We Are His Workmanship Series :: 10/31/12
We Are His Workmanship Series
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Intro: I love to admire workmanship! Whether it is a craft show, or a furniture store, or walking through a custom home that has numerous special features, I enjoy admiring people’s work. I enjoy working with my hands, having an idea, buying the material, working with my hands and enjoying the finished project. I remember building a set of oak end tables for my wife for her wedding gift. We enjoyed them for many years.
I. The Process
When we think about Workmanship, we recognize that it involves…
A. Talent – the one doing the working must be capable
Whether it was a painting by Michaelangelo, or a piece of music by Mozart, the talent is very important. A violin made by Antonio Stradivari is worth millions.
There are many “wanna-be’s”, but that doesn’t guarantee talent.
- Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
B. Trouble – there will always be a challenge; if there were no challenge, anybody could do it!
Only God can take a man that never had a godly daddy and make a godly daddy out of him.
Only God can take a teenager with unsaved parents grow up and have a love for God.
Only God can take a girl that grew up unloved and make a loving wife and mother out of her.
Only God can take a drunk and make a Sunday School teacher out of him.
God specializes in working with hard cases and fixing bad situations.
- Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
C. Time
It’s amazing to me that God created the heavens and the earth and everything that in them is in 6 days!
Yet he’s been working on me for 35 years. Wow!
- 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
D. Tools
A master craftsman will use a variety of tools to do the job.
God will use His hand, along with an assortment of other things to shape and mold us.
- Jer. 18:3, 4 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
E. Trophy
- Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Part II
II. The Problem
Intro: If you look at verse 8 and 9, we see something funny about mankind.
- …and that not of yourselves… vs. 8
- Not of works… vs. 9
They would rather do it themselves many times than to let God do it for them!
Example: Cain and Abel both had to present a sacrifice. Cain chose to bring the fruit of his labor. Dead end road!!
God wanted to do it HIS way, but man’s efforts to do the “working” has presented a problem since the beginning.
Many people though make one serious mistake – they undertake themselves as a project! We have ideas, plans, goals, dreams, and then we begin to try to implement those ideas and become the person we always wanted to be. Unfortunately, that doesn’t turn out right many times!
The reason that when man is his own workmanship, he becomes a disaster!
You will see why we should SUBMIT TO BEING HIS WORKMANSHIP and take our hands off of the project!!
A. Our Approval is Inconsistent
- Judges 21:25 …every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
By whose standards are our efforts being defined?
Ever noticed that when we get tired or frustrated, we are not as particular about something being “right”?
We cut corners, hide mistakes, downplay inferior effort and get impatient.
B. Our Aim is Inaccurate – men strive for goodness; God’s will is perfection
We want to be a BETTER AND IMPROVED VERSION OF “US”; God’s will is for us to be LIKE HIS SON.
- Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
NOTICE the context of this verse: We use it evangelistically, and we should. But the context is referring to the CONTRAST IN MAN’S WORKS AND GOD’S WORKS!
- Rom. 3:21, 22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
NOTICE: Our works are referred to “works” in verse 9, while God’s is referred to as “good works”.
It is impossible for a person to produce “good works” apart from God.
- Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
C. Our Ability is Insufficient
- I Cor. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
- Isaiah 55:8, 9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
D. Our Agenda is Impure
Man’s Agenda
- Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
LOOK AT OUR TEXT – vs.9 “…lest any man should boast.”
God’s Agenda
- 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Part II
III. The Plan
Intro: The plan is very plain and very simple. God’s desire for us as “His workmanship” is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son.
- Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
But what does that actually mean? Is it realistic for us to think that we could actually be like Christ, knowing that He was God in the flesh??
A. Jesus was born of a Virgin.
B. Jesus was the Son of God.
C. Jesus did not live with a sin-nature.
D. Jesus DID NOT sin, and Jesus COULD NOT sin.
God’s plan is not for us to be conformed to the SINLESSNESS of Christ – that is not possible.
God’s plan is for us to be conformed to these other areas of Christ:
I. In Seriousness
- Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
One area that God desires for us to be conformed to the image of His Son is in this area of fervency and soberness.
- Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
I can’t think of a “business” where people aren’t invigorated by their work.
For example:
- Businesses – the manufacturing of a product, the selling of it, the marketing, all of it requires fervency.
- Athletes – the sports industry is teeming with life, excitement, hard work, planning, excellence
- Media – newspaper, TV, etc. reporters spare no expense to “get the scoop”. Illustr: multiple agencies covering the same event.
The only two “businesses that I can think of today that are totally void of any energy and life and excitement is:
- The funeral home business
- And most churches.
- Example: Apollos in Acts 18:25 described as “fervent in spirit”
That was a result of his knowledge of the Scripture and a teachable spirit
II. In Soul Consciousness
- Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Multiple examples of Christ’s soul-consciousness…
- Luke 19:10 – For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
- John 4 – I must needs go through Samaria…
III. In Submission
- Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Question: Did Jesus HAVE to submit to them? Answer: YES! Why? The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents!”
It also says – 1 Pet. 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
It also says – Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Interesting note: All my life I’ve heard it said that Jesus knew more than his parents, yet he was subject unto them. But if he knew more than them, why does the Bible tell us in Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Contrast Christ and Lucifer
Lucifer
- Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Christ
- Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
One of the biggest struggles that people have today in being like Christ is this area of submission.
- Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
- Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Why do we always have to be right? And come out on top?
IV. In Sanctification
Man was created in the IMAGE of GOD in Genesis.
Jesus Christ – Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
It is God’s will for us to be conformed in the image of Christ, who is the image of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus knows what you are going through when you are tempted.
- Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Though Jesus could not sin, He was tempted, and those temptations caused Him suffering.
Because of that, He is able to ‘SUCCOUR’ or “run when called for!”
Question: Can a child of God be sanctified?
Answer: Yes! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Part IV
IV. The Performing
- Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
This verse sets the stage perfectly for the next part of this series. In this verse, we see:
A. The Confidence – Being confident of this very thing…
B. The Commencement – this began when we were saved.
C. The Continuation – will perform it
D. The Conclusion – until the day of Jesus Christ – we understand this to mean either the rapture or death
So the question remains – what is it exactly that God will use to perform His work on us??
Remember the first message, we dealt with the Tools that are necessary for Workmanship?
Here are a few tools that God will implement in order to PERFORM His GOOD WORK.
A. The Pressures of Suffering
Let’s read our text again.
- Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
God’s plan is for us to be like Christ – also worded in this verse as “created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”
So what will God use? He will use the PRESSURES OF SUFFERING.
Look at these verses:
- Job 23:8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
NOTE: He is wanting us to TRUST in HIS working; not ours! He knows the way. He can do the work without us!
Look at these verses:
- II Cor. 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
NOTE: He wants us to trust in One that can do the impossible – like raise the dead!
Even when you wish you were dead, He can breathe new life into your soul.
His goal is for us to trust Him.
OLD TESTAMENT ILLUSTRATION:
In Gen. 37, Joseph shared his dreams. His brethren envied him, but his father observed the saying (vs. 11)
Later in the chapter, they brought their brother’s coat dipped in blood. They didn’t lie to Jacob, they just handed him the bloody coat and asked him if the coat belonged to Joseph. He drew the wrong conclusions, based on inaccurate information. It was real, but it was wrong!
He forgot the dreams that God had given his son. He forgot the promises of God in the face of PRESSURE AND SUFFERING.
Later, when they found Joseph, and came told Jacob, he refused to believe it. (45:26)
But guess what? Verse 27 says, “…and the spirit of Jacob their father revived.”
God had not only “raised the dead” so to speak by bringing Joseph back to him, but he revived his own fainting spirit.
God’s promise to work in us and conform us to Christ is very much real, and HE WILL PERFORM IT.
Don’t let the “bloody coats” from the devil cause you to doubt God. He’s not finished working. His plan is not fulfilled.
He is still working – don’t mind the bloody coats!! Don’t let the devil tell you that you are dead and it’s over.
- I Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
B. The Preparation of Solitude
God used times of solitude to prepare numerous people for a great work in the Bible. A few examples are:
- Noah walked with God when no one else did – and God used him to build an ark.
- Joseph endured the abandonment of family and years in prison – and God used him to save the world.
- Moses spent forty years on the backside of the wilderness – to save a nation from slavery.
- Paul spent years in prison – and God used him to write some powerful letters and epistles.
- John was exiled to Patmos – and God revealed Himself to him in a way never seen before.
One of the greatest men in the Bible learned some tremendous lessons in solitude and obscurity, and God used that time to prepare him for a great work – that was the Psalmist David.
We get a second hand assessment of David’s character; all of which was developed and cultivated in a time of virtual obscurity.
- 1 Samuel 16:18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
1. God Prepared his Hands
a. For Blessing
- I Sam. 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
b. For Battle
- Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Ever wondered how the Lord taught his hands and fingers to fight?
It was when God inserted a LION and a BEAR into his life during a time of solitude.
Nobody knew it, and it was never mentioned until Saul told him “thou art not able…”
God taught him how to fight, and how to give God the glory for it.
That is why he knew that he would have no trouble defeating Goliath when he blasphemed God.
God couldn’t use him to be a blessing to others until he had taken advantage of the “solitary refinement”.
NOTE: Private practice always precedes public performance.
He took time to learn skillfully in private and in isolation, and God let “word get out” that he had a talent.
2. God Prepared his Head – … and prudent in matters
Definition: Prudent – to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding
David was no dummy! God had prepared his mind to lead the nation of Israel.
Notice these multiple references to David’s intellect and wisdom.
- Chapter 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
- NOTE verse 30: Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
3. God Prepared his Heart – … and the LORD is with him.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
- 1 Samuel 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
After much study, the only conclusion that I can come to is that whatever it was about David’s heart that was right and good, and according to I Sam. 15:28, better than Saul’s , was a work of God. It was something that God had done in him long before we met him in chapter 16.
David’s relationship with God was REAL and it was OBVIOUS!
- 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
- 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
- 18:28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David,
Somehow, God had used David’s time in obscurity to prepare his heart for a relationship that would pave the way for him to know God and walk with God for many years afterwards.
NOTE: God gave Saul another heart in I Sam. 10:9. What happened to his heart?
The answer is found in I Sam. 15:16, 17. Saul’s new heart was filled with PRIDE! That stripped him of his throne.
- 16, 17 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
Conclusion:
Proofs that David’s Heart had been prepared to serve; he was unmoved by these painful experiences:
- He was the last man to be chosen when his family was considered for the position of king. – I Sam. 16:11
- Being the youngest, he was left to feed his father’s sheep, even though anointed to be king – I Sam. 17:15
- He was falsely accused and belittled in front of the entire army – I Sam. 17:28, 30
- He was targeted for his success by King Saul and almost killed – twice! – I Sam. 18:10, 11; 19:10
- He had to run for his life and hide in caves like a vagabond and a criminal – almost 20 years before he became king.
NOTE: God has always rewarded faithfulness and humility.
- Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Remember David’s brother? …thou hast left those FEW SHEEP… He was faithful over a FEW THINGS…
C. The Precepts of the Scripture
- II Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
NOTE: Our text is – Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1. The Scripture’s Presentation
NOTE: The Scripture was given the same way that man was created; by the very breath of God.
Doesn’t it stand to reason that if man could be filled with the inspired word of God, he would more accurately portray the original intent of man in the first place? To represent the very image of God on this earth??
- II Peter 1:20, 21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. The Scripture’s Profit
a. For Doctrine – that is what we are supposed to do
NOTE: The word “doctrine” is found 50 times in the Word of God.
JUST SAYING – The number “25” means Forgiveness of Sins; The number “2” means Witness. 2×25 is 50
I believe that the witness of a person that’s had their sins forgiven will be a person that elevates and learns doctrine!
b. For Reproof – that is why we are supposed to do it (proof; evidence)
- a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction
- NOTE: Only time the word is found in the New Testament; it is used 14 other times; 15 total: number for REST
c. For Correction – that is what we are not supposed to do
- The only time found in the New Testament; used 11 other times in OT; total 12: Government Authority
d. For Instruction – that is how we are supposed to do it
- The only time this word is found in the New Testament as well!
3. The Scripture’s Perfecting
a. The Focus of the Perfecting Process – the man of God
- James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
- Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
- Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
b. The Furnishing of the Perfecting Process – thoroughly furnished (exartizo)
- to complete, finish; to furnish perfectly; to finish, accomplish,
- Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
c. The Fruit of the Perfecting Process – unto all good works
D. The Provocation of the Saints
NOTE: In our text in Ephesians 2, we were created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD WORKS.
We can allow the influence of our Christian family to provoke us to GOOD WORKS.
Intro: We see the phrase “Let us” found three times in Hebrews 10:22-24.
There are 4 ways that we can PROVOKE one another to LOVE AND GOOD WORKS.
1. By our Consecration – vs. 19-22
We motivate God’s people by our holy life.
It shouldn’t make us angry when people live clean; it ought to make us want to be clean also.
It is discouraging and demoralizing to see people fall into sin; compromise and get away from God.
It encourages us to see people stay true and faithful.
2. By our Commitment – vs. 23
The key word in this verse is “without wavering”.
We cannot be faithful based on our selves; but we can because HE is faithful.
God’s faithfulness to us should cause us to live a consistent life.
This life will motivate people to live for God.
3. By our Consideration – vs. 34
The considering of others is a key in this verse.
Faithfulness isn’t always about us and how we feel – we impact others with our life.
NOTE: The word “provoke” here is the same Greek word for “contention so sharp” in Acts 15.
Just like Paul and Barnabas’ determination to do their own thing, our faithfulness and love can provoke others.
4. By our Congregating – vs. 25
NOTE: Forsaking the assembling of ourselves is BAD MANNERS!
“as the manner of some is”. This is a life of bad manners. Why?
Because laying out of church discourages your brothers and sisters in Christ, not to mention the pastor.
The later it gets; the closer to the Rapture we get, the more faithful we ought to be to the house of God.
E. The Punishment for Sin
Intro: We have looked at 4 other tools that God uses in this process of workmanship. The tools of
- 1. The Pressure of Suffering
- 2. The Preparation of Solitude
- 3. The Precepts of Scripture
- 4. The Provocation of Saints
Tonight, we are going to look at what is probably one of the most “grievous” of tools: Chastisement
- Verse 11 uses the word “grievous” – sorrow, pain, grief, annoyance, affliction; of persons mourning
- It’s probably the pain of knowing it’s coming from a loving Father for sin and disobedience
1. The Confirmations of Punishment – vs. 5-8
a. It is Confirmed by the Reassurance
- Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
NOTE: We are encouraged not to do two things when we are chastened:
1. Despise not – this is the ditch on one side where you take it lightly; it doesn’t affect you or bother you
This is the crowd that doesn’t fear God; doesn’t fear His chastening rod; doesn’t worry about the consequences.
2. Faint not – this is the ditch on the other side of the road where you despair and want to quit
This is the crowd that thinks God doesn’t care or has cast them aside in his anger.
- Psalms 6:1 « To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. » O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
- Psalms 38:1 (Read the whole chapter) O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
b. It is Confirmed by the Relationship
- Hebrews 12:6-8 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
NOTE: The good news is that only sons are chastised. The bad news is that lost people are not chastised.
2. The Comparisons of Punishment – vs. 9, 10a
a. He compared the Respect for Chastisement
- Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Question: When your parents were spanking you as a child, did you run your mouth or run away?
When God decides to deal with us for our disobedience, we need to submit to it, rather than run from it.
b. He compared the Reason for Chastisement
- Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
NOTE: The phrase: “after their own pleasure” simply means whenever they wanted to; at their desire”
God doesn’t chasten us only when He feels like it and let us by with sin when He doesn’t; He is consistent.
Parents many times chasten their children to make their own life better! God does it to make our lives better.
“That we might be partakers.”
3. The Consolations of Punishment – vs. 10b, 11
a. That we might be Partakers of His holiness – vs. 10b
b. That we might be Producers of His righteousness – vs. 11
- …nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
NOTE: In our series, we’ve heard it over and over – created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS.
Think it’s a coincidence – “that we should walk in them (Eph. 2) and “which are exercised thereby.” (Heb. 12:11)
Conclusion:
- Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
- Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.