100% LOVED BY GOD 4
In Romans chapter 5, verses 1 to 5, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound theological truth regarding the relationship between faith, grace, and the trials of life. He begins by asserting that through faith, believers are justified and, as a result, enjoy peace with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is not merely a passive state but an active access to grace, which empowers believers to stand firm in their faith and rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Furthermore, Paul emphasizes that tribulations, or troubles, are not to be feared; rather, they are to be embraced as they cultivate perseverance. This perseverance, in turn, shapes character, which is essential in the believer’s journey toward hope. The essence of this message is that the trials faced in life serve a divine purpose, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God’s love and the development of a character that reflects His glory.
Moreover, Paul underscores that hope, rooted in the love of God, does not lead to disappointment. This hope is anchored in the reality that the Holy Spirit has been bestowed upon believers, filling their hearts with God’s love. At the moment of spiritual rebirth, when one surrenders to Jesus, the Holy Spirit awakens the human spirit, which was previously dead to God and alive to sin. This transformative experience results in a new nature that is alive to righteousness, yet the struggle remains as the individual grapples with ingrained habits of sin. The Christian experience is marked by this internal conflict; while an unbeliever may not feel remorse for sin, a believer is acutely aware of the discord between their new nature and their past behaviors. This awareness is a sign of spiritual awakening, indicating that the believer is on a journey toward embodying righteousness, which requires time and practice to fully embrace their new identity in Christ.
The question of whether we remain united in our spiritual journey is significant, particularly as I experience a transformation in my nature. When I engage in actions that are misaligned with my new identity, I feel a distinct discomfort in my heart. This sensation serves as a crucial indicator of my spiritual state; if I do not experience this internal prick, it suggests that I am not truly saved or reborn. The essence of being born again is often revealed through this internal struggle, where the presence of the Holy Spirit within me manifests as an unease when I act against my new nature. This phenomenon parallels physical sensations; for instance, if I were to strike my finger with a hammer, the pain I feel confirms my physical existence. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, if I engage in behavior that contradicts my identity in Christ and do not feel any discomfort, it may indicate a spiritual deadness.
It is essential to recognize that some individuals may subject themselves to influences that dull their spiritual sensitivity. This can be likened to repeatedly striking a finger with a hammer until it becomes numb, rendering one incapable of feeling pain. In a spiritual context, this numbness occurs when individuals prioritize certain beliefs or rationalizations that allow them to dismiss the discomfort associated with actions contrary to their new nature. God’s intention is to remove these barriers that inhibit spiritual awareness and sensitivity. By doing so, He encourages a pursuit of righteousness, prompting individuals to seek actions that align with their renewed identity and to cultivate a heart that is responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible, specifically in Romans chapter 12, verse 2, emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds through the Word of God.
This renewal process is essential as it helps to eliminate the misconceptions and justifications we may hold regarding behaviors that contradict our spiritual nature.
For instance, one might rationalize that engaging in fornication is acceptable due to an engagement, but through the renewal of the mind, these strongholds—mental barriers that distort our understanding of right and wrong—can be dismantled. As we align our thoughts with biblical teachings, we begin to recognize the true nature of our actions and their inconsistency with our new identity in Christ. This transformation is facilitated by God’s grace, which empowers us to resist temptations that once seemed trivial.
Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that God’s love for us is unwavering and not contingent upon our actions. He loves us unconditionally, and our task is to live in a manner that reflects this love and pleases Him. The affirmation of Christ as His beloved Son, in whom He is well pleased, serves as a reminder that our worth is not based on our performance but rather on our identity as children of God. While our actions may fluctuate, the inherent beloved bestowed upon us remains constant. Therefore, it is vital to focus on cultivating a life that honors God, recognizing that our righteousness is a result of His grace and not merely a product of our efforts. If this message resonates with you, take it to heart and allow it to guide your spiritual journey.
The question of whether we remain united in our spiritual journey prompts a deeper reflection on the nature of our relationship with God. It is essential to strive for a life that aligns with divine principles, and a fundamental aspect of this pursuit is to cultivate a profound understanding of God’s love. This understanding serves as a safeguard against the deceptive tactics of the adversary, who may attempt to instill doubt about God’s unwavering affection.
It is crucial to recognize that God’s love is not conditional; rather, it is a constant source of grace that allows us to seek redemption and strive for improvement.
By engaging with scripture and allowing it to shape our conscience, we can dismantle the barriers that hinder our spiritual growth and align our beliefs with the truth of God’s word.
Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the power we possess to challenge and dismantle erroneous belief systems that may lead us astray. Just as individuals may resort to substances like alcohol to numb their conscience, the spiritual realm presents its own set of misleading ideologies that can distort our understanding of right and wrong. These belief systems can lead us to violate God’s laws without remorse, as we become desensitized to the truth. It is imperative to encourage one another in recognizing our capacity to both receive and share God’s love, as articulated in the scriptures. The characteristics of love—patience, kindness, humility—reflect the essence of God’s nature, and by internalizing these qualities, we can better embody the divine love that is meant to flow through us.
Rather than stating that love endures for a long time, I assert that God possesses the ability to endure and is inherently kind. God does not harbor envy, nor does He boast about Himself; He is not arrogant. This assertion holds true, does it not? If we delve deeper into this concept, we can recognize that as a child of God who embodies His nature, I can personalize this message. By substituting God’s name with my own, I can express it as follows: “Godman endures patiently; he possesses the grace to be patient and is kind.” While this may seem amusing at first glance, the significance of applying my name becomes apparent. Godman does not envy; he does not seek to elevate himself, nor is he prideful. He does not pursue his own interests and is not easily provoked, demonstrating the capacity to choose not to be offended.
This aligns with the character of God, which we are called to emulate. The Scriptures describe Jesus as having been tempted in every way as we are, yet He remained sinless. As the firstborn of the Father, I too am considered a child of God, sharing in the inheritance alongside Him. This means that I possess the same divine nature and capabilities as Christ. Therefore, I can act in accordance with His example. It is essential to recognize that Godman does not harbor resentment or keep a record of wrongs. This notion may be challenging, yet I remind myself that, as a child of God, I have been endowed with the ability to let go of grievances. The Bible states that if the Lord were to keep track of our transgressions, no one would be able to stand before Him. He does not maintain a record of wrongs, and He would not command us to do what He Himself cannot accomplish. For anyone grappling with the reality of God’s love this morning, it is crucial to understand that God does not keep a record of wrongs.
As you depart from this service this morning, it is essential to understand that if you have sinned, God assures us that He has removed those transgressions from you as far as the east is from the west, provided you seek His forgiveness. This divine promise extends to you, my children, granting you the ability to interact with others in a similar fashion.
You possess the power to let go of grievances and not to hold onto past wrongs.
For those of you who are married, it is crucial to recognize that revisiting past disputes during current disagreements can be detrimental. When arguments arise, it is unproductive to bring up incidents from your wedding day or earlier courtship. As someone who provides counsel, I have been endowed with the ability to endure and manage such situations, which is vital for effective guidance.
It is disheartening to witness individuals who, during counseling sessions, reference events from their dating years, as this behavior indicates a lack of maturity and understanding of God’s teachings. If one is truly transformed by faith, they should not cling to past grievances, especially those that occurred many years ago. For instance, recalling specific statements made during the birth of a child, which may have taken place eight years prior, only serves to hinder personal growth and healing. I have been blessed with the capacity to release such memories, mirroring God’s own nature of forgiveness. Just as He does not keep a record of our wrongs, I too can choose to live free from the burden of past offences, embracing the same grace that allows me to forgive and move forward without resentment.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is essential to walk in alignment with the divine nature bestowed upon us by God, as this path leads to a fulfilling and healthy life.
To cultivate strength and spiritual well-being, one must embrace the inherent love that resides within.
Acknowledging that the love of God is actively working in our hearts is crucial. Therefore, I invite you to affirm this truth with me today: I do not hold onto grievances, for I am born of God. Recognizing that God is at work in my life as my Father, I share in His divine nature. Let us repeat this affirmation: I share in the nature of God. This understanding empowers us to extend love even to those who may seem unlovable, including our adversaries, for God Himself loves His enemies. Once more, let us declare: I share in the nature of God.
As we conclude this morning, I encourage everyone to live free from the burden of offence. Some among us may be grappling with challenging individuals in our lives, akin to the situation faced by Peter in Matthew 18. When Peter approached Jesus, he inquired about the frequency of forgiveness required when a brother sins against him, suggesting a limit of seven times. This inquiry likely stemmed from his experiences with the other disciples, as he spent considerable time with them and Jesus. It is plausible that Peter was expressing his frustrations regarding interpersonal conflicts, perhaps with John or James, and sought guidance from Jesus on how to navigate these challenges. If you hear of any altercations, understand that it is a reflection of the struggles we all face in maintaining our composure and love in the face of adversity.
In the realm of interpersonal relationships, it is often the case that individuals may not openly communicate their grievances or the circumstances surrounding their actions. For instance, if one were to hear rumors about a pastor’s alleged misconduct, such as mistreating their spouse, it is essential to understand the context behind such claims. Having dedicated approximately 15 years to full-time ministry, I have encountered a myriad of situations and narratives. It is not uncommon for individuals to express their frustrations to God through their spiritual leaders, indicating their personal boundaries. They may warn their loved ones, urging them to intervene if they feel their partner is overstepping these limits. This dynamic reflects a broader truth about human relationships, where the potential for offence can lead to significant emotional turmoil and conflict.
Offence, as a concept, can be profoundly damaging, often serving as a tool for the adversary to disrupt one’s spiritual journey and understanding of divine love. The scriptures acknowledge that offences are an inevitable part of life, yet they also caution against the consequences of being the source of such offences. In a world filled with imperfection, it is unrealistic to expect a life devoid of conflict. The critical factor lies in how one responds to these offences. Allowing resentment to take root in one’s heart can severely undermine faith and distort one’s comprehension of spiritual teachings. It can lead to a troubling capacity for negativity and bitterness, manifesting in physical ailments and adverse life experiences. Therefore, it is imperative to approach life with a heart free from offence, particularly in a communal setting, to foster healing and spiritual growth.