THE POWER OF GOD'S CHARACTER (20:2:2000)
Newsletter 27:2:2000
THE POWER OF GOD'S CHARACTER
"by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…" (2Peter 1:4) When we were born again our inner man was re-created in the image and likeness of God. We were spiritual babes however. That divine nature was undeveloped, so it didn't necessarily have a great deal of effect or influence on our outward behavior or attitudes. The Greek word Peter used - translated here as 'partakers' also means 'partners.' We have become partners with God in His divine nature. And the word was given so that, by training and instruction, we might partake of that nature - actually walk in, experience it.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2Timothy 3:16)
If we are to grow spiritually, then obviously we are going to need:
a) Doctrine - a set of standards, a moral code of beliefs and behavior.
b) Reproof - 'to expose,to give evidence' therefore to convict, or rebuke.
c) Correction
d) Instruction.
Any army, any school, any coach uses these four essentials. Any parent should too. Today, in their approach to raising children modern society has thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Thankfully we have removed some Victorian, authoritarian attitudes and methods. But because of the modernistic and flawed teachings of such as Dr Freud and Dr Spock, there is little or none of these four things. The children are not really being 'raised.' Tragically, through lack of training and correction, we end up with 'immature adults' - stunted and undeveloped in their attitudes and behavior.
Many people confuse correction for punishment. When my child does something wrong, I do not punish them. But I will correct them, and in order for the lesson to be fully understood and implemented, it sometimes requires the application of the rod of learning to the seat of wisdom.
The human animal has the capacity to be the most selfish on the planet!
When it comes to acceptable standards of behavior, and the way we treat one another, Hyena's have a more developed social structure than we humans! Children especially are self-centered. Their whole attention is generally focused on themselves, and getting their needs met. Now, we expect that from a child. But unless we teach them otherwise, they will become self-centered adults. Also a child needs clearly defined boundaries for their life and behavior. That provides security. A child without boundaries not only becomes lawless, but insecure, because there is no clearly defined road for them to walk. Often their behavior becomes worse and worse, as they unconsciously seek for a boundary!
Religion, unfortunately, also often confuses correction with punishment.
They portray a God of Judgment who's going to deal to us for our sins. Or they believe that trials and hardship are part of God's 'chastisement.' That word chastening, as found in Hebrews 12: 4&7, is the Greek word 'paideia' meaning: tutorage, education and training - instruction, correction, setting aright.
How is God going to that? 2Timothy 3:16, Ps 94:12, Proverbs 6:23; "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law (the word) is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
If your attitudes and behavior are wrong, the word will expose that. It will reprove - give evidence that you are on the wrong track!
The whole teaching of the word will give you doctrine, the right beliefs and behavior to be aiming for. It becomes the waratah standard to which the young sapling is tied so that it may grow straight and strong, and withstand the winds (of doctrine.)
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Instruction will show you how to stay on track, and correction will bring you back when you are starting to stray.
Love (and the corresponding forces of life - joy, peace etc.) are the strength and basis of a godly, successful and fulfilling life. Love never fails! Therefore if I remain a partner in God's love, a partaker, I will never fail. But this love is not a product of my human nature. It's nature is the opposite. Like that young sapling, I have to tie it to the word, or it will get weedy and wobbly on me. Unfortunately the human soul's number one reaction is self defense and pride. Like a baby, it hates reproof! Generally wants to throw a tantrum! Any person committed to growth and increase in any area, is a person open to reproof, correction and instruction. Not just willing, but eager to be shown where they could improve their performance.
"He sent a man before them - Joseph - who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.
Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him." (Psalm 105:17-19)
The hebrew word 'tested' is tsaraph: 'proved, to fuse, refine, cast, purge away.' Joseph didn't have the written word like we do. But he had a dream from God, That he would rule and reign. That dream got in his heart. When his brothers sold him into slavery, when Potiphar had him cast in prison etc, I bet his flesh - his carnal man - had a lot to say about it. But any time he wanted to get ugly, that dream was right in his face. 'You are royalty, the destined one' it said.
It reproved - gave evidence to, put the light on any wrong attitudes or behavior. 'This is not how a leader thinks or behaves.' That dream exposed and purged selfish motivations and desires for comfort and approval. It fused his character - tied him firmly to the stake so that his character grew straight and strong! It is not the circumstances of life that refine you!
If that were true, then the people that have the most trials would be the most mature, the most refined! Usually the opposite is true! If there's no gold in there to start off, you can pass it through the fire as much as you like, there is still not going to be any gold there when you have finished! If reproofs of instruction are your way of life, then the trial will benefit you in exposing attitudes and pushing buttons in you. So they can be corrected, and you come out better, rather than bitter. At any time the circumstances of life, or the pettiness of people can put the pressure on you. Don't let go the word! Don't lose sight of the dream. You are destined to rule and reign! You will never reach the palace behaving like a peasant! Love you!
Steve and Jenny.
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