and energy of the plant. A lush vine with little fruit has failed its purpose.

Our Heavenly Father is never nearer to you than when He is pruning you. Sometimes He cuts away the dead wood that might cause trouble; but often He cuts off the living tissue that is robbing you of spiritual vigor. Pruning does not simply mean spiritual surgery that removes what is bad. It can also mean cutting away the good and the better so that we might enjoy the best.  Yes, pruning hurts, but it also helps. We may not enjoy it, but we need it.                                                                       

           2. From Believers to Disciples.     Jn. 15:7-8

God’s pruning of our lives can be painful. He may limit or remove achievements, objects, and abilities. These may not be wrong in themselves, but God knows they will detract from our fruitfulness. We must not resent God's pruning. Instead, God's discipline should cause us to turn to him with renewed desire to be productive.

Furthermore, the Lord says that in abiding in him and his word, and in bearing fruit, we are his disciples.

    2. Our Diligent Father Invests Real Energy to Prepare Believers to Bear Fruit.

 Just as the pruning of vines is important to their fruitfulness, so the Lord's correction is necessary for us to accomplish our God-given purpose in life and to find deep inner fulfillment.

         A.  Rejoice in the Father’s Thoughtful Pruning.   Jn. 15:11

Rather than shudder at the thought of the Lord's pruning, we should rejoice. We are about to be liberated of all dead weight and falsehood that may keep us from blessings.                    

ARE YOU ATTACHED?

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to a vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the Vine? If not, you are missing the key to living the Christian life. 

The greatest judgment God could bring to a believer would be to leave him alone, let him have his own way. Because God loves us, He “prunes” us and encourages us to bear more fruit for His glory (Jn. 15:8). If the branches could speak, they would confess that the pruning process hurts; but they would also rejoice that they will be able to produce more and better fruit.

           B.  Respond Complicitly to the Father’s Purging.

How does the Father prune us?

                1. The Word Cleanses Us.

Sometimes He simply uses the Word to convict and cleanse us. (The word translated “purge” in John 15:2 is the same as “clean” in John 13:10. See also Eph 5:26-27.  So, the original Greek word for “purgeth” means pruning or cleansing. Even when a branch is producing fruit, God will trim and shape it so it can produce more fruit. Getting into the Word and allowing it to cleanse our thoughts, priorities, goals, motivations, dreams, skills, ideals, and values, is behaving with alignment with God.

Beloved, God's refining process in the life of a true believer, while it can involve the Bible, trials, discipline, and challenges, this pruning removes distractions, bad habits, and parasitic extensions that drain spiritual energy. Though the process can be painful, it is an act of divine love intended to build spiritual maturity and character.

                2. The Father Corrects Us. 

Sometimes He must chasten us (Heb 12:1-11). At the time, it hurts when He removes something precious from us; but as the “spiritual crop” is produced, we see that the Father knew what He was doing all along.

The more we abide in Christ, the more fruit we bear; and the more fruit we bear, the more the Father has to prune us so that the quality keeps up with the quantity. Left to itself, the branch might produce many clusters, but they will be inferior in quality. God is glorified by a bigger crop that is also a better crop. 

CONCLUSION:

Realizing God desires to correct our attitude of pride, focuses our self-examinations and identifies changes we need to make to be fruitful and more fruitful. We can really live for God’s glory by being more fruitful!

Remember, if we begin to walk just one degree away from the truth—in pride, we will soon find ourselves a long way from the path of righteousness the Lord desires us. Are you dealing with troubles? Isn’t it time to take a look inward to see what you may need to correct? Are you still on course with what the Lord has for you? I know from personal experience this requires humbling ourselves to embrace God’s will more completely. Though I am ashamed of it, I have even had brief periods of anger with God because of the level of pain and difficulty…. Still, we must insist on moving forward in the Lord trusting Him to guide us to greater fruitfulness. The goal is always growth in Christ. Trouble is God’s tool to encourage us along. Therefore, respond to Him with cooperation, submission, and compliance to realize God’s intended fruitfulness.    

An Influence or A Person?

An Influence or A Person?

 

An age-old debate continues still about the personality of the Holy Spirit. Many feel He is more of a force than a person. Of course, the Bible will be regarded as the written standard for faith and practice. As in all matters, we will strive to agree with the Scripture’s teachings. Agreeing with God’s conclusions involves accepting the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, holding it in the highest regard concerning our confidence and observations. These ideas are greater than mere debates but intended to move us from simply studying the Word to allowing it to transform our lives, incentivizing gaining wisdom and discernment based on the Word for daily decisions. Ultimately, agreeing with the Bible involves trusting divine authority—God’s statements—on matters of life and salvation. 

There are several reasons why there is a tendency to view the Spirit of God as a force, or an influence, or even an emanation. This subject requires closer attention to the details God afford us in the Word. To start with His work seems to be impersonal; that is, it appears to be somewhat mystical and secretive like a force.  He produces grace, fruit, affords gifts, and other worldly powers to believers, which are shadowed in a bit of non-specificity and intrigue. Yet theological and biblical perspectives define the Spirit as a distinct, personal being—the third person of the Trinity.

Accordingly, His vary names and titles tend to produce the idea that He is not a Person.  For example, the word “Spirit” means breath or wind or power and thus people conclude in error that the Spirit is merely an influence rather than a person.  Also, the symbols used in reference to the Spirit seem to encourage us to think of Him as an ordinary influence.  When we ponder on the dove (Matt. 3:16), water (John 7:38, 39), oil (1Sam 16:13) and breath (Job 33:4; John 20:22) imageries, we can undoubtedly see all of these employed in Scripture to symbolize—represent or imply—the personage of the Holy Spirit. Such symbols like wind, fire, or doves are basically poetic descriptions, not literal depictions of the Spirit’s essence or principle being, which is that of a divine person of the Triune Godhead. We use symbolic language (sometimes colloquial or conversational) all the time to convey our meaning and to stress ordinary matters.

Another reason is the fact that the personality of the Holy Spirit is often missing in the opening acknowledgements in the New Testament epistles.  The Father and the Son may be mentioned together (Rom.1:7; 1 Cor. 1:1, 4; 2 Cor. 1:1-3; Gal. 1:1-3; Eph. 1:1-3; Phil. 1:2, 6; Col. 1:1-3), but nothing is said of the Spirit in these instances. Then truthfully the word ‘Spirit’ in the Greek language is a neuter word, therefore we tend to think of His work or personality as detached and in a neutral sense. Nonetheless, despite these rather shallow analyses, the Scriptures even more clearly and predominantly state in many places that the Holy Spirit acts and reacts with authentic personality. Several examples will follow.

The Spirit’s unmistakable association with the Father and the Son intensely signifies His personality. This can be witnessed in the baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19), and in the apostolic benediction (2Cor. 13:14). Furthermore, the Spirit’s identification with believers reveals His personality qualities. He renders decisions and reasons much like a human being would (Acts 15:28), thereby revealing personality like any other person. The Spirit furthermore has several features of obvious personality ascribed to Him in the Scriptures. For instance, He has a will (1Cor. 12:11), he has a mind (Rom 8:27), he has emotions and can be grieved (Eph. 4:30) and is capable of love, joy and peace and producing these qualities in believers (Gal. 5:22-23; Rom 5:5). Yes, these are fundamental features—unmistakable evidence—of personhood. Although some folks emphasize the Holy Spirit far less or interpret Him simply as God’s active power rather than a distinct person, believers correctly regard the Father, Son, and Spirit as united in purpose.

Another closely related reason for insisting on the personality of the Holy Spirit is that He exercises the actions of a person. He searches (1Cor. 2:10), He speaks (Rev. 2:7), He makes intercessions for believers (Rom 8:26), He bears testimony (John 15:26), and He forbids or would not permit Paul’s team to evangelize in parts of Western Eurasia (Acts 16:6-7). All these activities unmistakably reveal His personal qualities. While metaphors like wind or fire may suggest an abstract power, the deeper truth is the Spirit behaves personally, directly, and individually through teaching, comforting, directing, and interceding.

Another reason relates to His office as the Comforter, which requires personality to fulfill (John 14:16). He is the believer’s Advocate, and He takes the place of or represents the Lord Jesus in the believer’s experiences (John 16:7). He conducts Himself precisely as the Lord Jesus would were He literally physically among us. There would be no difference! “Another Comforter” (Jn. 14:16) refers to the Holy Spirit who is like the Lord Jesus… ‘another of the very same kind.’ You see the promise of "another Comforter" signifies that Jesus Himself was the first, the original Comforter. And truly Jesus had been their defender, encourager, He had stood by the disciples teaching and enlightening them. Now the Spirit has taken up this role on the Lord’s behalf! We will have such divine accompaniment, resources, and energy as we endeavor for God’s glory.

 Yes, the Holy Spirit acts as the personal representative of Jesus Christ, continuing His work on earth accordingly. After Christ’s ascension, the Spirit is sent to dwell within believers, providing guidance, truth, and empowerment, often described as the “Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9) or the Comforter (John 14:26). Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” or Advocate (Jn. 14:16-18, 26)—legal intercessor or defender—one called alongside to help, acting as a legal counselor, comforter, helper, and legal defender for us believers. The Holy Spirit would come in Jesus’ name to teach and remind believers of his teachings, effectively taking his place as the active guide for disciples. The Holy Spirit, therefore, does not act independently or separately, but as the active, present reality of Christ within the early churches and individual believers.

An additional reason pointing to the Spirit’s personality is the fact that He is susceptible to being treated like a person. He responds in a manner consistent with personhood. He can be lied to (Acts 5:3), he can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31-32), even insulted (Heb. 10:29), and he can be grieved (Eph. 4:30). Again, the Holy Spirit possesses attributes of personality, including intellect, will, and emotions just like any other person. These actions are only possible toward a person.

The Scriptures tell us two great things, first that there is only one God. We must always assert this truth. But the Scriptures equally teach that there are three Persons in that Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is traditionally recognized as the third Person of the Trinity or Godhead, coequal and coeternal with God the Father and God the Son. He is understood as a divine, personal being—not just a force—possessing attributes of God, such as all knowledge, ubiquity (present everywhere at the same time—deeply universal), and has all authority, power, dominion and province (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 139:7-10; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; Heb. 9:14). While distinct in role, the Spirit shares the same divine nature and essence with the Father and Son. Scripture portrays the Spirit as present at Jesus’ baptism and mentions Him alongside the Father and Son in the baptismal blueprint in Matthew 28:19. Thus, God the Father is fully God, so is God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is completely Deity. One essence but three distinct personalities.

We as Western believers claim the Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father because the facts of the Bible about the Trinity and the Spirit lead to this conclusion. In addition, the Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of Christ” and the “Spirit of the Son” pointing to a relationship in which the Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father.  In John 15:26, the Lord Jesus make this statement, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me”.  In this verse the relationship between the Son and the Spirit mirrors that of the Father and the Spirit—the Spirit was sent by the Son.  Again, consider the fact that Christ promised He would send the Comforter in John 16:7, and taught the Spirit would come from the Father also in John 14:16-17, 26.

This is a kind of subordination within the Godhead; the division of the work between the three personalities. This is a hierarchy where the Son and Spirit relate to the Father through submission and mission. It is supremely functional, voluntary, and salvific (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; Gal 4:6). The Son says that He has come to glorify the Father, and the Spirit’s work is to glorify the Son. Each one reflects the glory of the other. Thus, we investigate the mystery of this amazing doctrine of the Trinity: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:14).  This is to me one of the most amazing and remarkable things about the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seems to hide, mask, or conceal Himself to reveal or show the glory of Christ to us. He is always placing the focus on the Lord Jesus! The Son voluntarily submitted his will, taking a subordinate role to accomplish salvation, and eventually subjected himself to fulfill the Father’s purpose. This is why I profoundly believe a solid test as to whether we are subject to the Spirit’s influence is to ask ourselves, what do we think of Jesus, and what do we know about, the Son.

 

Refill Your Cup

 

Refill Your Cup

Luke 5:16, And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Mark 1:35, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

The Lord Jesus practice something we often miss in our hustle and bustle, he frequently prayed alone in solitary places to connect deeply with God, secure daily guidance, and find strength for the challenges ahead. Such solitude allowed him to focus and engage in undistracted communion with his heavenly Father. Again, such activities were vital for receiving instructions, spiritual power, and wisdom for his very complex ministries and God’s designs. These ‘get aways’ provided rest, reflection, refreshment, and a way to process emotions and challenges. Our Lord’s habit of withdrawing demonstrates the importance of personal solitude in the presence of God, spiritual growth, and recharging our serving capacity. 

Sometimes we are called upon to do the extraordinary! We typically don't even hesitate to meet the expectations and requirements. It is a part of what we do—forsake ourselves for the benefit of others! Doing so can be demanding, exhausting, depleting, and grueling at times, but we still come through in brilliant color and reliable force. Afterwards, it is important to reset in the wake of these episodes...to take a breather...a well-deserved break. I am talking about intentionally stepping back from daily demands to recharge spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This may involve short resets like walking in God’s creation, praying, or meditating on a verse or phrase. You may try longer getaways like a trip on a long weekend to a location that permits you to unwind. What is critical is that we focus on non-work activities, clear our calendars, unplug from the various forms of tech, and prioritize time with God, rest and good food. There are multiple benefits to doing this like hearing from the Lord afresh, seeing things in Scripture you forgot were there, realizing there are matters we left unresolved, and even relationships we should pursue as well as those we need to eliminate. We can experience a boost in our health, inspiration for our interests, and a renewed eagerness to be more productive, and certainly preventing the various forms of burnout before returning to the fight. It is okay to reduce some of the stress.

Anybody with eyes can see we have been working at a fever pitch to make a lot of great things happen for many others. We have been there making events special, cherish-able, memorable, and picture-worthy-epics. We have treated others with dignity, respect, courtesy and service. But please remember you need a break too…a period of rejuvenation. Start planning now for enjoyable, restorative activities, rather than just passive screen time, these are your keys for true renewal. So, go ahead and steal way to sit prayerfully in God’s presence, plan a trip or even take a short drive, visit a museum you have been wanting to explore, journal your reflections and thoughts, disconnect from work/social media, read the Word slowly and thoughtfully, engage in other restorative activities like walking, hiking, gardening, an unscheduled nap, a long bubble bath, or just taking it down a few notches at home. 

The requirements will still be there when you return, and the demand will be also.... But please take that ‘needed break’ in the coming weeks. You don't have to feel guilty as you do so. We all need these types of respites several times a year. Afterward you may continue to pour from a cup that has been properly refilled.

Jesus's solitary prayer life and his ability to unplug from society was not a matter of avoiding people or merely being alone. Jesus intentionally prioritized a profound and personal interaction with his heavenly Father. Clearly his actions provide us with a model for finding peace, clarity, and strength in our own lives. It informs us to refill our cup often as a matter of priority.  

 

Christ's Submissive Example

Christ's Submissive Example 

1 Peter 2:21-25

SUBJECT: THE PROFIT IN SUBMISSIVE LIVING

THEME: There are immediate and eternal benefits to living submissively unto God.

RELEVANCY: But why is this important to us?

Christ’s example and the message of the gospel impact our lifestyles and behaviors giving credibility to our faith claims and confidence in our experiences.

INTRODUCTION:

Christ’s Submission to God Involved Suffering to Secure Our Eternal Benefit. Please consider that the Lord Jesus suffered in life as a Servant to God (1 Pet. 2:21-25). In the Bible, our responsibilities are always connected with Scripture teaching and truths. When Paul wrote to the slaves, he related his admonitions to principles of the grace of God (Titus 2:9-15). Peter connected his counsels to the example of Jesus Christ, God’s "Suffering Servant" (1 Peter 2:21-25; see Isa. 52:13-53: 12). (W. W. Wiersbe)

Through his own experiences, Peter learned that God’s people serve through suffering. At first, Peter had opposed Christ’s anguish on the cross (Matt. 16: 21); but then he learned the important lesson that we lead by serving and often serve through suffering. He also learned that this kind of suffering always leads to eternal benefits! Peter encouraged these suffering slaves by presenting these imagines of the Lord Jesus Christ.

MESSAGE:

I.               Jesus Is Our Example of Trusting God (1Pet. 2:21-23).

All that Jesus did on earth, as recorded in the four Gospels, is a perfect example for us to follow. The Christian can always look to the incredible example in Jesus Christ.  He never sends us to where He has not been Himself. He does not lead us into the unknown but into the well-known. Jesus is our example in suffering while submitted to God.

        A.  The Great Call of Every Believer   vs 21

1 Pet 2:21, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: We are called to suffer as Christ did as He suffered for us while submitted to the Father’s will. 

               1.  The word ‘example’ means the pattern of some picture or letter that a teacher gives to the pupil.  The pattern is to be copied or reproduced.  The idea is that an exact copy is to be made; every detail of the pattern is to be reproduced. We are to be exact copies of Christ; We are to follow His pattern in every detail.

               2.   The word ‘follow’ is the picture of a guide leading us along a most difficult and rocky path, so difficult that we must actually put our feet in his footprints.  We are to follow Christ step by step, moment by moment, and day by day. In order to provide leadership, we must be willing and ready to follow the guidance given.

               3. The word ‘submit’ or ‘subject’ does not occur in verse 21, but it is obviously implied from verse 18,… “Servants, be subject to your masters with fear,” and verse 21, “because Christ also suffered for us”. Slave are to follow carefully Christ, Jehovah Servant’s example!

“Subject”, literally means “to stand under” suggesting subordination, obedience, submission, subservience, and subjection. Jesus Christ willingly placed himself under the Father’s authority, control, and leadership. Jesus trusted God completely!  

       B.  Christ Responded to Suffering with Submission. (1 Peter 2:19-20)

But He is especially our example in the way He responded to suffering. In spite of the fact that He was sinless in both word and deed, He suffered at the hands of the authorities. This connects, of course, to Peter's words in 1 Peter 2:19-20. We wonder how he would have responded in the same circumstances! The fact that Peter used his sword in the Garden suggests that he might have fought rather thin submitted to the will of God. Jesus proved that a person could be in the will of God, be greatly loved by God, and still suffer unjustly.

There is a shallow brand of popular theology that claims Christians will not suffer if they are in the will of God. Supposedly, if a person is right with God they will not suffer physically, spiritually, or financially. Those who promote such ideas have not meditated much on the Cross! They may claim first century believers suffered but not us today, but they have zero Bible evidence to support such claims. In fact, the Bible say much about and to suffering real believers!

It should also be remembered that our Lord’s humility and submission were not evidence of weakness, but of power. Jesus could have forsaken the Cross in his own power, but he did not. Jesus could have lived a luxurious life of opulence, but he lived like a poor man instead. Jesus could have summoned the armies of heaven to rescue Him from the cross, but he did not! His words to Pilate in John 18:33-38 are proof that He was in complete command of the situation. It was Pilate who was on trial, not Jesus! Jesus had committed Himself to the Father, and the Father always judges right. This act of trust in submission to God’s will is an example to every believer.

         C.  Suffering is Not a Means of Salvation. (1 Peter 2:22)

We are not saved by following Christ’s example, because each of us will never qualify according to 1 Peter 2:22: "who did no sin." Sinners need a Savior, not an Example. But after a person is saved, he will want to "follow closely upon His steps” and imitate the example of Christ.

Truly we lead by serving and we serve still even while suffering to do so. If God’s will involve a degree of disadvantage or discomfort, then we must willingly submit ourselves to His will to see that it is executed to His satisfaction.  

Christ submitting was taking the divinely ordered place in his relationship with the Father. Submission was not a requirement of the Father for the Son; it was given based on trust in the Father, that is, Jesus believed God’s Word and wanted to fulfil his role completely. In his person, Jesus was never made second to the person of the Father in general, but as Jehovah’s special slave, Jesus accept his Father’s leadership for our benefit.

        D. Salvation is Always by the Grace of God!

             1. What is Grace? Grace can also be described as the unmerited favor of God towards us.

a. The Apostle Paul defined saving grace in Ephesians, 2:8, 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are entirely undeserving of God’s favor as sinners; He independently takes the initiative to grant us salvation motivated purely by His own character and love.

b. Donald Barnhouse said it best: “Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace.” God’s grace can never be deserved or earned; it is afforded entirely by a benevolent God who stoops down low to fervently extend kindnesses to us.

c. Dr. J. Vernon McGee aptly explains further, saying, “The grace of God is the passion of God to share all His goodness with others. Grace means that God wants to bestow upon you good things, goodnesses. He wants to make you fine and noble, and He wants to bring you into the likeness of His Son.”

2.     What is Saving Grace?

a.      With regards to salvation God does for us what we could never do for ourselves no matter how hard we try; He delivers us from the eternal consequences of our sins because He is gracious. Though we are utterly unworthy of it, salvation is given to us based on the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (MacDonald & Farstad).

b.     Through a definite trust in the Son of God and belief of the Gospel as God's solution for our sin problem a person can be saved (Rom. 10:8-17).

c.      Clearly, Paul said, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Christ suffered tremendously that we sinners might be saved through His sacrifice for sins.

 

Since forgiveness for sin and a relationship with God are freely offered at Christ’s expense, why not repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ to be saved? Trust Christ and God will save you by His infinite grace.

 

 

Who Are You?

 

Ephesians 1:1-14

 Introduction: Have you ever wondered about who you are? Where do you really belong? I have wondered about the same things on more than a few occasions. You're in good company. We perceive that so much of our future depends on having a solid mental grip on our past, but it is important to remember that we are not controlled or limited by our past. In fact, it is our new identity "in Christ" that sparks great interest for me.

This is not an attempt to emphasize human ingenuity over solid theology, mere self-actualization over Christ-centered reality, or personal aggrandizement over godly appreciation. Our real purpose, potential, meaning, significance and uniqueness grows out of this key realization—our new character with God. We are "in Christ" as saved individuals. Our affiliations, ethnicity, acceptance, and values are traced to their proper placement when we understand our identity in Christ first. Also, our need for human or cultural validation disappears as we recognize God himself has already validated each of His children. Notice the following thoughts about us....

Message:

I.               The Significance of Being “In Christ”. Eph. 1:1

“The faithful in Christ Jesus”…defines the “saints” and could be rendered “that is, the believers in Christ Jesus.” These saints were in Christ Jesus, not in Adam or the goddess Artemis of Ephesus. While believers have geographical locations (e.g., “Ephesus”), spiritually they are positioned “in Christ” (cf. “in Christ at Colosse” in Col. 1:2). Paul used “in Christ Jesus,” “in Christ,” or “in Him” quite frequently. In Ephesians 1:1–14 the phrase occurs nine times! Christians have their very life in Christ.^[1]

That is correct...we are viewed by God as being "in Christ Jesus" now...altogether differently than before we were saved. Our validation comes from Him, thereby eliminating the need for affirmations, worthiness, or acceptance that come to us from mere people. If you have felt dismissed or even regarded as unacceptable by others, there is something our heavenly Father wants you to know as one of His children. God is also interested in who you are...not just what you did or didn’t do. He spells out our identity (our beliefs, attitudes, and our external behavior) in several places in the Scriptures, but especially here in Ephesians chapter 1. Beloved, you will never need to wonder if you belong or if you are wanted by God ever again.

There is a healthy type of freedom that comes with this realization. Jesus Christ made all the difference concerning our present situation and our future. Our future is not determined by our past—we are freed from our awful history. We have and can enjoy these blessings because we are properly identified with God through faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Without Christ we are nothing, we have nothing, and we have no position or future! Great should be our love and appreciation of God because of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

II.            The Specifics of Our New Identity. Eph. 1:2-14

I encourage you to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge these realities to God daily for a month. Watch God’s truth transform your life.

      1.     I have a gracious heavenly Father-God, and I am his precious Child (Eph. 1:2)

      2.     I presently have all spiritual blessings (my union with Christ and seat with Him) as a part of God’s eternal plan (Eph. 1:3)

      3.     I am selected by God my gracious Father; He wants and treasures even someone like me (Eph. 1:3-4a)

      4.     I am part of God my Father’s wise historical plans; I have an incredible role of holiness and blamelessness assigned to me directly by Him (Ep. 1:4-5)

      5.     I am intentionally adopted by my spiritual Father into His amazing family; I have a place where I belong and a holy inheritance as an adult child (Eph. 1:5)

      6.     I am graciously accepted by God my Father and it is Christ Jesus who affords me this amazing status of acceptance (Eph. 1:6)

      7.     I am redeemed by God and overjoyed with gratitude because it’s through the staggering blood of Christ Jesus my Lord I am so privilege (Eph. 1:7)

      8.     I am astronomically forgiven by God through my stunning Lord Jesus Christ which evidenced God’s indescribable grace (Eph. 1:7)

      9.     I am included in God’s grand purpose; God is not ashamed of me...He did not renounce or disassociate Himself from me (Eph. 1:8-10)

      10.  I have a continuous inheritance and intentional purpose prescribed by God my Father as part of His design and intentions for all His people including me (Eph. 1:11)

      11.   I am sealed (preserved and delivered) by the Holy Spirit because I heard and believed the glorious gospel salvation message (Eph. 1:12-13)        

      12.   I am guaranteed and currently awaiting final and full redemption of my person, and this motivates me to live for the praise of God’s glory (Eph. 1:14)

Beloved, these statements described how God views each of us who are His children! You are wanted, you are desired, you belong, you matter, you count, you have purpose, meaning, significance, a role, and a future "in Christ." It would be great if some celebrated human being said these things about you, but the God of the universe said these instead about you by His grace and because you are "in Christ." Just allow that to sink in... give that truth permission to penetrate your mind and heart. How transformative this is...how freeing these realities are! 

III.         The Spiritual Location of Blessings. Eph. 1:3

Notice, too, that these are “all spiritual blessings” [Eph.1:3]. The simplest way to explain this is to contrast them with the blessings of Israel under the law. In the OT, a faithful, obedient Jew was rewarded with long life, a large family, abundant crops, and protection from his enemies (Deut. 28:2–8). The blessings of Christianity, in contrast, are spiritual, that is, they deal with treasures that are nonmaterial, invisible, and imperishable. It is true that the OT saints also enjoyed some spiritual blessings, but as we shall see, the Christian today enjoys blessings that were unknown in previous times.

Our blessings are in the heavenly places, literally “in the heavenlies.” Instead of being material blessings in earthly places, they are spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.^[2]

Conclusion:

1.     First, with these insights believe God and not your ever-changing emotions. Believe God and not the mere opinions of other people. Just because someone label you or misidentify you does not mean their descriptions are accurate! Don't be afraid to abandon old ideas, perceptions, values, and strategies! Place your confidence in what God said in the Word and reject your feelings as misinformed or incomplete. Reject those inaccurate portrayals by your enemies and others who commonly mischaracterize who you really are. You are free to dismiss, disregard, refuse, and reject such false accusations...even if they come from your culture! If any accusation is true, we must confess our sin to God, ask for their forgiveness, and from that day forward live according to God's expectations. 

2.     Secondly, live for the glory of God and seek to evidence His grace each day (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Expect to be misunderstood, get used to being characterized as crazy or delusional, and expect family and friends to talk you out of pursuing God's will. Many will discredit your godly claims. Allow yourself to be consumed with executing the plan and will of God as revealed in the Word and by your personal walk in the power of the Spirit. Surrender to God and His will and don't look back; He really has your eternal good in mind. God reserved a place and role just for you. Do it!

3.     Thirdly, since salvation is all of God’s grace, Christians certainly ought to praise Him for it! And that is why they were chosen: to give Him praise (cf. “Praise be to … God,” v. 3).^[3] There is no greater purpose or reason for existence than His glory and nothing motivates us like the grace of God. Make this your focus and pursuit in all things, and when you stand before Christ at the judgment seat for rewards, He will honor you because you lived to honor Him.

4.     Lastly, I am asking you to accept these statements and promises with every fiber of your being. Take them personally and intimately to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge them as living truthful realities to God your heavenly Father daily for at least a month. Personally witness God’s truth setting you free from rejection, insecurity, fear, and inadequacy as you interact with others! There is no need to hide behind a false identity or behave in ways unbecoming of a child of God! You are free now "in Christ" with a new identity and purpose. God is a God of the living and not the dead; transformation is what He desires for you and me. Choose life; choose your new identity in Christ.

^[1] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 615.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1906.

^[3] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 617.