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APPROVAL is a process. The individual who is approved is one who has undergone the test and has come through victorious. One certainty, in the progression toward our goal is that there will be temptations come our way. Jesus was tempted in every manner which we face, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15 Temptation is not sin. It may take us a while to learn that in our Christian walk but it is vital that we know it and know it well. We will be tempted, that is an inescapable fact of the Christian life. Jesus is our example and He has overcome for us. John 16:33 We are more than conquerors through Him. Rom. 8:37.
To gain APPROVAL there must be progress through chastisement.
Believe it or not, chastisement by the Lord is a sign of His love for that person. The correction may not be pleasant, especially when we expect the Lord to do nothing but bless us and make us feel good. It is definite proof that we are sons of God. Heb. 12:6 We must learn the difference between temptation and correction. They are administered by two different parties. One to defeat, the other to improve and perfect each and every beloved son. Heb. 12:7 When there are actions contrary to the Word of the Lord and there is no correction, it is a certainty that that individual is not a son. Heb. 12:8.
A WORKMAN. Paul used the right terminology in presenting the call of the Spirit into the ministry. He was well acquainted with the toils and struggles of those who would serve Christ in any capacity. In serving the Lord there is no place for any who would lose sight of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus. Paul gave testimony of his experience while taking the gospel to Asia. Yet, at the same time he felt the afflictions and sufferings of the Corinthian church as they too, felt his. He had faced extreme hardships in his missionary journey to Asia to a point of despair, even thinking that it might take his life. 2 Cor. 1:6-10.
The thrill of the WORKMAN is not only in seeing souls come to Christ but in the revelation of the Word of the Lord. It is well that we teach as we have been taught, if we have been taught well and have been given the truth of the Word. However, because the Word is a living Word the Lord will always award us with treasures out of His storehouse. The revelation of the Word is ever growing and expanding. It is the responsibility of the WORKMAN to expose these treasure. Mt. 13:52.