Both of these "not do" things, have to do with the "Chastening of the LORD"...
Chastening, seems to be used today in a more negative, or punitive way. But, it's actual meaning has more to do with simple instruction, and correction, that can include discipline, but it's not punishment.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;
Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
So, two things we are not to do when the LORD is chastening us.
1. Do not despise the chastening of the LORD. Which means, not to refuse, abhor, reject, run, or ignore. These are tendencies we have, these are attitudes and actions that we might want to have when the LORD is instructing us. We might want to just run away from it. But, we are being told here, that wisdom does not despise the LORD'S instruction, correction etc. Like, "I'm just not going to pay attention to this"
2. Nor detest the LORD'S correction. This means, don't be discouraged, weary, distressed, be grieved, loathe, or to have a sickening dread. Like, "I can't take this"
These are two very natural responses that we have to guard against happening in our lives.
And, now the reason why the LORD would chasten us.....It's because He loves us. He chastens those He loves, ( just as a father would to his own son in whom he delights )
God's love for us, helps us to realize why He is instructing, correcting, etc, and this realization is given to us to help us avoid these 2 tendencies to ignore it, or to be discouraged when it's happening.
Father, we love You, because You first loved us. Thank You for any and all chastening that You give to us, and please help us to avoid these 2 tendencies. In fact, would You please help us to remember Your love at these times. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Applicational thoughts and promises.
1. We are saved, but still have to deal with our flesh.
2. It's the flesh that wants to ignore and be discouraged.
3. Satan does not point us to God's love during chastening.
4. The Holy Spirit is the one wrestling with our souls and minds.
5. Love for us is why God instructs us.
6. Humility and faith are needed more then ever during chastening.
7. Chastening brings good fruit when it's completed.
8. Be patient, God's plan will work itself through in our lives.
1Pet. 5:6-7, says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you"...We are to remain under God's mighty hand, even when it is painful and it hurts...God is teaching us and He working His will and His way in us during these times...Our tendency is to run away from the chastening or the difficulty, however as it states in this verse we should draw near to God and "remain under"...and in due time...(in His time), He will lift us up...Heb 12:11, says, " 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"...The outcome of "remaining under" is that we have more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives...Jesus said in John 15:1-2, & 5...“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit...and much fruit"...Pruning is painful but necessesary, because He loves us and wants to conform us into His image...Lord help us to "remain under", casting all of our care upon You, for you care for us.
ReplyDeletePhilippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
ReplyDeleteHis work of grace continues in us until we are complete! Selah.