To day I will begin a look at Humility and keep in mind that since the day of our LORDS return in the person of the Holy Spirit that GOD has pulled of the worlds greatest of Reformations almost known to natural man. In other words it was not visible seen nor is it acknowledge by theologians or even the worlds philosophers. And for the following reasons I will again draw from the writings of Pastor Hoekstra found in my e-sword program and make use of the ESV translation.
"The Manifold Grace of God"
"The manifold grace of God . . . but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . . Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (1Peter 4:10; 2Peter 3:18 and Galatians 6:18)
"The manifold Grace of GOD is such an appropriate Truth. It is both Humbling and Faith building to be reminded of the majestic diversity of GOD's Grace.
GOD's Grace is Manifold. It is like a heavenly diamond with innumerable facets. Every vantage point reflects a new insight into the gracious resources of our LORD. From some biblical viewpoints, the justifying Grace of GOD is seen: "justified freely by His Grace" (Romans 3:24). Yet, our devotional studies have concentrated upon sanctifying Grace, Grace for growing. "But grow in . . . Grace." Many scriptural vistas display this sanctifying Grace in its manifold beauty. It can be seen stabilizing the inner man. "It is good that the heart be established by Grace" (Hebrews 13:9). It can also be seen in its edifying ability. "I commend you to GOD and to the word of His Grace, which is able to build you up" (Acts 20:32). From another angle, GOD's sanctifying Grace can be seen for its strengthening capacity. "Be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2Timothy 2:1). It can also be observed in its fruit producing role: "and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the Grace of GOD in Truth" (Colossians 1:6). It can also be seen in its ministry developing function. "But by the Grace of GOD I am what I am, and His Grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the Grace of GOD which was with me" (1Corinthians 15:10). From still another viewpoint, the sanctifying Grace of GOD can be seen sustaining through the agonies of one's "thorny impossibilities." "My Grace is sufficient for you" (2Corinthians 12:9). What heavenly riches await us in a lifetime of observing, and appropriating, GOD's Manifold Grace.
What final words would be fitting for us now? The closing benediction in so many New Testament epistles would be perfectly suitable. "Brethren, the Grace of our LORD Christ Jesus be with your spirit" (Galatians 6:18). Ultimately and essentially, Grace is found in the LORD Jesus Christ Himself, and it is experienced through His work in our hearts, as we humbly seek to know Him more and more. "But grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."
Humility:
Our Promises Concerning:
Our first sight is found in Proverbs 16 where we find the contrasting of the Upright and the wicked.
Proverbs 16:14-22 "A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly."
Proverbs 22:1-5 "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them."
Proverbs 29:16-23 "When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. By mere words a servant (slave) is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Isaiah 57:14-21 "It shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way." For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of life that I made. Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid My face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace," says My GOD, "for the wicked."
Matthew 18:1-6 "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
Luke 18:9-17 "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'GOD, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Now they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him, saying, "Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of GOD. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child shall not enter it."
No comments:
Post a Comment