(1) One Can Know About God, and (2) Then We Can Know and Understand His Ways.
Many in the bible only knew there was a God:
· Parting the Red Sea
· Beside the still waters
· Wiseman on the way to see the baby
· Jesus calming the sea
· Shepherds seeing angels
· Burning bush
· Jesus is alive
· When God brought Israel out of Egypt they didn’t understand His ways.
· They only learned about God, when they came out of Egypt, by his deeds and miracles performed on their behalf.
· They learned about deliverance, miraculous provision, how He judged and disciplined men and women who were disobedient.
Moses Learned His Ways
Psalms 103:7 (NKJV)
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
· Moses reached out to God seeking a richer understand of who He is.
Exodus 33:13 (NKJV)
13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people."
13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people."
· Moses speaks to the People to remember all that God had done for them, what they had learned by observing.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (NKJV)
2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
Definition dis-ci-pline:
1. To train by instruction and practice, especially to teach self-control.
2. To teach to obey rules of accept authority,
3. To punish in order to gain control of enforce obedience.
God’s Discipline In Our Lives
Hebrews 12:4-11 (NKJV)
4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God is sovereign – this means: He possesses absolute authority
· He governs the affairs of men
· He permits,
· He promotes
· He forbids
· He overrules in order to accomplish His purpose
· He may use wicked men to accomplish His purpose
· He even uses Satan to accomplish His purpose
· He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and people of the earth
· No one can hold back his hand or say: what have you done?
Daniel 4:35 (NKJV)
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"
Isaiah 14:27 (NKJV)
27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?"
Acts 2:23 (NKJV)
23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"
Isaiah 14:27 (NKJV)
27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?"
Acts 2:23 (NKJV)
23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
· Even in the New Testament He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
Ephesians 1:11 (NKJV)
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
· Everything is so perfectly controlled that God work is for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
· A full faith in God’s sovereignty is essential for a proper understanding of God’s ways
Revelation 15:3 (NKJV)
3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
Question: When something happens in our life, to whom do you give the credit?
· God
· Satan
· It’s just one of those things
· I guess it was just ment to be
· It’s just the way the cookie crumbles
· Because of my unwise or foolish decision
· What if you win the lottery of 32 Million dollars, who would you say helped you?
· What if you lost your job or had a accident and become hospitalized, to who would you give the credit?
· What if your closest friend was brutally beaten, raped or even killed who would be at fault? What questions would you ask?
If We Have Grasped The Truth Of God’s Sovereignty, We Will Know That Our Affairs, Good And Bad, Are Not Subject To Luck, Fate, Or Chance.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
· The fact is; we are still in the hands of the one who is willing and able to intervene and overrule your foolish decisions.
· If this is true, why didn’t He help me when that last bad thing happened?
Job 1:6-12 (NKJV)
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job 2:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.
2 And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
3 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause."
4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.
5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
6 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life."
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.
2 And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
3 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause."
4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.
5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
6 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life."
Note:
· Though Satan possesses supernatural powers and is our sworn enemy, God permits him to operate only in clearly defined boundaries.
· After the encounter between God and satan we don’t find him again mentioned in the book. As far as we know Job never new satan had any part in the attacks on his possessions.
· When God shows us we are under satanic attack we must resist the devil by faith.
· At other times, we deal with God, as Job did, and whether Satan is involved need not concern us.
Question:
Does God punish us? Answer Yes and No – if it is condemnation for sins committed the answer is No.
· Never confuse the feeling of condemnation that satan wants you to believe with the conviction of The Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
John 16:8 (NKJV)
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
· The ungodly will suffer on the day of judgement
Matthew 25:41 (NKJV)
41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matthew 25:46 (NKJV)
46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matthew 25:46 (NKJV)
46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
· The true believer has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24 (NKJV)
24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Question:
Does God punish by corrective discipline? Yes
Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV)
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NKJV)
5 You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you.
1 Corinthians 11:32 (NKJV)
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NKJV)
5 You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you.
1 Corinthians 11:32 (NKJV)
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
· We must understand that the Lord is a disciplinarian. If here is no Godly discipline in your life you are not a child of God.
Hebrews 12:8 (NKJV)
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
· Discipline is a mark of God’s love and special concern for you.
Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
· Your attitude as you correctly handle God’s discipline will determine your success.
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
· Would Joseph have become the instrument of blessing and salvation that God intended, if he had allowed his brother’s cruel injustice to fill him with bitterness and resentment?
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
There Are Temptations In How You Handle The Discipline Of The Lord
· Take seriously the discipline of the Lord; he is adjusting our character; so don’t explain it way as a natural cycle of life.
Hebrews 12:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
Hebrews 12:9 (NKJV)
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
Psalms 119:71 (NKJV)
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.
Psalms 119:75 (NKJV)
75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
Hebrews 12:9 (NKJV)
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
Psalms 119:71 (NKJV)
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.
Psalms 119:75 (NKJV)
75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
Losing heart and giving up will cross your mind, don’t allow such thought to take root.
To shrug it off and deny God’s process in our lives causes unnecessary delay in becoming what God wants for you
We can’t allow feeling of resentment lodge in our hearts; especially when it come through God’s people.
Job 9:15-18 (NKJV)
15 For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.
16 If I called and He answered me, I would not believe that He was listening to my voice.
17 For He crushes me with a tempest, And multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 He will not allow me to catch my breath, But fills me with bitterness.
15 For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.
16 If I called and He answered me, I would not believe that He was listening to my voice.
17 For He crushes me with a tempest, And multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 He will not allow me to catch my breath, But fills me with bitterness.
· Job lost heart altogether and wished he had never been born
Job 3:11 (NKJV)
11 "Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?
Job 3:20-21 (NKJV)
20 "Why is light given to him who is in misery, And life to the bitter of soul,
21 Who long for death, but it does not come, And search for it more than hidden treasures;
11 "Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?
Job 3:20-21 (NKJV)
20 "Why is light given to him who is in misery, And life to the bitter of soul,
21 Who long for death, but it does not come, And search for it more than hidden treasures;
· You are going through this because I love you, you are my son and I want you to bear the family likeness.
Hebrews 12:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
Hebrews 12:10 (NKJV)
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
Hebrews 12:10 (NKJV)
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
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