Thursday, June 19, 2014

God's Call to Holiness




Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14);
Because it is written, Be holy; for I AM HOLY (1 Peter 1:16);
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8);
That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27);

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24);

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:12);

Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17);
Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21);
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:17-18);
Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

THE GOSPEL OF SELFISHNESS

One of the most influential and powerful NEGATIVE FORCES at work in a believer’s life and in the Church is the GOSPEL OF SELFISHNESS.  

For men shall be lovers of their own selves(2 Timothy 3:2);
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:4);
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's (Philippians 2:21).
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19);
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your HEART be also (Matthew 6:19-21);
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:6-7).

The most influential and powerful POSITIVE FORCE at work in a believer’s life and in the Church is DISCIPLESHIP which is attained by CRUCIFYING SELF!

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24);

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33);
Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples (John 15:8).
TEN TESTS OF DISCIPLESHIP

Bearing your cross daily (Matthew 10:38; Luke 9:23);
Bold confession of Christ (Matthew 10:32-33);
Denying oneself (Matthew 10:39; Romans 8:1-13).
Family persecution (Matthew 10:34-36; 19:29);
Fearless consecration (Matthew 10:28);
Fearless faith (Matthew 10:29-31; Hebrews 11);
Fearless preaching (Matthew 10:26-27);
Following Christ (Matthew 10:38; John 10:27);
Putting God first (Matthews 10:37; 22:37);
World persecution (Matthew 10:25; John 15:18).

HOW MUCH SELF HAVE YOU CRUCIFIED?
Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24).
In John 3:30, it is recorded that John the Baptist said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.”  In 1 Corinthians 15:31, the apostle Paul said, “I die daily.”  In Galatians 2:20, he wrote:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20);
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Romans 6:6);
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24);
Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him (Colossians 3:9-10).
Now, I’m going to ask you a few questions.

WHAT is more important to youwho Jesus is, or what He can do for you?

WHO do you love moreJesus or your SELF?  

WHO are you living to please?

GOD? (John 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 11:5-6)
SATAN? (Romans 6:16; 2 Timothy 2:26)
MEN? (Galatians 1:10; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6)
SELF, or the CARNAL FLESH and MIND?  (Romans 7:18; 8:6-8; Galatians 5:19-21)

WHO or WHAT rules over the kingdoms of your BODY, SOUL, SPIRIT and HEART?

THE HOLY SPIRIT? (James 4:7)
SATAN? (Romans 6:16; 2 Timothy 2:26)
SELF, or the CARNAL FLESH and MIND?  (Romans 7:18; 8:6-8; Galatians 5:19-21)

THE BODY OF MAN

The BODY is merely a shell—a temporary dwelling place for the HEART, SOUL and SPIRIT, the components that make up the REAL YOU.  God is a Spirit.  He created you in His image, after His likeness.  Therefore, you also are a spirit being, but you need a BODY to live in this physical world.  The human BODY is corruptible and upon physical death, is committed to the ground where it returns to dust (Genesis 1:26; 2:7; John 4:24).  The immortal components of man live on in eternity, either in Heaven or in Hell.

Is your BODY submitted to God?  Does it glorify Him? (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 9:27)

Which of the following kings rule over the “sub-kingdoms” of your BODY?

The Stomach Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings? (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Glutton king? (Proverbs 23:21)
The Food Addiction king? (Philippians 3:19)
The Stomach Ailment? (Romans 16:18; 1 Timothy 5:23)
The Eye Kingdom (Matthew 5:29; 18:9)
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings? (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Lust & Pornography twin kings? (Matthew 5:28; Jude 1:16)
The Worldly king? (Exodus 20:3; Colossians 2:8)
The Ear Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Gossip & Slander twin kings? (Proverbs 11:13; 18:8; 26:20,22; Romans 1:29)
The Worldly king? (Exodus 20:3; Colossians 2:8)
The Cursing & Swearing twin kings? (Exodus 20:7; Proverbs 30:11; Matthew 5:33,37; James 3:10)
The Foolishness king? (Ephesians 5:4; Titus 3:9)
The Tongue Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Accusing king? (Revelation 12:10)
The Blasphemy king? (Matthew 12:31; Colossians 3:8)
The Complaining king? (Numbers 11:1; Job 7:11; Jude 1:16)
The Critical & Judgmental twin kings? (Proverbs 30:14; Matthew 7:1; John 7:24; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:23)
The Cursing & Swearing twin kings? (Exodus 20:7; Proverbs 30:11; Matthew 5:33,37; James 3:10)
The Foolish Folly king? (Ephesians 5:4; Titus 3:9)
The Gossip & Slander twin kings? (Proverbs 11:13; 18:8; 26:20,22; Romans 1:29)
The Hate & Murder twin kings? (Proverbs 26:24; John 8:44; 1 John 3:15)
The Lying king? (Proverbs 6:17; 10:18; 12:22; 26:28; Revelation 21:8)
The Worldly king? (Exodus 20:3; Colossians 2:8)
The Lips Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Sensuous king or queen? (Proverbs 5:3; 7:21; 30:20)
The Circulatory Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Addiction king? (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:26)
The Heart & Lung Ailment twin kings?
The Brain Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Philippians 2:5; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Nicotine king? (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:26)
The Pornography king? (Job 31:1; Proverbs 6:25; Psalms 101:3; Matthew 5:28-29; 1 John 2:16)
The Illegal Drug king? (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:26)
The Alcohol king? (Proverbs 23:31-32; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The Gambling king? (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 27:35; Luke 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:10,17)
The Reproductive Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Adulterous king? (Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32-33; 29:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9)
The Fornicating king? (1 Corinthians 6:9-10,18; Galatians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)
The Homosexuality & Lesbian twin kings? (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27)
The Abortion king or queen? (Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:17; Isaiah 10:1; Matthew 18:10; Luke 18:16)
The Respiratory Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Nicotine king? (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:26)
The Illegal Drug Inhalation king? (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:26)
The Hands Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Sinful Touch king? (Matthew 5:30; 1 Corinthians 7:1)
The Feet Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Mischievous king? (Proverbs 1:16; 6:18,28; 19:2; Mark 9:45)

THE SOUL OF MAN

The SOUL is immortal and is the seat of feelings, emotions, desires and appetites.  Upon death, the SOUL departs the body and rises to Heaven or descends to Hell (Luke 16:19-31).

What king rules over the sub-kingdoms of your SOUL?  

The Emotions Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Angry king? (Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 15:18; 22:24-25; 29:22; Galatians 5:20)
The Bitter king? (1 Samuel 1:10; Job 7:11; 10:1)
The Cast Down king? (Genesis 4:5; Psalms 43:5)
The Fearful king? (2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18)
The Grieving & Sorrowful twin kings? (Psalms 31:9; Mark 14:34)
The Hateful king? (Proverbs 10:18; 26:25; Psalms 34:21; Galatians 5:20 1 John 3:15)
The Lust king? (Proverbs 6:25; 1 Peter 2:11; Galatians 5:15,24; James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:16)
The Snared king? (Proverbs 22:25)
The Troubled king? (Psalms 88:3; John 12:27; 14:1)
The Vexed king? (Judges 16:16; Matthew 15:22; Luke 6:18)
The Weary king? (Jeremiah 31:25; Matthew 11:28; Galatians 6:9)
The Desires Kingdom
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Psalms 37:4; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Self-Centered, Selfish king? (Matthew 6:33;Ephesians 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:2,4; James 4:3)
THE SPIRIT OF MAN

The SPIRIT of man is given by God.  It is the seat of intellect, understanding, revelation, the mind, the will, the conscience, reasoning, rationale, perception and discernment.  It is the immortal, incorruptible part of man that communicates with God and worships Him in spirit and in truth.  It is the candle of the Lord, searching all of the inward parts.  (Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27; Mark 2:8; John 4:23; Ephesians 4:23; 1 Peter 3:4)

What king rules over the kingdom of your SPIRIT?  

Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Luke 10:27; Philippians 2:5; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Arrogant, Haughty & Proud triplet kings? (Proverbs 16:18-19; 29:23; 30:13)
The Broken king? (Proverbs 17:22; Psalms 51:17)
The Erring king? (Isaiah 29:24; Matthew 22:29; James 5:19)
The Failing king? (Psalms 143:7)
The Grieved king? (Isaiah 54:6)
The Hardened king? (Hebrews 3:8)
The Hasty king? (Ecclesiastes 7:8-9; Proverbs 14:29)
The Impure Thoughts king? (Matthew 15:19; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
The Overwhelmed king? (Psalms 77:3; 142:3; 143:4)
The Prayer-less king? (1 Samuel 12:23; Hosea 7:7; James 4:2-3)
The Rebellious & Stubborn twin kings? (1 Samuel 15:23; Acts 7:51)
The Reprobate Mind king? (Romans 1:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Timothy 3:8)
The Restless king? (2 Corinthians 2:13)

The SELF king? (Matthew 16:24; Philippians 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:2)

The Sorrowful king? (1 Samuel 1:15)
The Troubled king? (John 11:33; 13:21)
The Unruly king? (Proverbs 16:32; 25:28)
The Vain Imagination king? (Romans 1:21)
The Vexed king? (Ecclesiastes 1:14; Judges 16:16; Matthew 15:22; Luke 6:18)
The Wounded king? (Proverbs 18:14; Luke 4:18)

THE HEART OF MAN

The HEART is the inner, hidden man.  It is the center of human life.  It includes the SOUL and SPIRIT and is immortal.  It is the seat of intent and motive.  It is the source of good or evil; faith or unbelief.  It influences and controls speech, determines character and is examined by God.  Once renewed, it is to be diligently guarded.  (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; Psalms 22:26; 26:2; Jeremiah 17:9; Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 12:34; 15:18-19; Mark 12:30; Luke 6:45; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 4:12; 10:22; 1 Peter 3:4).

Who rules over the kingdom of your HEART?

Jesus Christ, the King of Kings?  (Luke 10:27; James 4:7; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
The Adulterous king? (Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32-33; 29:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9)
The Bitter king? (Psalms 64:3; Proverbs 14:10; Acts 8:23; Romans 3:14; Hebrews 12:15)
The Blind king? (John 12:40; Ephesians 4:18)
The Broken king? (Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Luke 4:18)
The Burdened & Worried twin kings? (Matthew 6:25-34; 11:28; Luke 21:34)
The Carnal & Fleshly twin kings? (Romans 7:18; 8:6-8; Galatians 5:19-21)
The Covetous king? (Jeremiah 22:17; 2 Peter 2:14)
The Deceitful & Desperately Wicked king? (Jeremiah 17:9)

The Deceived king? (James 1:26)

The Disobedient king? (Deuteronomy 8:2; Galatians 3:1; 5:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17)
The Double-Minded king? (James 4:8)
The Doubting king? (Matthew 14:31; Mark 11:23; John 20:25)
The Ensnaring king? (Ecclesiastes 7:26; 1 Timothy 3:7)
The Envious & Jealous twin kings? (Proverbs 14:30; 23:17; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:21)
The Evil Imagination king?  (Psalms 140:2; Proverbs 6:18; Jeremiah 7:24; Luke 1:51; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
The Fainting king? (Deuteronomy 20:3; Isaiah 1:5; Galatians 6:9)
The Far from God king? (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8)
The Fearful king? (Psalms 27:3; Isaiah 35:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18)
The Foolish king? (Psalms 14:1; 53:1; Proverbs 12:23; 15:7; 22:15; Mark 7:22)
The Fornicating king? (1 Corinthians 6:9-10,18; Galatians 5:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)
The Froward (Perverse) king? (Psalms 101:4; Proverbs 6:14; 12:8; 17:20)
The Gross king? (Matthew 13:15; Acts 28:27)
The Hard & Stony twin kings? (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26; Mark 10:5; 16:14; Romans 2:5)
The Hateful king? (Leviticus 19:17; Proverbs 6:16,18; 11:20)
The Haughty & Proud king? (Proverbs 18:12; 21:4; Jeremiah 48:29; 49:16)
The Heavy (depressed) king? (Proverbs 12:25)
The Idolatrous king? (Exodus 34:14; Ezekiel 14:3-4; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Revelation 21:8)
The Influenced by Satan king? (Matthew 16:22-23; John 13:2; Acts 5:3)
The Judicially Hardened king? (Exodus 4:21; Joshua 11:20)
The Lustful king? (Proverbs 6:25; Matthew 5:28; Galatians 5:16; James 1:14; 1 John 2:16)
The Lying king? (2 Chronicles 18:21-22; Psalms 31:18; 120:2; Proverbs 6:17; Revelation 21:8)
The Madness king? (Ecclesiastes 9:3)
The Mischievous king? (Psalms 28:3; 140:2)
The Obstinate king? (Deuteronomy 2:30)
The Partying king? (Luke 15:13; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3)
The Rebellious & Revolting king? (Jeremiah 5:23; Acts 7:51)
The Secretive king? (Psalms 44:21; Ephesians 5:12)
The SELF-Indulging king? (Numbers 15:39)
The Sorrowful king?  (Proverbs 13:2; 15:13)
The Troubled king? (John 11:33; 13:21; 14:1)
The Unbelieving king? (Matthew 10:33; Mark 16:14; Hebrews 3:12)
The Unclean king? (Psalms 51:10)
The Unrepentant king? (Romans 2:5)
The Vain Imagination king? (Jeremiah 4:14)
The Worldly king? (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 2:8; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)
The Wounded king? (Proverbs 18:14; Psalms 109:22; Luke 4:18)
We should bear in mind that God sees into every kingdom within us and already knows the answers to these questions.  Therefore, we should carefully examine ourselves daily to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).  Self-examination is especially needed before we partake of Holy Communion (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Every believer is commanded to be holy, but many do not choose to consecrate themselves to serve God and be conformed in all things to His Will.  Personal holiness demonstrates growth and maturity in a number of areas, and it is developed gradually under many hindrances and through confrontation and temptation.  This is why believers are admonished to WATCH, PRAY and PERSEVERE.

EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

A greater love for the Word (Psalms 119:96-97)
A greater love for others (1 John 3:11; 4:12,21)
An insatiable appetite for fresh insight from the Word
A more evident influence and effect on the Spirit-empowered heart (Philippians 2:12-13)

CONFRONTATION & TEMPTATION

Moral growth cannot occur without choice-making.  No one goes through life without being confronted with alternatives.  And with confrontation comes temptation.  While conflict is evidenced in the carnal believer, it is not a problem for a Spirit-filled Christian who has consecrated his life and service to the Lord.

The difference between the temptation of a Spirit-filled Christian and a carnal one is like day and night.  In the case of a carnal believer, temptation serves to stir up and bring forth the fruit of a corrupt HEART.  However, the purified HEART of the Spirit-filled Christian doesn’t respond to Satan’s temptations to sin.  Having crucified SELF, he hates sin and has lost all desire to sin.

SURRENDERING VS. INDULGING SELF

Many believers resist CRUCIFYING SELF because they have personal goals and ambitions outside of God’s Will.  They are afraid that they will have to forsake them when they surrender SELF to God.  What they don’t realize is that the person who is totally surrendered to God is so excited about doing God’s Will, when he knows what it is, that he willingly and enthusiastically pursues it.  God never intended His children to settle for lack of ambition or mediocrity.  There is no greater sense of satisfaction than knowing that your will and God’s Will are one and the same!

WHAT TOTAL COMMITMENT REQUIRES

Commitment requires TRUST and CONFIDENCE, not in SELF and the FLESH, but in God!  Therefore, a believer should entrust the following to God:

His talents (Matthew 25:14-30);
His time (1 Peter 1:17);
The care of his BODY, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 9:27);
The care of his HEART or his treasure (Malachi 3:6-12; Matthew 6:21);
The care of his SOUL (Philippians 4:8-9);
The care of his SPIRIT (Proverbs 3:5).

A CHRISTIAN’S PRIORITIES

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus revealed the believer’s priority:  SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD ….”  And according to the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:1-10, nothing is more important than having a personal relationship with God.  The two steps to God’s priority system are:

Your Relationship to His Person

Your BODY (Colossians 3:5)
Your SOUL (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Your SPIRIT (Colossians 3:9-10)
Your HEART (Proverbs 4:23)

Five Areas of Your Relationship to His Purpose
Family
Church
World
Job
Leisure Time

God’s purpose for you includes all five areas.  So we shouldn’t feel guilty when a specific area assumes momentary priority.  Since our daily schedules may, at times, include all five areas, it is imperative that a healthy balance be achieved to prevent spiritual conflict.  This can be achieved if we are:

Completely honest with God and with yourself
Sensitive to circumstances
Willing to pay any price to fulfill God’s purpose
Dependent upon the Holy Spirit to reveal which matters are most important

WARNING!  God’s priority system must not be abused!  In other words, a believer should not use it to rationalize the fulfillment of a purely SELFISH purpose.  We must be careful not to devote too much time and effort to one criteria, or ignore or reject one or more of them.  To illustrate, a ‘workaholic’ Christian is one whose primary priority is work to the extent that he neglects or ignores the other four areas.  A lazy, slothful believer is an example of the opposite extreme.  Neither represents a healthy balance.

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

A believer should not be afraid of temptation because temptation is:

Natural.  Everyone is confronted with it regularly (1 Corinthians 10:13);
Neutral.  In and of itself, temptation does not constitute sin.  ACTING on the temptation IS SIN!
Necessary.  Temptation tests a believer to see if he will choose to obey or disobey God (James 1:2-4; Romans 7:22-25; 8:1-4).

To express it another way, temptation develops character!  Matthew 4:1-11 records that Jesus was tempted in the same three areas that we are:  physically, psychologically and spiritually.  Satan couldn’t get a foothold in any area of Jesus’ life, however, because Jesus had CRUCIFIED SELF and was filled with the Spirit of God.  Having a cleansed, purified HEART, Jesus had no desire to sin.  Because His Love for His Father was perfected, He wanted to please His Father by being obedient.  So, when Satan tempted Jesus, He simply counter-attacked what Satan said, with the Word of God, or the Sword of the Spirit.  Every believer today can follow Jesus example and do to the devil exactly what Jesus did!  (Ephesians 6:17; 1 John 4:4).

James 1:12 reveals that believers who face temptation victoriously as Jesus did, will receive the “crown of life.”

OBEDIENCE

Obedience applies to all of us.  From Genesis to Revelation, God stresses the importance of obedience.  In Genesis, He commanded Adam to obey His spoken Word, to protect him and Eve from the forbidden tree that, if partaken of, would bring spiritual and physical death.  In Revelation, we see that obedience leads directly to the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:15-17; Revelation 22:14).

THE PRINCIPLES OF OBEDIENCE

LOVE—Jesus equates our obedience to loving Him and friendship with Him (John 14:21; 15:14).

CONFIDENCE—Obedience requires perfect confidence in God.  This confidence is of the SPIRIT, not of the imperfect SOUL (mind, will, thoughts, emotions) (Psalms 1:1-2; James 2:20-24).

INSIGHT, OPPORTUNITY and RESPONSE—God will reward you with more insight each time you obey Him.  The rate of growth is entirely up to you.  It is imperative that you be sensitive to God’s timing.  Missing God can bring disastrous results.  Remember, when you say NO to God’s Will, you are choosing to assume the consequences of disobedience (Psalms 111:10).

LAG TIME—This is one of Satan’s most subtle weapons.  Lag-time is the period of time between the moment God reveals His Will to you, and the time that passes before you carry out His Will.  If you say NO, it is no longer lag-time; it is disobedience!  Lag-time can be caused by such human weaknesses as insecurity, fear, inferiority, a sense of failure, or a carnal mind.  Lag-time can also be caused by demonic  hindering spirits (Daniel 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:18).

OBEDIENCE DESCRIBED

Is a blameless walk (Luke 1:6; Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 3:14)
Is a delight, not grievous (Psalms 37:4; 40:8; 112:1; 1 John 5:2-3)
Is a race to be finished (Hebrews 12:1)
Is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
Is bringing into captivity, every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Is by faith (Hebrews 11:8)
Is ceasing to sin (Hebrews 12:1; 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 John 3:9; 5:18)
Is doing the Will of God (Psalms 40:8; John 4:34; 6:38; 7:17; 9:31; Hebrews 10:9,36; 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 John 2:17)
Is essential to hearing God (John 10:3-4,14,27)
Is essential to membership in God’s family (Matthew 12:49-50; Mark 3:34; Luke 8:21)
Is essential to abiding in Christ (John 15:7,10; 1 John 2:17; 3:24)
Is evidence of discipleship (John 8:31)
Is evidence of friendship with God (John 15:14)
Is evidence of knowing God (1 John 2:3-4)
Is evidence of light-bearing (John 3:21)
Is evidence of loving God (John 14:15,21,23; 1 John 5:2-3)
Is evidence of perfected love (1 John 2:5)
Is evidence of the spiritual rebirth (1 John 2:29)
Is fearing God (Deuteronomy 5:29; Job 1:1; Psalms 111:10; 128:1; Colossians 3:22)
Is holy-living (1 Peter 1:13-15)
Is keeping God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 11:1; John 15:10; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 John 3:24)
Is learned by suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9)
Is obeying God diligently (Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 28:1; Ezra 7:23; Zechariah 6:15)
Is obeying God rather than men (Acts 5:29)
Is rewarded (2 Samuel 22:21-22)
Is seeking God (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 119:2; Hosea 10:12)
Is the base rock of character (Matthew 7:24)
Is the imperative duty of life (Acts 5:29)
Is the key to spiritual knowledge (John 7:17)
Is the price of success (Joshua 1:8)
Is the test of HEART-condition (Deuteronomy 8:2-3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4)
Is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 5:29)
Purifies the SOUL (1 Peter 1:22)
Repels fear (1 Chronicles 22:13; Isaiah 51:7; 1 John 4:18)
Results in fulfilled promises (Hebrews 10:36)
Secures entrance into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46; 8:21; Hebrews 5:8-9)
Secures the blessing of Divine Fellowship (Job 8:20; John 14:23; 1 John 2:17)
WHOLEHEARTED obedience is required (Deuteronomy 26:16; 32:46)

PROMISES OF OBEDIENCE

Abiding forever (1 John 2:17)
Access to the New Jerusalem and Tree of Life (Revelation 22:14)
Adoption (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 28:1; Jeremiah 7:23)
Answered prayer (Psalms 34:15; John 9:31; 15:7)
Blessings (Deuteronomy 11:27; Psalms 112:1; 119:2; Luke 12:43; Revelation 1:3)
Desires fulfilled (Psalms 37:4-5)
Divine favor (Proverbs 11:27)
Divine fellowship (Job 8:20)
Divine love and presence (John 14:22,23; 15:10)
Divine mercy (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)
Divine promises (Hebrews 10:36)
Divine protection (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 25:18; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalms 91:9-12; Ecclesiastes 8:5)
Dwelling in safety (Leviticus 25:18)
Established thoughts (Proverbs 16:3)
Eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9)
Exalted status (Matthew 5:19; John 12:26; 21:22; Ephesians 5:1)
Forgiveness of sins (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9)
Generational blessings (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Guidance of the still, small Voice (1 Kings 19:12; John 10:27; Romans 8:14)
Happiness (Job 36:11; Proverbs 29:18; John 13:17)
Healing and Health (Exodus 15:26; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 91:9-12)
Inheritance (Deuteronomy 30:20; Proverbs 8:21)
Joy, Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom (Psalms 111:10; Ecclesiastes 2:26; John 7:17)
Justification (Roman 2:13)
Life (Leviticus 18:5; Galatians 3:12)
Peace with enemies (Proverbs 16:7)
Prolonged life and well-being (Deuteronomy 4:40; 5:29; 1 Kings 3:14; Isaiah 3:10; Jeremiah 7:23)
Prosperity and good success (Deuteronomy 29:9; Joshua 1:7-8; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Proverbs 8:21; Isaiah 1:19)
Rest (Jeremiah 6:16)
Revelation (Luke 6:47; John 8:20-31)
Stewardship (Zechariah 3:7)
Strength (2 Chronicles 27:6; Isaiah 40:31)
The Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32)

IN CLOSING

Brothers and Sisters, it is imperative that we get our priorities and lives in order because Jesus is coming back soon!  The increase in, and severity of, earthquakes, famines, pestilences and plagues, natural disasters, violent storms, and signs and wonders in the heavens all testify that the whole of Creation is groaning in anticipation of His Second Coming!  Can you not discern that we are living in the Last Days? 
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men (1 Thessalonians 5:1-15).
Even more important, do you REALLY BELIEVE that Jesus is coming back for a “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27)  REPENT and BELIEVE, Church, because God is not a man that He should lie! (Numbers 23:19)

Blessings!

Resources:
Dynamics of Discipling, ©1984 (Missouri: Beacon Hill Press)
Disciples Are Made Not Born, ©1974 Walter A. Henrichsen (Illinois: SP Publications, Inc.)

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