OUTLINE:
“This is a difficult statement”
Jesus had no reservations challenging His disciples. A good under-shepherd ought to confidently follow His example. An unchallenged sheep is one who doesn’t grow. When Jesus said, “My yoke is easy” (Mt 11:30), it was a relativestatement.
Grace, Works, and Indifference – Blog 8/9/19
[A] convicted person is forced to exert themselves (the Gospel demands it). This work is in the struggle either to cast aside the sinful pride of life and pursue salvation or to reject the Gospel (or even remain indifferent to it). Striving [ala Lk 13:24] in one direction or the other doesn’t increase or diminish the value of the Cross in any way.
Difficult messages force us to face our convictions, stimulating growth in us.
Love Takes Risks
Jesus preferred to offend people with the Truth rather than coddle them with a lie.
Love Takes Risks
A good friend takes the risk of offending someone they love for their friend’s sake. “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth” (Gal 4:16)? “I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less” (2Co 12:15)?
Love and Pain
If an expression of a pure love causes you pain, do not make the grave mistake of blaming the one loving you. The pain is fruit of your malignancy with the truth. Freedom is available to those who receive the truth in gratitude (Jn 8:32).
2Co 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
The Disease
Passive culture demands, even EXPECTS others to meet its desires WITHOUT question.
Deu 30:19 [NLT]
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Active Learning
“Examining the Scriptures daily” has definite, predictable results. In the case of the Bereans, “many of them believed” (Ac 17:11-12). How do you think YOU will ever truly believe in God’s Word???
“to their own destruction”
A person who rejects a challenge that is designed to stimulate spiritual growth is the person who seals their own fate. This person lives a distorted reality, unstable in all their ways (Jas 1:5-8).
Why “Read Your Bible!”?
It’s a test (ala Pr 4:7): “Do you want to know the Truth or not?”
Pr 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
We must do that very thing that Jesus commanded – SEEK!!!
Grace Isn’t Necessarily “Easy”
Never pervert the grace of God in such a way that it enables a passive lifestyle and/or passive learning. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Whatever it is, why isn’t it enough for you???
Jas 1:7-8 [NLT]
Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
Perspective
Grace is not a “get out of jail free” card. That perversion is what we call licentiousness (a license to sin).