THE CHALLENGE OF HIS GRACE TO HIS CHURCH. His grace, that blessed favor which is impossible to earn, has brought salvation to all who will believe. Titus 2:11 With that revelation of the grace of the Lord in us comes the teaching of grace. Teaching in the Word involves the full circle of the process whereby we learn. It not only involves educating, but training and discipline. All with the expectation in view that the student might reject and triumph over all that is ungodly and all worldly lusts. A victorious life in Christ is not an occasional situation. It is a constant and consistent life to be lived. We are exhorted to live soberly, righteously and godly in the midst of this present generation. Titus 2:12 The manner of teaching and discipline which is used of the Lord is revealed to us in His Word. There are times when judgment, or reprimands are used of the Lord to direct our path in His ways. It is not a pleasant thing to experience, but must be accepted as part of the program leading toward maturity. All lessons given by the Lord, whether we count them as having been a good or a bad experience are beneficial to us, that we might not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor. 11:32 In an era of bless me Christians it is not easy to accept the fact that the scripture shows us that correction is a sign of the great love of the Lord. Discipline is not only a sign of His love but also a positive sign of His acceptance of the individual into sonship. Every one upon whom He bestows His delight and love will be scourged or flogged, not unnecessarily, but where needed. Heb. 12:5-6 The NIV translated this to be a word of encouragement, and indeed it can be when we view our situation from His prospective. Far better to be corrected of the Lord than not to be corrected and fail to come to a life of maturity in Christ. Where is the Christian who has not run to the Lord with great repentance at His rebuke and correction. How merciful and loving He is in accepting our broken heart and spirit. It is through teaching and correction that the Lord will bring His church to the perfection of the Bride in these last days. We may anticipate more discipline to come. Rejoice.
EVIDENCE THAT WE REALLY KNOW CHRIST. The Christian life will witness and testify of the fact that we truly have a vital acquaintance with Him. This knowledge is verified by our willingness to be obedient to His Word. We know that we know, when we are conducting ourselves according to His will, as revealed in His Word. There is no excuse for one not knowing the perfect and absolute will of the Lord in living our lives as an example to the lost. 1 John 2:3 One of the beauties of the Word of the Lord is that, we are never left to puzzle over where we stand with the Lord. Those who claim to know Him, but do not, are quickly made evident by their failure to follow the instructions of the Word. John, very straightforwardly designated them to be liars. Proclaiming that the truth is not in them. A strong statement indeed. 1 John 2:4 A perfect church will most certainly be a church, dwelling in, and manifesting His great love. The individuals who are obedient to the Word will find that the love of the Lord will be perfected in them. If we have a vision of the accomplishments of the Lord in His people for the last days, this is our goal. To be like Him in every aspect of our lives. There will be a people achieve this high calling in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:5 We are called to walk His walk, to live His life, to talk His talk, to show forth His virtue and holiness to the world. When a life is in obedience it becomes very evident, and others take note of it. 1 John 2:6
THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT OF A KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. A saturation of grace and peace promised to those who know Him. The Lord is never stingy in bestowing His blessings on His own. It is always with great sufficiency that He will meet the spiritual needs of those who belong to Him. Is there anything that is more needful for us in these days than the saving grace and peace of the Lord Jesus in our lives. They are multiplied to us more and more as we become better acquainted with the Lord and His promises. 2 Peter 1:2 A knowledge of Him will produce the workings of the divine power of the Lord, which opens the door to the multiplied and rich blessings of the Lord. The promise relates to ALL THINGS that are spiritually enriching, such as life (His life) and holiness. When He occupies first place in our hearts and lives, the needs and necessities of this life will be cared for. He must be first. The call of the Lord is to obtain His glory and His virtue, that His likeness may be reproduced in us. 2 Peter 1:3 From eternity the plan of the Lord has been that He might demonstrate His eternal glory and power in the lives of a people dedicated to Himself. The riches of His glory will be bestowed upon them, Who can estimate the riches of that glory? It is limitless, without an ending. This is the reward of those who faithfully commit their lives unto Him. He has determined form eternity to find a nation which would follow His will and be the recipients of His eternal glory and being. Rom. 9:23 He will find them in a perfect church. The church will be perfected. Eph. 5:27