The Discipline of the Father

Heb. 12:5-7

"And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.'

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons."

By the Holy Spirit I was revealed the worst form of discipline God could give a son. It is simply the deprivation of the light of His face, the thing His people need and want the most.

The background to this illustration was provided on a summer vacation I went to with my family. We arrived at a theme park. The theme park put on a dog show where we caught the tale end. The trainer saw there was an extra crowd that came so he decided to acclamate some of his more inexperienced dogs to a smaller crowd. As the trainer was throwing his frisbees around for the dogs he began telling of how he trained these dogs. He loved his dogs. You could see it in his eyes. He picked up some of the dogs from abusive situations as puppies. Those puppies were a wreck in terms of performance at first. They were frightened, scared little things. He explained that his method of punishment wasn't to physically hit them as nuisances nor harm them by wiping their noses in their own doo-doo so to speak. If they did something wrong especially while in training, the trainer would then turn his back, withdraw his face and ignore them. The dogs would then go frantic. Their master hid his face. They were desparate.

The master trained the dogs by teaching them relationship. He did not whip them in to shape or even bark orders. He did not simply have them do things, he was training them to be something. The dogs performed gloriously in front of a crowd because the master dealt with them most lovingly and shrewdly. These exploits were totally based off of a relationship.

The worst part of all this is that we can be the frantic little dogs and not even know it. This method of discipline is an art form that only God can lead us in. The one whom He sets His love upon will be familiar with His discipline and the methods of His frowing providence in a hidden smile.

The Lord bless you and cause His face to shine upon you.

Spirit's Judgment vs Flesh's Judgment, Part 2

Rom. 12:3 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

This verse is critical to give us a proper understanding of introspection. Paul without grace as Saul definitely did not have the authority to judge himself properly. He was what he himself described in this verse as qualifying for elitism. A good definition of elitism is given in this verse, "to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,". This is the flesh's condition. The flesh does a brilliant job of puffing itself up even while making a pretense of humility.

The gift of grace is the ability to properly judge oneself given the measuring rod of faith. This is a sober reality to the true Christian. This must drive us to true humilty. Do I have faith? That is the question. I contend if we understand the nature of this grace and this measure of faith, the Lord will have use of us in His kingdom. Until there are righteous jugments given by the Spirit we are guilty of wallowing in unbelief and autonomous pride. We need to realize our lack of faith, and repent to the Lord that He may fill us afresh. Lord forgive us for our pride and unbelief. Wash us in the blood of Christ.

May the body of Christ begin to function again in God-given authority like in the days of old.

Spirit's judgment vs flesh's judgment

What we need in the Christian life is righteous distinctions. In a sense we need a measuring line that righty divides truth from error. Taking part in a righteous judmgent is what this generation needs.

As Christians we are called to take part in the righteous judgment. The disciples were promised to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Christians are promised to judge fallen angels. 1 Cor. 6: 13-"Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!" Righteous judgment is an intricate part of our destiny. It is even a commandment in this life from the Lord Jesus,John 7:24- "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."

Unregenerate flesh only judges matters skin deep. The Lord calls us not to judge with the world's judgment. The world boasts of numbers, stature, and charisma. This judgment does not go far enough with God. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to Him.

Matters relating to spiritual concerns are impossible without the illuminating Holy Spirit. Without Him we are left with the shallow depths of the world's judgment, a world that puffs itself up in pride. Judging matters rightly is a gift from the Spirit that only He can provide in His infinite brevity. He humbles the proud, and calls into existence humility when it did not exist before. Look at Nebuchadnezzar.

Romans 3:27-28- "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." Humility is exercised in a dependant faith, and our faith is perfected by the Spirit to teach us and lead us into all truth. We have nothing to boast in or offer God. The gift of righteousness is provided in His Son. We are left with closing our mouths, falling on our faces, and worshipping in His presesnce. He is working this in His people. Only He can do it. No flesh may boast before Him.