TESTING BY EXPERIENCE ROSS SMITH

TESTING BY EXPERIENCE                                                                                          ROSS SMITH

(ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM THE AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED)

We all have ambitions to undertake certain “EXPERIENCES”, the world calls it their “bucket list”, a string of unlikely thrills and spills, whether climbing Everest, or meeting the Queen, everyone tends to dream.

 Some people never learn by experience, they repeat the same mistake over and over and still expect a different result. The experience oftimes needs to be painful to penetrate, like putting your hand on a hot stove, we carry the reminder for several days of that experience.

 The Apostle Paul in writing to the churches has some definite ideas on this matter and spells them out clearly in two scriptures in particular. I have included different versions for clarity sake. Importantly the object of Paul’s exhortations is not the self satisfaction of a “bucket list” but a far greater ambition, that ambition referred to in “SINCERITY,” an ambition fuelled by ambition and crowned with achievement”.

 Ephesians  5:10  (AMP)                  And TRY TO LEARN [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him

Ephesians 5:10 (ISV)                       DETERMINE what pleases the Lord,

Ephesians 5:10 (BBE)                      TESTING BY EXPERIENCE what is well-pleasing to the Lord;

 The BBE translation introduces a factor whereby when we are unsure of the path of progress, that as we proceed our sensitivity to the work of the Holy Spirit will align our progress to that which is pleasing to the Lord. The “experience“ of this realignment, or the “PROCESS” should then prove our ambition to please the Lord, we should however never need to have that same experience again because ISV version, SO THAT BY EXPERIENCE, or in other words, “ Find Out”

 Rom 12:2  (ISV)                 And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, SO THAT BY EXPERIENCE you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and COMPLETE purpose of God.

 Rom 12:2  (AMP)              Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [ENTIRE] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], SO THAT YOU MAY PROVE [FOR YOURSELVES] what is the GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (This is specifying that we have a unique function, and it is according to Fathers design …   comments mine)

Note these three words, “GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, PERFECT”, because I see further down that there are similar intentions using different words, all with similar inference.

See Ephesians 5:9-10      For the FRUIT (the EFFECT, the PRODUCT) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly GOODNESS, UPRIGHTNESS OF HEART, AND TRUENESS OF LIFE. And try to learn [IN YOUR EXPERIENCE] WHAT IS PLEASING TO THE LORD [let your lives be constant PROOFS OF WHAT IS MOST ACCEPTABLE TO HIM]. (in other words, “FRUITFUL EXPERIENCES”)

Hebrews 5:13                    For everyone who continues to feed on milk is OBVIOUSLY INEXPERIENCED  (This means that everyone can see that we have no fruit, how embarrassing is that?  …   comments mine)and unskilled in the doctrine of  righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in PURPOSE, THOUGHT, AND ACTION), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]

The expansion of Ephesians 5:9-10 through the benefit of Strong’s Concordance reads like this:-

GOOD  (NESS)                   G18                    A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): – benefit, good (-s, things), well

G19        goodness, that is, virtue or beneficence: – goodness.

RIGHTEOUSNESS/ACCEPTABLE/PLEASING

G1343   equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification: – righteousness.

G2101   fully agreeable: – acceptable (-ted), well pleasing.

TRUTH/PERFECT

G225            truth: – true, X truly, truth, verity.

G 5046      complete (in various applications of labour, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: – of full age, man, perfect.

Of consequence here is that by having these “EXPERIENCES” we achieve two things, firstly, we satisfy the Lord, and secondly we “prove these things for ourselves”.

Only by careful “TESTING”, and proving and experiencing, will Christians know whether a thing is pleasing to God or not, whether it belongs to darkness or light. The directions are clearly set out in God’s Word as to how we should approach our experiences.When David as a young man was called upon to defeat Goliath, he made a very salient point.

1 Samuel 17:39 (ASV)    And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; FOR I HAVE NOT PROVED THEM. And David put them off him.

David found the armour would only encumber him, and would be a burden rather than a defence, and so he says to Saul “I have to get these things off, “I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them, that is, “I have never been accustomed to such accoutrements as these and so I do not know if they work or not, I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS REGARD.

Although David was living in the Old Testament era, he was living proof and an example of the New Testament era, as Paul succinctly expresses in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (paraphrase).” Don’t go to war with your own ideas, get rid of the arguments and theories and reasonings, don’t depend on what you can see, and all those other things that would distract us from the matters that please the Lord, and lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ”.

2 Corinthians  10:4-5       For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of STRONGHOLDS,  (some of the strongholds we have to destroy are our habits, traits, preferences, those things that we assert and have failed as yet to deal with  …  comments mine)  [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

 1 Thessalonians 5:21       BUT TEST AND PROVE ALL THINGS [until you can RECOGNIZE] what is good; [TO THAT] (“experience”) HOLD FAST.

It is noteworthy that the more we practice this principle of “PLEASING THE LORD” that we will obviously become more adept at recognising the way to walk. And it applies to “ALL THINGS”, not just to those things we consider proper or advantageous, not things that we might like to put on a “bucket list”. It reinforces Proverbs 3:6 where we are encouraged to acknowledge Him in ALL our ways.

“Pleasing the Lord” will often be the very opposite to “pleasing ourselves”, thinks like, “I can’t fit study in, I’m too tired to go to church, I have things I want/need to do, I am happy with the way I am and I can’t change”. The test can often be referred back to that identification of self interest, “I, my, me, mine, want, wish, wallow”.

It is one thing to realise we have to “PROVE ALL THINGS” but another to know how to do it. Well the general rule is BY USE OR PRACTICE”. We need to apply every day those keys and principles we have learned so that they become part of us, and not just left on the shelf as a theory.

David had never used the armour, Peter had never walked on the water or fished from the wrong side of the boat, but by “EXPERIENCE”, the use of their faith, the fact that they were “LIGHT” (Ephesians 5:8) they were able to “PROVE AND PLEASE GOD”, by “EXPERIENCING” events/expectations/conventions which to the natural mind were too obscure.

“EXPERIENCE” is something that children lack, it is the accumulation of those “TRIALS AND VICTORIES” that constitute our reliance on the Lord that enable us to conform to His intention, to reflect His “image and likeness”, but we are identified by our “EXPERIENCE”, and become OBVIOUS as Hebrews 5:13 says,  as either kids or disciples

Some people are averse to “EXPERIENCE”, that is, they are lazy or neglectful or averse to change in applying the principles they have either heard preached, or read themselves, or have been proffered the opportunity by Father to engage in His plan and purpose and so their stunted growth is as Hebrews says is OBVIOUS, their behaviour and their communications belie their profession.

Hebrews 5:13                    For everyone who continues to feed on milk is OBVIOUSLY inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and ACTION), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]!

When we “conform” He will “transform”. By the way, people who have a lot to say do not always qualify as being adult!!!

I think it is important here to reinforce the principle of intense study and meditation on God’s Word, for Hebrews points up that just having a reading plan, or a casual relationship with the Lord, a hit and miss approach, an “insincerity” that lacks “AMBITION”, that does not explore the deep and consequential requirements of our Father, this constitutes a lack of “EXPERIENCE”, and therefore in light of Ephesians 5:10, an inability to “please the Lord”.

This is incredibly consequential, for we not only have at the present time, those with whom we are not popular or acceptable, but in days to come, when there is “A famine for the hearing of the Word” (Amos 8:11) we will be faced with opposition that cannot be coped with unless we have “EXPERIENCED AND PROVED” Gods faithfulness in every matter and circumstance.

But we do well to remind ourselves of Luke 6:26,

“Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly and handsomely of you and praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets”.

Proverbs 16:7                    WHEN A MAN’S WAYS PLEASE THE LORD, (or when we are “EXPERIENCED” ..   comments mine) He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

But we need to embrace the context of this study, and that is found in EPHESIANS 5:8-9

Ephesians 5:8-9                 For once you were darkness, BUT NOW YOU ARE LIGHT in the Lord; WALK as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. FOR THE FRUIT (THE EFFECT, THE PRODUCT) OF THE LIGHT or the Spirit [consists] in every form (NOTICE THERE IS MORE THAN ONE FORM OF THESE ATTRIBUTES …   comments mine) of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life.

If we think we are able to evidence, say, the fruit of “goodness”, do not be lulled into complacency, because you may have only “one form”.

The word used in the above scripture, “CONSISTS” really means “IT’S FOR REAL”.

Fruit doesn’t grow in the dark, but mushrooms do, the “soil” mushrooms grow in is of questionable origin, not like the fruit of righteousness which is sown in the soil of “peace” (James 3:18).

 So Ephesians spells out the intentions for “fruitfulness”. It is hard to do “dark” things when the flood lights are on, it is easier to see the way ahead when the lights are on, and it is easier to grow fruit when the light is on, and so we should be the “reflection” of God’s nature, the source of the “LIGHT”, and to “PROVE” that fruit grows in the light, that “goodness and righteousness and truth”.

Notice that we don’t get to decide on the fruit we produce, and even more interesting is that we are “hybrid” for there is more than one fruit growing on our “EXPERIENCE”.

How long have we been familiar with the verse in Ephesians 5:11, and longed for the results to be obvious, that the fruit of our “EXPERIENCE” would produce the results that we have pondered for so long, and so we have a benchmark of self determination to see if we are “SINCERE”, if there is “no light, no fruit, no thanks”, meaning we are participating in the enterprises of darkness.

Ephesians 5:11                   Take NO PART in and have no FELLOWSHIP (not only don’t participate, DON’T EVEN FRATERNISE,  .. comments mine) with the FRUITLESS deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose (Proving by Experience) and reprove and convict them.

John 3:20-21                       For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, (or refuses to be obedient to the Word of the teaching they have been exposed to  ..  comments mine) and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved. (This is really saying that he is embarrassed because he has no fruit and no sincerity …  comments mine) But he who PRACTICES truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works (Or his “FRUIT”, not his mushrooms   …   comments mine) may be plainly shown to be what they are (FRUIT, not mushrooms  ..  comments mine) –wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence upon Him]. (Or in other words, this man’s experience has been of Fathers directions being obeyed, demonstrated, and evidenced as his faith or “dependence”.)

 “PROVING BY EXPERIENCE” will mean that WE WILL BE, OR ARE DIFFERENT, and this is a hard concept for some people to grasp or adopt, because they want to “fit in “not to “stand out”, and a tree that is in full fruit is difficult to ignore or appreciate, or want to taste, it is recognisable fruit, not just leaves.

1 Peter 4:3-4                      FOR THE TIME THAT IS PAST already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do–living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, revelling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries.  They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, AND THEY ABUSE [YOU].

 Dare I suggest that this “EXPERIENCE” awaits us, so if you want to win the popularity poll with your peers or associates, if you want to be comfortable in your “EXPERIENCE”, if you do not want to be known as “SINCERE”, if you do not regard walking in the “LIGHT” as important, then you won’t have to endure Peter’s warning, but we should be “FUELLED WITH AMBITION AND CROWNED WITH ACHIEVEMENT”, bearing much fruit, expanding our experience, obtaining God’s favour.

But remember “THE TIME THAT IS ALREADY PAST”.

SELAH!!!!

1 John 4:16  And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.

PATTERNS ROSS SMITH

PATTERNS                                                                                         ROSS SMITH  011216

 (ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS SPECIFIED)

 1 Thessalonians  1:7                        SO THAT (refer to verse 6, the need to be imitators  ..  comments mine)  you [thus] became a PATTERN to all the believers (those who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Christ Jesus) in Macedonia and Achaia (most of Greece).

 Ephesians  5:1                                    THEREFORE  (remember what it is “therefore”, and refer to chapter 5 for behaviour patterns  .. comments mine) BE IMITATORS OF GOD [copy Him and follow HIS EXAMPLE], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

 Imitation is a practical duty, not an academic hypothesis, imitators are more than and admirers. It requires that we adopt the “PATTERNS” that are set before us pragmatically in scripture.  (James 1:22 and 24)

 To “love” is to adore

To “obey” is to praise

To “ACT” is to worship, and this is the principle involved here.

“PATTERN” (AMP )  or  “ENSAMPLE” (KJV)     too’-pos

 From G5180; “TOOPOS”  a die (as struck), that is, (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy a shape, that is, a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler (“type”), that is, a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): – en- (ex-) ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.

 I think we often gloss over verses like this as Paul was speaking to those in Asia, and so we despatch or ignore the truth because the context relates to Asia, and the lesson is lost because we fail to recognise and apply the principle, and therefore miss the accrued benefits.

 A “Pattern” can be described as an example, a blue print, a design or model. A pattern is intended as a guide for making something else, a model that is worthy of imitation, whilst “imitation” is considered the greatest form of flattery”.  A die is used to produce multiple copies.

 Father has set patterns right throughout the Word, not just for our interest sake, or to see how it was done in antiquity, but for us to follow and apply, exactly and meticulously.

 John 8:47                                             Whoever is of God listens (heeds)  to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because (A) you do not belong to God and (B) are not of God or in harmony with Him.

 He sets up the criteria in Corinthians, and assumes we have the knowledge of what is required by making a simple statement:-

 1 Corinthians 14:40                          But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion.

 An “orderly fashion” means an established trend, an example that has been tested and proven.

 “ORDERLINESS”                                                “The quality of appreciating method and system, a condition of regular or proper arrangement”. This description is basically identifying that there is a pattern to follow, with a result that is both practical and desirable.

 We have recently seen that there is a command for us to follow as found in Philippians 1:10, and part of the challenge is not only to sense the vitality of the matter, but also apply the vitality of the matter.

 Philippians  1:10                                So that you may surely LEARN to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

 Four ways to learn,    1. Visual,   2. Auditory,   3. Tactile,   4. Kinaesthetic

 If we stumble, others stumble, they follow our pattern. ONE STUMBLE IS ENOUGH TO DEFACE THE CHARACTER OF AN HONOURABLE LIFE.

 We are fortunate that we have great examples and patterns set out throughout scripture, but   if we are like those who refuse to recognise God and His patterns, we are “without excuse”.   (Romans 1:20) Even when we go far back into antiquity we find that Father was quite adamant that the designs He had conceived before ever time began were precise and complete in every respect. Moses was commissioned to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness but was given no latitude as to the colour schemes, the furniture, the dimensions, the materials   or any other aspect.

 Exodus 25:40                                      And see to it that you COPY [EXACTLY] THEIR PATTERN which was shown you on the mountain.

 Hebrews 8:5                                       [But these (the OT Priests …   comments mine) offer] service [merely] as a PATTERN and as a foreshadowing of [what has its true existence and reality in] the heavenly sanctuary. For when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was warned by God, saying, SEE TO IT THAT YOU MAKE IT ALL [EXACTLY] ACCORDING TO THE COPY (THE MODEL) WHICH WAS SHOWN TO YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.

(See Exodus 25:40 & Acts 7:44, Hebrews 9:23, Colossians 2:17)

 There is also a parallel in the construction of Solomon’s Temple, the Divine Architect had laid down plans and specifications that were to be strictly adhered to

 1 Chronicles  28:19                           All this the Lord made me (David) understand by the writing by His hand upon me, all the work to be done ACCORDING TO THE PLAN.

 So the reinforcement of the principle was carried through and repeated as a New Testament example in Hebrews, and the Bible is replete with examples for us to follow and adhere to. The instructions to Joshua way back, are as relevant today to those who would call themselves “Christian” and there is a prescription for us to follow.

 Joshua 1:8                                           This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, THAT YOU MAY OBSERVE AND DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT IS WRITTEN IN IT. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

 Joshua 11:15                                      As the Lord had commanded Moses His servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did; HE LEFT NOTHING UNDONE of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

 In other words, “DO IT EXACTLY”. The plans and specifications for our behaviour and life style are detailed, they are concise, they are logically laid out, they are not “adjustable”, they need nothing added or removed, they are of the same order as given to Moses, “DO IT EXACTLY LIKE I SHOWED YOU”, absolute precision is required.

 God’s purpose is carried out when His pattern is followed. If I don’t follow God’s pattern, then I failed to carry out His purpose. Acts 2:42 says “continue steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine”.

 Jeremiah 33:25                                  Thus says the Lord: If My covenant with day and night does not stand, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of the heavens and the earth [the whole order of nature],

 God’s “patterns” are reflected in creation on every hand, the absolute co-ordination and synchronisation and maintenance of the universe is part of Gods covenant, His design, His exactness, impeccable precision, and we take it for granted.

 The enormity of the design that Paul espouses in 1 Thessalonians 1:7, is not just that we should follow his example, even though we are inclined to hold up Paul as the epitome of Christian behaviour, but in verse 6 he extends the solemnity of the charge when he says:-

 “And you [SET YOURSELVES to] (in other words, make a commitment, abandon divided loyalties, get rid of idols  ..  comments mine)   become IMITATORS of us AND [THROUGH US] OF THE LORD HIMSELF”.

 Here the Apostle is explaining that he and the other Apostles were not only setting a good example, but they were actually representing the Lord Himself in the manner that they conducted themselves, and thereby eliminates any potential for deviation away from the purity of the Gospel and the Architect of the pattern. He is so convinced of his relationship to the Lord that he expounds this further in:-

 1 Corinthians 4:16                            So I urge and implore you, be imitators of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1                            PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my EXAMPLE], as I IMITATE and follow Christ (the Messiah).

 Paul not only identified and taught such doctrine as they were to BELIEVE, but led such a life as they were to EMULATE AND DEMONSTRATE. Whilst we may be accused of being presumptuous if we made such a similar statement at the moment, the potential lies within each of us, the design or pattern is inherent, so that others can “copy” our evidence of the original design. So what is the pattern that Paul is speaking of, let us take some examples, and see if we can match the specifications. It is called “a life of contrast”   (Ephesians 5:11)  (Genesis 1:26  In His likeness and image)

 Philippians  2:4-8                              Let each of you ESTEEM and look upon and be CONCERNED for not [merely] his own INTERESTS, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same ATTITUDE and PURPOSE and [HUMBLE] MIND be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your EXAMPLE IN HUMILITY:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, BUT STRIPPED HIMSELF [OF ALL PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTFUL DIGNITY],(This seems to be  good start for each one of us, it takes away the pursuit of preference and replaces it with the practice of patterns  ..  comments mine)   so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, HE ABASED AND HUMBLED HIMSELF [STILL FURTHER] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!

 This is humility in the ultimate, “He humbled Himself STILL FURTHER.”

 Now we have not been called to endure crucifixion as Jesus underwent, but we are certainly obliged to carry out a crucifixion of self, that “Dying to Self” which enables us to “PATTERN” ourselves after God. Even if we take and apply and demonstrate just the first example of Philippians 2:4, “esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others”, we will be well on the way to pursuing Paul’s example and his injunction, and progressing to being able to issue a similar invitation to “IMITATE”.

 The concerns we have for our own esteem, our credibility, our rights, our say so, our opinion, the list continues, is a direct and contradictory pattern of behaviour to that prescribed above. No doubt it is a pattern that we would like to see in other people, they would be much easier to live with, to communicate with, in fact we would probably view them as being somewhat Christlike!!!

 If we would be “CHRISTLIKE” it is imperative that we become “IMITATORS”.

 Ephesians 5:1                     THEREFORE BE IMITATORS OF GOD [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]

 Whilst the world may view “Imitation as the sincerest form of flattery” I think I would be elated to be charged with imitation in line with Ephesians 5:1

 The first question is “How can we imitate if we don’t know the person or the subject?”  The second question is “what does it mean to “imitate.”” Can we use other words that will clarify for us the intention of that which the Apostle recommended.

IMITATE        to make or do something the same way as (something else) (follow the pattern)

  to do the same thing as (someone) else (follow the pattern

  to copy (someone’s or something’s behaviour, sound, appearance, etc.(to follow the pattern)

Hebrews  6:12                                   In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, BUT IMITATORS, behaving as do those who through faith (by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises.

It is not possible, in the natural, other than via some genetics we inherited, to imitate our biological fathers “likeness”, although there is always a large degree of genetic influence.  The only way we can truly “imitate” our father is in our “behaviour.” Now to some that would be considered a disaster, for the example or character some fathers display/ed is one we would hasten to distance ourselves from.  Things like domestic violence, child abuse, drug taking, disrespect, laziness, appetite for the mundane etc.

 We are required not only to think about God, that is, time spent in contemplation and meditation, for often we will feel that we have adequately met our obligations for the day, if we have read for a while, if we have prayed for a while, if we have sat still for a while, did a bit of study.  NO, we have to replicate that which we see in our study. We need to imitate the character of God, that “Wisdom from Above”.

What are the things that come to mind when we think about imitating our God? Some things we would rather ignore because they would run counter to our preferences, of which we should have already dispensed, others we would chose to avoid because it would demean my persona, some we would like to see in other people but they really don’t fit with who I see myself as, we want them to change before I will change!!!

 Then there are others that we definitely would like to portray, things like all the characteristics of the Wisdom from above, and just in case we have forgotten let me fresh our memory from James 3:17.

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Easy to be entreated See “Factor of Eight Study”
• Full of mercy
• Full of good fruits
• Without partiality
• Without hypocrisy.

 Does not that sound like a good place to start to “IMITATE” God, how attractive we would be as an ambassador for Christ if we were able to “IMITATE” and evidence the full spectrum of “moral excellence” that these traits carry. And remember, they are all available to us, we just have to ask (James 1:5) and the Bible says it will be given to us. We just have to remember that it comes at a cost (Proverbs 5:1)and we will be given ample opportunity to show the Lord we have adopted the characteristics above by the way we respond to the circumstance and answer the challenge.

 Genesis 1:26                      God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] MAKE MANKIND IN OUR IMAGE, AFTER OUR LIKENESS, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.

The reason we don’t look “Christlike” is because we are still becoming “Christlike on the inside, only then it gets to the outside.

This verse is telling because the intention was “MAKE MANKIND IN OUR IMAGE, AFTER OUR LIKENESS”, so it covers both our nature and our appearance.

 “IMAGE AND LIKENESS” means to both LOOK ALIKE AND ACT ALIKE

This was the original purpose and creation of God, He made us to be like Him, but the Garden of Eden proved to be the undoing of that original plan and so God the Father had to arrange for His prize creation to be brought back from the pit of corruption. And so, if we are inclined to be called “Christian” then we should be inclined to become “original”, and that involves a whole lot of replication or imitation, commonly called “a new creation”. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God has very attractive characteristic that we would not only do well to imitate but in fact we are commanded to imitate, the Bible says “GOD IS LOVE.” If we are to faintly reflect the God we own, then it will start with this injunction, and without this “LOVE” then we have no claim to be His disciples.

John 13:35                           By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, (A “Disciple” is one who follows the discipline of the leader, or “imitates” the leader  ..  comments mine) IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

 DEFINITION OF “IMITATE”

• to follow or endeavour to follow as a model or example:
• to imitate an author’s style; to imitate an older brother.
• to mimic; impersonate:
• to make a copy of; reproduce closely.
• to have or assume the appearance of; simulate; resemble.

To                    copy is to duplicate an original as precisely as possible:

To                    mimic is to make a close imitation, often to ridicule:
To                    ape is to follow another’s lead, often with an absurd result:
To                    parody is either to imitate comically or to attempt a serious                                imitation and fail:

To                    simulate is to replicate something’s appearance or character:

 No matter how many descriptions and definitions we accumulate, we will still conceive in our own mind what it means to “IMITATE”, and so we really need to explore scripture to create a model on which we can base our behaviour patterns, to identify the nature of God, no matter how confronting or how desirable, we do not have the prerogative to choose which ones we will adopt and which ones we will ignore.

 “GOD IS”

 Before we go into extensive lists of the attributes of our God, there is one that should take our real focus, and that is He is the “FORGIVER.” That is the only reason you and I are here today, and that is the first attribute we should copy, for it is the first act of “LOVE” and Jesus demonstrated this, so it is a characteristic for us to imitate. Love, Humility and Forgiveness all go hand in hand, a blue print for our life.

 Just a sample of His attributes we should imitate/copy/emulate        (SEE THE LISTING AT THE END OF THE STUDY)

 It is one thing to provide a list, it is another to actually look at the verses and see the rich intentions of the descriptions of the One we should imitate, so these verses will set us on a course of identifying the characteristic we should manifest.

 Mark 12:29                          Jesus answered, The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;  . (And His intentions that we should be “ONE” and also form “ONE BODY”)

John 3:33                             Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal of approval to this: GOD IS TRUE. [That man has definitely certified, acknowledged, declared once and for all, and is himself assured that it is divine truth that God cannot lie].

John 4:24                             GOD IS A SPIRIT (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).

 John 8:47                             WHOEVER IS OF GOD LISTENS TO GOD. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or IN HARMONY WITH HIM.

Acts 8:37                              And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart [if you have a conviction, full of joyful trust, that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH AND ACCEPT HIM AS THE AUTHOR OF YOUR SALVATION in the kingdom of God, giving Him your obedience, then] you may. And he replied, I do believe that JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.

 Acts 10:34                            And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY AND IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS,

Romans 2:11                      FOR GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].

1Corinthians 1:9                GOD IS FAITHFUL (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1Corinthians 1:24             But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), CHRIST [IS] THE POWER OF GOD AND THE WISDOM OF GOD.

Exodus 15:26                      Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, FOR I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS YOU.

From the examples above we must identify those characteristics we can most readily apply, then conscientiously and sincerely work at all the other attributes that make up the nature and behaviour of God.

 This may sound an impossible task, but it is in the persistent and consistent and meticulous application of those directions we see in God’s Word that will bring us to the standard, the pattern, the blue print, that Father originally intended and will again reach completion in Eternity.

 SCRIPTURE FOR CONSIDERATION —— AND IMPLEMENTATION!!!

 

Love	1 John  4:16
Spirit	John 4:24
The Holy One	Psalm 16:10
The I Am	John 8:58
God Almighty	Exodus 6:3
A Miracle Working God	Galatians 3:5
The Creator of the World	John 1:3
All Powerful	Jeremiah 32:17, 27
All Knowing	1 John 3:20
Ever Present	Psalm 139:1, 13
Unchangeable	Numbers 23:19
The Way, Truth & Life	John 14:6
The Prince of Peace	Isaiah 9:6
The King of Kings & Lord of Lords	Revelation 17:14
The Bright & Morning Star	Revelation 22:16
The Way, Truth & Life	John 14:6
The Prince of Peace	Isaiah 9:6
The King of Kings & Lord of Lords	Revelation 17:14
The Lamb of God	Revelation 5:6
The Bread of Life	John 6:48-58
The Bright & Morning Star	Revelation 22:16
The Light of the World	John 8:12
Immanuel	Isaiah 7:14
Wonderful Counsellor	Isaiah 9:6

DOCTRINE OF GOOD INTENTIONS ROSS SMITH

DOCTRINE OF GOOD INTENTIONS                                                                ROSS SMITH

(ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION  UNLESS NOTED)

James  1:2-4                       Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.  Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.  But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, SO THAT YOU MAY BE [PEOPLE] PERFECTLY AND FULLY DEVELOPED [WITH NO DEFECTS], LACKING IN NOTHING.

This whole concept spawns a new doctrine, one you won’t find in all your ecclesiastical books, probably unrecognised as a doctrine, but a well practiced form of religious behaviour.

 I have called this new doctrine “THE DOCTRINE OF GOOD INTENTIONS”. The modern church is full of admirers of this form of service, ask anyone what they intend to do to improve their relationship with the Lord and the answers are readily forthcoming, and generally relevant, but sadly, devoid of any application.

 Let me support the principle from scripture, for it is adequately addressed, using terms that are not obscure, but obviously do not register as important or current.

 Matthew 26:40-41           And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour? All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. THE SPIRIT INDEED IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK.

 This is a well worn cliché that is now used in everyday situations when we are called upon to do a task, that we know we need to do but just can’t find either the time, the energy or the enthusiasm, we have such “GOOD INTENTIONS” but the fragility of our commitment to the task is nowhere to be found.

 Colossians 1:12                   Giving thanks to the Father, WHO HAS QUALIFIED AND MADE US FIT TO SHARE the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.

It is the Father Who has qualified us and made us fit, I’d like to stop that verse right there.

Father has qualified me and made me fit!  Leaving the next couple of words “TO SHARE”, for further down in this study, this statement carries enormous import, tremendous potential and humungous responsibility. It has nothing to do with the local gym or exercise class, or Jenny Craig, but has everything to do with being shaped or moulded, or pruned, or chastened, all procedures that suggest an uncomfortable ride.

What has He made me for, other than “To Share”?

This aspect further enhances the “To Share” part, because He has made me TO FIT INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST. He has established a role and a function for me, but because I have fallen into the doctrinal trap of “GOOD INTENTIONS”, or as we have frequently described it, “mental assent”, then I languish in my paucity of fruit.

Ephesians 4:16                  For because of Him the whole body (Pardon me whilst I digress, notice this is a “WHOLE” body  .. comments mine) (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and FIRMLY KNIT TOGETHER (“MADE TO FIT”  ..  comments mine) by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.

A couple of words there are significant, they are “IS WORKING”. Working is different to “GOOD INTENTIONS”

It would be nice to cut the verse off there and luxuriate in a provision that God has given that elevates me out of my shortcomings and failures without my having to do a thing.  God has qualified me, but this qualification has requirements.

King James Version says to be “PARTAKERS.”  It is important to recognize this qualification that God has given us, because this qualification comes with responsibility, not with authority. Some people want all the authority without any of the responsibility.  This qualification comes with responsibility, how many have just bailed out?

Unger’s Dictionary says that to be a Christian requires:-

“A DEFINITE ACTION WITH SIGNIFICANT RESULTS”

We often excuse our shortcomings as a weakness of the flesh, or a fragility of our nature. The term “Christian Fragility” should not exist. Christians should be the most resilient of God’s creation, because “We were made in His image and likeness” (Genesis 1:26)  and we can see from the position in God’s Word that this was not an afterthought but was the original intention of the Godhead.

Now if that is the case, then we should be exhibiting those characteristics that would identify us with the most stable, capable, enduring, powerful, unchangeable and absolute source of strength.

What is the opposite to “fragility?”  So let me make up another word, you may not find it in scripture but I will identify it by character. The opposite to fragility is “reversefragility,” reversefragility  is characterised by unforeseen, random events causing  exponentially more benefit to the individual, and it becomes more obvious the stronger the event is, and conversely the same rule applies but negatively, and can make us like pussy cats when He is The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

 Why is it that we are not embarrassed  by our disobedience to the truth and the promises of God. Even the most basic requirements are either ignored or given passing acknowledgement, just tangential contact with the circle of his love, but no real ambition or hunger for greater things.

 We like, or may even love, God’s promises, but neglect to apply the premises upon which they are conditioned, THE KEYS REMAIN UNUSED.

It has been stated, “The path to hell is paved with good intentions”. Whilst this is not a scriptural statement, it certainly holds true because it is indicative of lacklustre love for the Lord, and consequently constitutes DISOBEDIENCE.

GOOD INTENTIONS ARE LEGLESS, THEY ARE GOING NOWHERE

James 4:13-17                    Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money.”  You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you should say, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live—and do this or that.” But you boast about your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. THEREFORE, ANYONE WHO KNOWS WHAT IS RIGHT BUT FAILS TO DO IT IS GUILTY OF SIN.

 Whilst this spurious doctrine may not be recorded as such in God’s Word, it is adequately described by the Apostle Paul, but he does not provide excuse for this condition, but provides the remedy.

Romans 7:15                      I don’t understand what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate.

Verse 27                                Thank God through Jesus the Messiah, our Lord, because with my mind I myself can serve the Law of God, even while with my human nature I serve the law of sin.

A good heart will naturally produce good intentions, which are the immediate, natural cause, of good actions and thus the wholeheartedness with which we approach matters is evidenced by the fruit of our labours.

Matthew 12:35                 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.

Ignorance is the result of “ignoring”, and when we are unable to put legs on our intentions then the result is often “ignorance”, because we have not experienced the deep and satisfying rewards that unquestioned obedience harvests from Fathers hand.

Solomon was rather generous when he penned the words of Proverbs 3:28, for what he was really saying was, “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you need to do today”.

Proverbs 3:28                    Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again; and tomorrow I will give it–when you have it with you.

The “Doctrine of Good Intentions” can become so embedded in our nature that we are seemingly comatose and paralysed, and reach the stage where even thinking about our commitments brings us out in a sweat. In a previous study of “HABITUAL VERSUS RITUAL” we saw that “HABITUAL” is something we do as a determined commitment, with an objective in mind that supersedes any mindless engagement. It has a component to it that suggest that there is a goal established by the awareness that we have a supreme purpose to fulfil, and everything else become secondary, and we become addicted to receiving that freshness that comes from hearing God’s voice.

“GOOD INTENTIONS” can degenerate into “INDIFFERENCE” and this progresses to insensitivity, a continuing, escalating downward spiral.

Romans 11:7                      What then [shall we conclude]? Israel failed to obtain what it sought [God’s favor by obedience to the Law]. Only the elect (those chosen few) obtained it, while the rest of them became callously indifferent (blinded, hardened, and made insensible to it).

2 Chronicles 15:2              And he went out to meet Asa and said to him, Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him, craving Him as your soul’s first necessity], He will be found by you; but if you [become indifferent and] forsake Him, He will forsake you.

 THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN INCOMPLETE STUDY, BUT HAS ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXTEND ITS RANGE AND SCOPE SO THAT WE DO NOT MISS THE MARK AND FAIL TO SATISFY GOD’S HEART

oOo

MORE NOTES ON WISDOM ROSS SMITH

(PDF Version: more-notes-on-wisdom)

MORE NOTES ON WISDOM (OR THE FACTOR OF EIGHT)                      ROSS SMITH

 THE NEED OF PATIENCE

 My contemplation on the subject of “WISDOM” continues to throw up land mines and grenades of truth aimed at destroying preconceptions and misconceptions of firstly what Wisdom is, and secondly, how to obtain Wisdom.

 Initially I was quite comfortable in accepting the apostle James recommendation that if I asked for Wisdom of the “Giving God” then it was simply a matter of being handed my certification from Father wherein I evidenced this enviable characteristic to all and sundry!!!

 You will have noted from the study “FACTOR OF EIGHT” that my misconceptions in this matter clearly declared my naiveté. And so I set about to engage those Christlike characteristics which formulate “WISDOM”. It was only then that I found that when Father gives me wisdom He needs to be sure that he has not wasted this precious commodity and so he makes many opportunities for me to evidence that the Wisdom he has given me is being “gainfully employed”.

 Let me quickly refresh our minds of the ubiquitous “Factor of Eight” virtues that constitute “the wisdom from above”.

 Pure

Peaceable

Gentle

Accommodating (or easily entreated)

Full of mercy                                                        

Good fruit

Impartial

Not hypocritical

 You will, as I have, experienced the “pricks and goad’s” that Father uses to identify the improvements in my nature brought about by his deposition of Wisdom with which I have been “liberally and ungrudgingly” endowed.

 It was then I began to discover that there were some qualifications which I obviously lacked, for as each little test arose I found myself failing miserably and the disappointment at times was almost palpable. It was then that the apostle Paul confronted me in his letter to the Hebrews that there was a personality trait in need a little fine tuning. So that you don’t feel left out let me insert the Scripture here to clarify what the deficiency consisted of.

Hebrews 10:36                                                  For YOU HAVE NEED OF STEADFAST PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE, SO THAT (Without steadfast this patient endurance there is no “SO THAT”  ..  comments mine) you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. (In this case, “Wisdom from Above”)

 It is a well-known fact that patience is a characteristic of the male species!!!!! And therefore I find it quite confronting that the Apostle should be so outspoken as to suggest that there could be some lack of this characteristic in me, but in reflection, I find that there is much promised in God’s Word that I obviously have not yet “received and carried away and enjoy to the full”. Because Paul continues to say “what is promised” requires me to explore further the implications of “STEADFAST PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE.”

 I found it therefore not the least bit comfortable in my consultation with the Apostle James where he suggests the necessity for “TRIAL AND PROVING OF YOUR FAITH.” His recommendations in chapter 1-3 are not just suggestions, they are adamant.

 James 1:3-5                                                        Be assured and understand that THE TRIAL AND PROVING OF YOUR FAITH BRING OUT ENDURANCE AND STEADFASTNESS AND PATIENCE. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, SO THAT you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

 James is equally as audacious as his Apostolic colleague Paul, and hastens to suggest that this unpalatable roadmap will lead me to the acquisition of “ENDURANCE, STEADFASTNESS, and PATIENCE.”

 It was then, and equally as confronting when Paul explained to the Romans, that there were consequences in the pursuit of patience.

 Romans 5:3-4                                                     Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

 Romans 8:25                                                      But if we hope for what is still unseen by us,  WE WAIT FOR IT WITH PATIENCE AND COMPOSURE.

So firstly I needed a better understanding of patience, and the Greek used in the New Testament indicates that it is the characteristics of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. “Patience” includes endurance, constancy, perseverance.

 It seems that the church at Thessalonica was reasonably well acquainted with the process as the apostle Paul applauds them and also recommends the evidence they provide, “in the midst of persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions”

 2 Thessalonians 1:4                                         And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (YOUR UNFLINCHING ENDURANCE AND PATIENCE) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up.

 So then we need to balance that with the understanding of “Tribulation” and although the Greek is clear it is not comforting. Strong’s concordance says tribulation consists of “pressure, and oppression, affliction, trouble”.

 As a consequence of my ambition to qualify as James suggests, be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing I had to step back and try to reconcile how I could qualify. As is the case with most of us I began to look for the easy way out. This consisted of my exploring some  behaviour patterns which appeared natural to me, but obviously are contrary to the personality Father would like me to evidence. It was then I remembered what the Lord said to Ezekiel, and I have taken the liberty of inserting in red the words which make this verse pertinent to my condition.

 Ezekiel 11:19                                                      And I will give them one heart (attitude)[a new heart (attitude)] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart (attitude) out of their flesh, and will give them a heart (attitude) of flesh [SENSITIVE AND RESPONSIVE TO THE TOUCH OF THEIR GOD],  (repeated in Ezekiel 36:26)

 Patience is the ability to tolerate waiting, delay, or frustration without becoming agitated or upset. It’s the ability to be able to control your emotions or impulses and proceed calmly when faced with difficulties. It comes from the Latin word “pati” which means to suffer, to endure, to bear. Needless to say, patience does not come easily to most of us and it’s probably harder now to be patient than historically it has ever been.

The instantaneous nature of so many aspects of modern society is empowering, and also a great convenience. It’s so easy, in fact, that we take a lot of it for granted. Travel has never been faster. Communicating has never been easier. Watching “On Demand” entertainment and enjoying other forms of media is not only affordable, but requires as little as a click of the mouse or a television remote control. Unfortunately, the instantaneous aspect of so many facets of our lives has its drawbacks.

When we text message someone and don’t receive a response back for several hours, we debate and ponder the “meaning” of the delay” — as if any postponement is an insult, a display of disinterest, or a subtle message that requires a deep interpretation.      WE ARE IMPATIENT!!!!

Not only has Peter prescribed in 2 Peter 1 a route to being successfully “patient”, (see scripture further down) he is supported by Paul’s injunction to the Galatians, and it is worth noting that the fruit of the spirit incorporates several of the characteristics that form “THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE”, and it is also interesting to note that the letter to the Galatians turns around the order from 2 Peter 1 by starting off with the virtue of “love” whereas Peter concludes with the virtue of love.

Galatians 5:22-24                                              But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, PATIENCE (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), SELF-CONTROL (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. (And dare I include “their impatience!)

 The thought still hovered in the back of my mind that maybe I could be excused in some respects and took the unusual route of asking the experts. They explained to me that I was either and A, B, C or D type personality and that was how I was hardwired for action. The only problem was I evidenced traits from all four categories and therefore risk becoming schizophrenic.

 It is suggested that an impatient person is predisposed to perceive virtually all situations as threatening, not to their survival, but to their goals. And so “IMPATIENCE” again becomes a “self-centred” behaviour pattern, not a “God centred” trait.

 The next expert went on to explain that there are four different temperaments:-

  Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic. This only served to confuse me further, it did not provide the excuses I was looking for and so I have to concede that the advice of the Apostles was a much more promising route to traverse. It is far more secure to rely on the word of God and His directions, for not only are His directions accurate but also preserving, they will keep us from being idle and unfruitful as nominated in 2 Peter 1 : 8 but also successful, proven by Joshua’s experience.

 Joshua 9:14                                                         So the [Israelite] men partook of their food and DID NOT CONSULT THE LORD.  (is this not a classical example of “impatience??)

 You will recall this is after the Israelis had conducted some very successful incursions into enemy territory and eliminated hordes of the enemy under God’s direction.

 So I return to the premise that Paul addressed to the Hebrews, paraphrase, “You have need of patience”. This precious commodity is not like Wisdom, you just can’t ask for it and get a bucket load, it follows a very precise path that we explored previously, as follows:-

 2 Peter 1:5-7                                                      For this very reason, (what is the reason …..”become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature”) adding your diligence [to the divine promises], EMPLOY EVERY EFFORT in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.

 A revision of this study will probably assist me in enhancing my “knowledge” which is a precursor of “self-control” which is the precursor of “PATIENCE”. The challenge which is found here centres on firstly my developing “self-control”, and as Peter does not nominate any particular circumstance in which I have to evidence self-control, I have to take him to mean that self-control is to be applied in every avenue of my life.

 Proverbs 5:1                                                       MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [GODLY WISDOM LEARNED BY ACTUAL AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you],

 It would seem that there is no alternative for me if I want to attain to what Father offers in His Word, the dilemma is that you will be watching to see if I have “learned anything” and that I don’t get impatient with my progress but get serious about my complying.

 James 1:6                                                            Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

 If we think we are “patient” maybe we need to evaluate if it is ambivalence, indecision, vacillation, neglect, double mindedness or even hesitancy. We should not only recall but evidence what James has said NO WAVERING, NO HESITATING, NO DOUBTING, the outward display of our “personality traits” will obviously betray our compliance.

 Hebrews 10:36                                                  For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.

 

oOo