FALLING AWAY (1 TIMOTHY 4:1)

 

FALLING AWAY

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 TIMOTHY 4:1

Picture taken from Google

Lesson Prepared by: Krisha of Solomon’s Wisdom FB page

Lesson ideas taken from: https://www.blueletterbible.org/

 

JUNE 19, 2022

MEMORY VERSE

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;.

1 TIMOTHY 4:1

 

INTRODUCTION:

How sad to remember that one of our members before, professed her faith to Jesus Christ and now she is a Muslim. She was closed to me, and I know to some of you here. I used to stay to their place, bonding with her family and got a free lunch almost every Sunday. She and her family took care of me when I was a full-time worker in this church. Before, she posted different Christian thoughts and now is different (show one of her posts- slides). Look at her post now. How sad, right? When I saw her the first time after converting to a new religion, I had no knowledge about her new belief, but I felt something different, and she didn’t talk about it. Also, she avoided to have fellowship and short talks; she declined the invitation. 

 

How come what happened? Is she still saved or not? This is the lesson we’re going to discuss today. Baptist believes that ONCE SAVED IS ALWAYS SAVED because it’s biblical; there are lot of verses support to this doctrine and this is important.

 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;.

 

The expression “depart from the faith” is where we want to center our attention. The word “depart” is the Greek aphistemi, formed by the little preposition apo, which means “away from,” and histemi, meaning “to stand.” The apostasy (for we bring it over into English by transliteration) means “to stand away from.” It means to one time profess something and another time deny that which you once professed. Webster, who always does a good job of defining words, says that the apostasy is the “abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; total desertion of the principles of faith.” Abandonment of that which was voluntarily professed. Our Lord used that expression when He was giving the parable of the sower. Referring to the seed that fell on the rock, He said:

 

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. (Luke 8:13)

“Fall away” is the Greek aphistemi — they apostatize. They professed to believe, then they moved away from it. They no longer believe; they have departed from the faith. Apostasy would be impossible among those who are not evangelized tribes who have never heard the gospel. An apostate is one who has not only heard the gospel, but who has professed to believe it, and then departs from it. That’s apostasy. This word occurs also in Hebrews:

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12)

Here are those who have professed to believe, and then they no longer believe. They have departed from it. To be honest, we need to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith. These are the days when God’s people need to examine their relationship with Christ.

(insert short testimony of acceptance of the gospel shared)

⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, ⁵ And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, ⁶ If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

 With the lesson about apostasy, what are things we need to consider becoming aware of this great sin.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST IN YOUR HEART BY FAITH AND NOT BY HEAD KNOWLEDGE.

 

Let’s recite John 3:16 and Romans 6:23 by heart. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 6: 23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 

Remember we are not saved by following the Ten Commandments which is impossible to follow. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Of course, we are not saved by our good works which is mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9. We need to memorize these verses; it’s important. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Also, you are not saved by your religion because Bible says in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

 

With this, we need to answer the two diagnostic questions:

·       Have you come to the place in your life where you know that if you died, you would go to heaven?

·       If God were to ask you why He should let you into His Heaven, what would you say?

 

Remember your basis should be base from the Bible:

     1 John 5:13 – These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

     John 10:28 - And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

     John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

     Ephesians 1:13 - In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

 

2.   BUILD UP YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH (JUDE 20)

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost

 

Jude has given us instructions. He warns us that we are flying over dangerous territory. If we want to survive, these are some things we must do, and it is mentioned in verse 20.

 

The word “faith” is actually the faith, the body of truth that has been given us in the Word of God. When the first church came into existence, it is said that they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42), which was the body of truth that has come down to us in the Word of God. We must build up ourselves in that if we are to stand. In other words, we are to study the Word of God. Let’s ask ourselves, “Why don’t we study the Word of God?” If we are going to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, we must have the Word of God. We can’t build a house without a foundation. https://www.blueletterbible.org

 

 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)

¹⁹ Ipinapangako nila ang kalayaan, subalit sila mismo ay alipin ng kasamaan, sapagkat ang tao ay alipin ng anumang dumadaig sa kanya. ²⁰ Sapagkat kung nakatakas na sa kasamaan ng sanlibutan ang mga taong kumilala kay Jesu-Cristo na Panginoon at Tagapagligtas, ngunit muli silang maakit sa dating masamang gawain at tuluyang mahulog dito, ang magiging kalagayan nila ay masahol pa sa dati. ²¹ Mabuti pang hindi na nila nalaman ang daang matuwid, kaysa pagkatapos malaman ang banal na utos na itinuro sa kanila ay talikuran nila ito. ²² Ang nangyari sa kanila ay nagpapatunay na totoo ang mga kasabihang: “Ang aso pagkatapos sumuka ay muling kinakain ang nailuwa na,”at, “Ang baboy na pinaliguan ay bumabalik sa putikan.” (2 Peter 2:19-22)

 

 

 

3.   PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (EPHESIANS 1:13/ ROM. 8:26)

Ephesians 1: 13 makes it clear that once we have heard the gospel and trusted the Savior, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.  If God the Holy Spirit is in us, He helps us.

Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

This is a little different from saying your prayers at night. Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, told them to take the armor of God (you’ll notice that, with the exception of two, every piece of that armor is for defense). Finally, he says to them, “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) — that is that offensive weapon. We have no other offense than that plus “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18). This is the type of prayer that touches the throne of God. It is the type of prayer that gets things from God.

This is one of the reasons why we should prioritize praying and also attending prayer meeting.

 

CONCLUSION:

Let’s read John 13:18-30. This passage is a clear picture of betrayal and apostasy. Have you imagined that the betrayer eats with Christ, yet his heel is against Christ? Judas actually ate bread with Jesus. He was a friend of Jesus, not an enemy. He didn’t hate Jesus; he cared for Him. He often walked into the house of God with Jesus and had close fellowship with Him. Judas was a follower, a choice disciple, yet Judas lifted up his heel against Jesus. This is a picture of a horse lifting up his hoof to kick. Judas kicked Jesus in a sense. He struck Him with the fatal blow of disloyalty, of contempt, and of betrayal.

And we know that God knows every person’s heart. Even a person’s inner thoughts are known to God, as well as what a person does. No one can hide what He does from God, not even a thought. God knows if a man is betraying His Son. He even knows if a man is thinking about sinning and turning his back on Jesus. The more man thinks about sinning, the more likely he is to turn back. So, his betrayal can be predicted.

Jesus wanted His disciples to be assured of the dignity of their call as servants of God. Judas had betrayed the call, and his betrayal had left a bad image in people’s minds and reflected a poor image of the ministry. It could affect some people, causing them to question the power of Christ, even causing others to actually withdraw and turn away from the ministry. The betrayal could cause some disciples to become discouraged, feeling that God’s call and ministry didn’t have the dignity that Christ claimed.

Jesus wanted His disciples to be assured of God’s indwelling presence. Christ put Himself on par with God. To receive Christ is to receive God. What a promise to the believer!

Judas was a counterfeit disciple. In public he was ideal; moral, decent, upright. No one ever suspected him. It was what Judas did in secret that doomed him, not what he did in public. He was a deserter, a man of the world behind the scenes.

 

It is possible to follow Jesus outwardly, so that everybody thinks we are a Christian. But if we do not accept Jesus truly in our hearts, we will not inherit eternal life.

 

Judas’ life is a sobering example. It should drive us to examine ourselves whether we are really in the faith. Yet is should not make us doubt the possibility to faithfully serve Jesus in our own lives. When we have put our trust in Him, nobody can snatch us from his hand. Jesus himself prayed in John 17:12: “I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” When we have become disciples of Jesus through a saving faith, He will guard us and lead us to eternal life.

DOES THIS REALLY MATTER? (LUKE 1:26-37)

 

DOES THIS REALLY MATTER?

BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 1:26-37

Picture taken from Google

Lesson Prepared by: Krisha of Solomon’s Wisdom FB page

Lesson ideas taken from: https://baptistlessons/

 

JUNE 26, 2022

MEMORY VERSE

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

MATTHEW 1:23

 

INTRODUCTION:

From the passage itself we can say that our topic for today is about the birth of Christ. Personally, I was amazed of the modern way of conception in today’s generation. I know you have ideas about this matter but I tell you some of it:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm cells are inserted directly into your womb (uterus) at the time of ovulation.
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF). Eggs are gathered from your ovaries and combined with your partner’s sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryos are transplanted into your womb.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A single sperm is injected straight into a single egg in the laboratory and the resulting embryo is transplanted into your womb.
• Donated sperm. If your partner has a low sperm count, or produces no sperm at all or if you are a same sex female couple, donor sperm may be used for donor insemination or IVF.

(https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a4093/assisted-conception-treatments)

We know this is unnatural, but we don’t tackle today the arguments about this kind of procedure. The Bible has answers for this, anything outside of marriage and anything takes you to become unfaithful to your spouse is not God’s will.  Why I say this? I say this for us to become aware of the modern way of conception today. Today it is possible to bear a baby that is not yours; either the egg cell doesn’t come from you or the sperm from your partner or husband. You just become the surrogate mother. How about the conception of Jesus and His birth? Do we believe in the virgin birth of Christ? Before we proceed to that topic, we first talk about …

 LESSON OUTLINE:

1.  JESUS CHRIST’S INCARNATION

THE INCARNATION –means that God the Son took upon Himself a complete, sinless human nature (body, soul, and spirit), so that everything can be asserted of sinless man can be asserted of Him. It includes His self-emptying, conception and birth, the fact of His humanity, the union of Divine and Human natures, His human character, Development and Activity.

 

A.  HIS SELF EMPTYING

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation,  (From G2756; to make empty, that is, (figuratively) to a base neutralize, falsify: - make none effect, of no reputation, void, be in vain), and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil.2:5-8).

When Jesus took upon Himself a human nature, there were certain features of His deity that, with rare exception, He did not bring into His human experience. Some of the features of “SELF EMPTYING” are, that AS A MAN…

·       He rarely manifested His reincarnate glory (Jn.17:5) – While the glory of His character was manifested throughout His earthly life (Jn.1:14), Christ did not radiate the visible glory of God, which shines as a blinding light (exception, Matt.17:2), nor did He occupy upon His ascension into Heaven (Acts 26:13; Eph. 1:20-22)

·       He did not exercise His inherent divine power: Being the Messiah (the Anointed One), He did all of His works in the power and by the direction of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1, 14,18; Acts 10:38)

·       He did not exercise certain divine attributes such as omnipresence (Jn.11:6-7), and omniscience (Mark 13:32; Jn 8:26, 28, 40). As a Man he was localized, and He knew only what the Father revealed to Him, there were flashes of deity in His human experience (Jn.1:48; 2:24-25;18:5-6; Mark 6:48)

·       He did not exercise independent divine authority: He was the Father’s servant (slave: cf.Phil.2:7; Is.42:1-7;49:1-6; 52:13-53; Jn.6:38; 8:28-29). Only in this sense He was less than the Father (Jn.14:28).  Being subordinate to the Father’s authority. Jesus never acted in His human experience independently of Him (Jn.8:28; 12:49; 14:9-10) or disobeyed Him (Jn.17:4; 8:29). Yet, being God, He possessed equal authority with the Father (Jn.1:3; 17:24; Heb. 11:3).

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. (Jn.12:49-50)

B.  JESUS CHRIST’S CONCEPTION AND BIRTH

Ordinarily, conception takes place when a male sperm unites with a female ovum. This union results the beginning and development of human life. The unique feature of Christ’s birth is that…

·       MARY CONCEIVED BY THE AGENCY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT (Matt.1:20/Luke 1:35). It is this fact that makes Jesus’ birth a virgin one. While the prenatal development of the child of the holy Child within Mary and the subsequent birth event were natural processes, Jesus’ conception was uniquely and radically different from all others. It was only of the Holy Spirit, who created of Mary’s substance a complete human nature, consisting of body, soul, and spirit (Matt. 26:12, 38; 27:50).

This work of the Holy Spirit did not include the creation of Jesus’ personhood, for this, together, with His divine nature, existed from eternity (Mic.5:2; Gal.4:4; John 8:42, 1:1).

·       MARY WAS NOT THE MOTHER OF GOD: With this truth in view, we can understand why the angel described that which was conceived in Mary as being a holy “thing” (Luke 1:35; Matt.1:20, “that” is a neuter demonstrative pronoun). The neuter gender indicates that Mary was only the mother of Jesus “human nature.” She was not the mother of His Person; she was not the mother of God.

 

C.  THE FACT OF HIS HUMANITY

His prenatal development and birth were a normal and natural processes (Luke 2:5-7; cf. 1:57). The Lord also has a complete human nature: body (Mt.26:12), soul (Mt.26:38), and spirit (Mt.27:50; Jn.11:33). Jesus had human appearance (Jn.4:9; 8:57; 10:33). He experienced normal human development physically (Lk.2:40,52); intellectually (Lk.2:40,52); spiritually (Lk.2:46-50), that is, in spiritual awareness (not morally), for at the age twelve He was aware of His personal relation to God the Father and of the necessity of being about the things of His father; and socially (Lk.2:51-52), submitting Himself to the authority of His parents and advancing in favor with God and man. This means that He pleased the Father (Mt.3:17) and maintained people’s admiration and respect… The reality of Jesus’ humanity was also manifest in His living an ordinary human life in Nazareth, fulfilling His domestic, vocational and religious duties (Mt.13:55-56; Mk.6:3: Lk.4:16). Moreover, He experienced the sinless limitation of human nature, such as hunger (Mt.21:18), sleep (Mt.8:24), weariness (Jn.4:6), and confinement to place (Jn.11:6-7). There is no indication that He was ever sick (these results from the inherent corruption of fallen physical nature). He experienced human emotions, such as grief (MK.3:5); Jn.11:35), love (Jn.11:36), agitation (Jn.12:27), exultation (Lk.10:21), anger (Mk.3:5), trust (Lk.23:46), suffering (1 Pet.3:18), and compassion (Mk.9:36). He was tempted as we are yet without sin (Heb.4:15). Finally, He died (Heb.2:14-17). While physical death is a natural result of sin, Jesus did not die naturally. Uniquely, He laid down His life in obedience to the Father (Jn.10:17-18).

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (Jn.10:17-18)

His human nature is perfect and sinless: While Jesus possesses a complete human nature as we do, it differs qualitatively from ours in its being perfect and sinless. Concerning the perfection of Jesus’ human character (Jn.1:14).

 

Regarding the sinless of Jesus’ humanity, the Scriptures testify that He never sinned, nor was He a sinner. He never confessed sin, nor did He ever ask forgiveness

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb.4:14-15)

We who are saved look forward to the time when our bodies will be delivered from inherent corruption and the sin principle (Rom.8:10,23). Then we shall be like Him in His humanity (1 Jn.3:2; Phil2:20-21; Rom. 8:29)

 

2.  THE IMPORTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST’S VIRGIN BIRTH

While we often place an emphasis on Christ’s deity to prove that He is God, His humanity is also important.

a)   OUR LORD’S VIRGIN BIRTH WAS NECESSARY FOR HIS ATONING WORK (Mt.1:21)

It was necessary for Him to become a man in order that He might be identified with mankind and experience death, the penalty for humanity’s sins (Heb.2:9,14-18)

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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.

Yet, as a man He had to be sinless, for a sinner can neither discharge himself from the debt of his sins nor deliver others from obligation. The Lord’s unique conception prevented His receiving from a human father the hereditary corruption and imputed guilt of Adam’s initial sin (Rom. 5:12-19); Gen.5:3; 1 Cor. 15:22; 1 Jn.3:5), Jesus was qualified to bear our sins and to pay their awful debt (Rom.5:8; 1 Pet.2:24; Heb. 9:26)

b)   OUR LORD’S VIRGIN BIRTH MADE HIM OUR MEDIATOR (Heb.4:15-16):  

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

c)    THE LORD’S VIRGIN BIRTH QUALIFIED HIM TO RULE FROM DAVID’S THRONE:

Because Mary was of the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David (Ps.132:11; Lk.1:32) and was connected by marriage with Elisabeth who was of the lineage of Aaron (Lk.1:36), Christ as her son, became true descendant of David (Rom.1:3). Also, because Joseph was the lineal heir to David’s throne (Mt.1:1-16, LK.3:21-31), by becoming the eldest legal son to Joseph, Christ legally inherited the title to the throne. Luke gives Mary’s lineage through her father Heli (3:23), and Matthew shows Jesus’ legal connection to Joseph through Mary (1:16). In short, because of His legal connection with Joseph who was the lineal heir to David’s throne, and His blood relation to David through Mary, Jesus is the last heir to David’s throne and the only one who can rule with God’s blessing. In fulfillment of divine prediction, Jesus will rule over the earth when He comes again (Rev. 19:11-16; Lk.1:32-33; Gen.49:10; Is. 9:6-7).

CONCLUSION:

The virgin birth shows us that our redeemer is fully, truly a man—yet without sin. Jesus was born supernaturally, but not in a way that makes his humanity different from ours (Heb 2:10–11).

The virgin birth also assumes the preexistent, divine sonship of Jesus. The virgin birth is fitting for one who is already Son of God before the incarnation. Our Savior is not only a man, but he is the divine Son of God. He is uniquely the God-man—the only one who can accomplish salvation. He is Immanuel—God with us (Matt 1:23). This is covenantal language, reflecting the high covenant promise of God walking among us as our God (cf. Lev 26:12).

The virgin birth shows us God’s initiative in salvation. Salvation is a gift. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, many had tried to bring lasting salvation. But God’s plan is worked out in his timing, and in his way. The power of God is contrasted with the weakness and powerlessness of human beings to accomplish lasting salvation.

 

1 Corinthians 15:21

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.”

If one does not accept [the Son of God’s] birth from a Virgin, how can he accept His resurrection from the dead?”

How thankful we should be! Because of the virgin birth, we have salvation.

WHEN LOVE HURTS (JEREMIAH 25:3-14)

 

WHEN LOVE HURTS

BIBLE PASSAGE: JEREMIAH 25:3 -14

Picture taken from Google

Lesson Prepared by: Krisha of Solomon’s Wisdom FB page

Lesson taken from: https://desirejesus.com/blog/2018/2/27/gods-discipline-is-proof-of-his-love

 

FEBRUARY 27, 2022

MEMORY VERSE

  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

HEBREWS 12:6

 

INTRODUCTION:

Still, our topic this fourth Sunday of February is about love. Based on the sermons from our preachers, pastors and lessons in our Sunday School, I know you’ll agree that love really matters, right? Not just we all want to love and be loved, it’s a command. Imagine this world which is filled with false views about love (mention some). Maybe you heard the news about this beautiful woman, Miss Cheslie Kryst, who won the 2019 Miss USA pageant and worked as a correspondent for the entertainment news television show “Extra,” reportedly committed suicide Jan. 30. Authorities said the beauty queen, jumped to her death from her 29th floor New York apartment. Based on the media source, one of her articles and interviews is linked to that fear of getting old. She mentioned, “Each time I say, ‘I’m turning 30,’ I cringe a little. Sometimes I can successfully mask this uncomfortable response with excitement; other times, my enthusiasm feels hollow, like bad acting. Society has never been kind to those growing old, especially women. (Occasional exceptions are made for some of the rich and a few of the famous.)” Maybe this quite hallow reason for some of us but humanly speaking it’s a big deal especially to a person without Christ in their hearts. Her last post in Instagram is this, “May this day bring you rest and peace.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, suicide is the second-leading cause of death in the United States among those age 25 to 34, and the 10th-leading cause among adults in the United States. I am in fond watching videos who are searching for people underwater; some of those are accidents, crimes and most are suicide. One of those is a teenager who had relationship problem, and his solution is to take his life and drowned himself with his car. This world makes you feel unloved and without purpose. My question is this, “ARE YOU LOVED?” Let us recite John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. It’s not a question anymore if you are loved therefore don’t waste your time being emotional. There are lot of evidence, and the Bible says so. Focus on our purpose; we have something to do – LET OTHERS KNOW THAT THAT THEY ARE LOVED BY GOD (Share the Gospel).

 

We are now reminded the love of the world versus the love of God. We are now Christians and sometimes there are still some questions in mind why God let us experience sufferings in this journey of life. Because of these sometimes, thoughts come to our mind, “Does God really love me?” These thoughts are easy to be answered by the word of God and we already knew the answers; these thoughts only snap in our minds because of problems and sufferings. Before we go to our first point, another question I need to ask, “DOES THE LOVE OF GOD HURT?” (Pause for a while and let the audience respond)

LESSON OUTLINE:

1.  A LOVING GOD DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN WHEN THEY DON’T LISTEN TO HIS COUNSEL (HEBREWS 12:6; PROV.3:11-12)

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

When you hear the word "discipline", what thoughts come to your mind? Do you think about the concept of practicing personal disciplines like eating healthy foods and getting exercise? Do you think about incorporating the spiritual discipline of prayer and the reading of Scripture into your daily routine? Or do you primarily associate the word "discipline" with the word "punishment"?

When you were a child, it's likely that you didn't get too excited about your parents disciplining you. Likewise, if you're a parent, I can just about guarantee that some of the most unpleasant moments of your experience with raising children have involved discipline. But the truth is, when you're seeking to shepherd a young life, the enforcement of discipline is actually evidence of love.

In Jeremiah 25:3-7 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the Lord hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the Lord; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

God loves His children too much to allow them to continue to ignore His counsel. In this portion of Scripture, we're told that at this point, Jeremiah had been preaching to the people of Judah for twenty-three years. And interestingly, he wasn't the only prophet the Lord had sent to these people to instruct them. But the people, stubbornly, refused to listen. They went their own way. They embraced idols and worshipped false gods. They devoted the work of their hands to rebellion against the Lord, and their lack of faith produced widespread disobedience.

How does a loving God respond to something like this taking place in the lives of those He has set apart as His own? It's true that the Lord is patient, and it's also true that humanity seems adept at testing His patience in every way possible. But just as the Lord is patient and kind, He is also perfectly just and loving. It grieves His heart to see people who could enjoy the blessings and benefits of walking closely with Him, choosing to go their own way and rejecting His involvement in their lives. Knowing that this situation wasn't going to improve on its own, the Lord intervened with some loving and uncomfortable discipline. 

https://desirejesus.com/blog/2018/2/27/gods-discipline-is-proof-of-his-love

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (Hebrews 12:7)

In Hebrews 11:35-38 we can see how great heroes of the faith suffered terrible hardships, along with their victories (Hebrews 11:33–35). The greatest example of these was Jesus, who was entirely sinless (Hebrews 4:15) and yet endured hatred and violence (Hebrews 12:3). The writer has been careful to point out that hardship is not a sign of God's abandonment. On the contrary, this is evidence that God is working to "train" us to be more like Him. Jesus was able to see His suffering as part of God's plan for future joy (Hebrews 12:2). The Old Testament itself had already pointed out that a truly loving father—like God—uses "discipline" for a child; this is not a sign of hate, but of love. The specific quote from the prior verses comes from Proverbs 3:11–12, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:  For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

Personally, with this lesson, what I see is the attitude upon the discipline of the Lord. Sometimes or most of the times, Christians don’t see that they are in a discipline process. It’s a good reminder that we should be aware of chastening of the Lord by keep on meditating His word. Sometimes Christians instead of becoming humble, they become have more pride in their hearts and don’t submit to the disciplining process. They get angry and make their own way. It’s better to talk to God and open your hearts and ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do to this struggle or problems?”

How skillful are we at listening to God's voice? How long has He been trying to get our attention? How far have we attempted to stretch His patience? Has He shown us patience for so long that instead of listening to Him when He speaks, we've grown complacent with His grace?

When Jesus called us unto Himself, He told us that His desire for us was that we would listen to, and joyfully obey, His teaching.

 

2.  BY NATURE, DISCIPLINE DOESN’T FEEL PLEASANT (HEBREWS 12:11; JER. 25:8-10)

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

 

Through Jeremiah, the people of Judah were being told that life as they knew it was about to change drastically (severe). They were about to experience the direct discipline of the Lord, and it wasn't going to feel pleasant. The truth is, by nature, discipline doesn't feel pleasant. It pushes us out of the unhealthy patterns or routines we've adopted and forces us to walk in a new direction.

During the course of the year, there are certain milestones we've become used to. There are various holidays we celebrate. There are specific times of year when we intentionally get together with our families and close friends. We attend weddings and other celebrations. At these times of celebration, we enjoy food, conversation, take pictures, tell jokes, and probably make a little too much noise. But it's nice, and it's a welcomed break to our typical routine.

Imagine, however, if all of this was taken away from us. That's what the Lord was telling the people of Judah to expect. That's what He was revealing to them was about to become their reality. He was about to use foreigners as His instrument of correction upon this group of people. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was going to be brought against the people. He would invade the land, make its leaders and people subject to him, and take many of the people back to Babylon as captives. For the people of Judah, the sounds of wedding celebrations, conversational joy, and grinding their grain in freedom would be replaced by a season of darkness and gloom. They had abused their freedom and would now become slaves. Imagine now the people in Ukraine, Russians has started to invade the land they’d used to live.

Understandably, this would have been devastating for the people living at the time. But God is sovereign and was still at work among them. This discipline wouldn't feel pleasant, but it would serve its divinely ordained purpose.

Does God's love hurt? Yes, it is. When God allow painful circumstances into your life for your own best. Does it hurt to be left by your boyfriend, girlfriend, loved ones, wives or husbands? Does it hurt to be betrayed by your friends? Does it hurt to lose your job? Does it hurt to pay 1 million pesos which is not personal debt? Does it hurt to lose a case, and you need to pay? Does it hurt moving from a big house to a room rent? Does it hurt to stop from your studies because no financial support expected anymore? Does it hurt to? Yes, all of these are painful, but God allow these things for a reason.

 

3.  GOD’S DISCIPLINES ONLY LAST FOR A SEASON (HEBREWS 12:10; JER. 25: 11-14)

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.

Tagalog: Sa loob ng maikling panahon, dinisiplina tayo ng ating mga magulang para sa ating ikabubuti. Gayundin naman, itinutuwid tayo ng Diyos sa ikabubuti natin upang tayo'y maging banal tulad niya. 

This portion of Scripture references a time span of seventy years. What do you think about a period of time like that? Does seventy years sound like a long period of time or a short period of time to you? If you were told that the roof on your house was guaranteed to last for seventy years, would you consider that good or bad? If you were told that you were going to live to be seventy, would that seem too long or too short? If you were told that you were going to prison for seventy years, would that seem like a long or a short time?

The people of Judah were told that they were about to spend seventy years living as captives in Babylon. I don't know if they believed this information when they first heard it because they had a tendency of ignoring and questioning Jeremiah's preaching, but nonetheless, that was exactly what happened to them.

There are multiple ways to look at something like this. In one sense, it seems tragic. In another sense, it seems disciplinary. And in another sense, it seems merciful. This generation of people embraced idolatry, stopped listening to the Lord, and modeled their lack of faith to their children. Now the Lord was going to take them out of their land for seven decades. In that time, this generation would die off. The idols they worshipped would be stripped from them.

Our human fathers “disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them” (Heb. 12:10). (What seemed good to them is an acknowledgement that they didn’t always get it right, even when their intentions were right.) In contrast, God always disciplines “for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness … it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (vv. 10-11)

It was painful for the people of Judah to be in captives for many years, but this happened for a purpose. The good thing is upon the disciplining process, God is there. We just need to be humble to the Lord and submit to His will.

CONCLUSION:

If you've ever experienced a season of the Lord's discipline, what were your impressions of it? Were you able to see it as evidence of His love or did you despise Him for interrupting your comfort? Looking back on it now, can you thank Him for blessing you with His intervention and care?

For many of us, we can testify to the fact that a season of divine discipline was precisely what has convinced our hearts that we truly need Jesus. We need His power, comfort, and presence just as much today as we ever did. Sometimes it takes a jolt or a God-ordained season of pruning to help us recognize that truth.

In any instance of suffering, we do well to ask two questions: What is God wanting to do in me through this? How can God get the glory in this?

Job 5: ¹⁷ Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: ¹⁸ For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Tagalog: Mapalad ang taong dinidisiplina ng Diyos na Makapangyarihan, ang pagtutuwid niya sa iyo'y huwag mong ipagdamdam. Ginagamot niya ang kanyang nasugatan, pinapagaling niya ang kanyang nasaktan.

The good news is that just as is the case with our earthly fathers, the discipline from our Heavenly Father only lasts for a season.

 

Jerry Bridges put it this way “The purpose of God’s discipline is not to punish us but to transform us.” Billy Graham once said: “God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness.