Talking about righteousness is easy, and the reason is simply that you just have to believe Christ for it. But many think that is where it ends. NO! This righteousness is going to bear its fruit, and you shouldn't be ignorant of this. Righteousness brings you to Christ for something greater and very profiting (vs 10), which you MUST know about.
# Partakers of His Holiness.
The fruit of righteousness is HOLINESS. A very scary word for many believers today. And except you're not receiving the right teachings should you be worried.
~ What is Holiness?
According to Wikipedia, "Holiness is the state of being holy or sacred. Holiness is being CLEAN OR PURE, to "be ye holy" is a biblical commandment. Lev. Ch.20 v.7"... So, in other words, Holiness is when you are being purged of sins, and most times carrying the sins of others (ie, standing in the gap). Isn't this what "carrying your cross" is all about?!
The Cross of Jesus Christ, has a "magnet" that pulls and nail sin unto itself. If you carry yours daily, you should experience this in all righteousness. And as you do this in faith, "Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith;" (vs 2), and thoroughly consider and ponder deep in your heart how Christ was able to withstand all the "contradiction of sinners" against Himself", to avoid given up too soon (vs 3).
# Chastisements and Scourgings.
This is the next phase we MUST go through and be EXERCISED to earn the peaceable fruit of righteousness, which is Holiness...the training camp of Christ. Otherwise,...
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; FOR WHAT SON IS HE WHOM THE FATHER CHASTENETH NOT? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye BASTARDS, and not sons." (vs 6-8)
..."Bastards"!?
When we fail to understand what must come next from God, we tend to resist Him. And in resisting Him we make ourselves not worthy (bastards). [Please note that I didn't add this word to this verse of scripture.]
God's righteousness brings us to the Cross of Christ for chastisements and scourgings unto becoming sons and daughters of God in holiness. There is NO two way about this.
# "Contradiction of Sinners".
How are you dealing with the contradictions of life? Do you still wonder why many things seem to be working against you?
"Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2)
When you carefully and deeply LOOK unto Jesus, and all the contrary situations He faced; how He navigated them all; and how He finished His race; then your heart will hold (root) firm to Him, and your mind won't waver or faint. THEN,...
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Heb 12:12-14)...
...and instead of languishing in sorrow, you will lift up high your hands and bend your knees in worship to God! Knowing fully well that WITHOUT this exercises, you can't see the LORD.
Endure all these exercises like a soldier, with lots and lots of smiles and laughters!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment