Chastening Yields Physical Revelation

CHASTISEMENT YIELDS PHYSICAL REVELATION

The chastening of the Lord really begins in our learning of Christ and all things that pertain to this life in Christ. It is the intent of the Holy Spirit who is the one in charge of our development; to instil in us the principles of the faith. There is no way this can be done without there be a trying of our faith. The principles of holiness are not only the hallmarks of Christianity; they also set the boundaries of the faith. But we must be certain of our walk in Christ, therefore, there is a mandate for these principles to be tried, tested and proven in us. It is the intent of God that our testimony of His word be real and engrafted in our hearts. We must know that His word is a sure word. This surety will be accomplished by the working of the word in our circumstances, situations and relationships.

Consider the following passages.

Romans 8:14

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

John 16:13

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…

It is the leading of the Holy Ghost that lights the paths we must follow. But it is the word we know that establishes that path. For instance:

2 Timothy 3:10-12

10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:10-12

10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Paul is very specific here. He refers to his knowledge of the word (doctrines and principles of the faith). This knowledge is a comfort in itself when that which the word proclaims is done unto him. He suffered much humiliation at the hands of evil men. However, he also understood this to be part of the necessary chastening (son-training) of the Lord in confirming the word in him personally i.e. “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Upon learning the truth, the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into that truth. He will allow the enemy if necessary to set up situations where a commitment to the truth will bring deliverance and/or restoration by the Father. In learning the truth, one must come to know the power of the Holy Ghost within them. Without these tests or trials we would never know him as the Comforter who is able to keep us from fainting in the midst of divers temptations.

Thus we would never come to the testimony of a true son “…his grace is sufficient, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” This is the place of strength and proving of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in our ability to stand against the wiles of the devil surely; but it is also our steadfastness in readily accepting persecution and distresses, infirmities and insufficiency, so that the power of Christ can be manifested in us. Whether we like it or not, all these things will be tried in us. We will be placed in physical situations that dictate the response of a son, who is walking in the Spirit of the Most High. The Father will not relent. He will continue to fashion such situations and distresses unless we frustrate his grace and he turns us away as reprobate. It is walking in the mind of Christ that is the objective of chastisement. The Father is waiting to hear...”I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.”