Sunday, June 13, 2021

Israel Covenant with Antichrist, Two Witnesses; seachord.org

Israel Covenant with Antichrist, Two Witnesses      June 12, 2021

How do we know the covenant the Antichrist signs will provide Israel with a time of peace?  These are some of places in Scripture that the Antichrist’s covenant is referenced that begins the Tribulation.  Remember Psalms 83.

The word "Antichrist" has 2 meanings. Its primary meaning is one who is opposed to Christ; but its secondary meaning is one who is instead of Christ. 

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but the person who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? The person who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 

John used Antichrist 4 times in 1 and 2 John; but did not use the name in the Book of Revelation. 

·      "Man of Sin" {Antichrist} signifies that he will be, sin itself, with satanic crafts and powers. 

·      There will be no lengths of wickedness to which he will not go, no forms of evil to which he will be a stranger, no depths of corruption.  

·      The "Lamb" is the Savior of sinners; the "Man of Sin" is the persecutor and slayer of the Saints. 

Antichrist Signs peace Treaty with Israel {Judah}, for overall Peace, 

1 Thessalonians 5:3 When people say, "There is peace and security," destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape. 

In Daniel, we have the prediction of the destruction of the Temple / Sanctuary and are told that it is destroyed by the people of the “prince that shall come.” 

Daniel 9:26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.

Sacrifices, Jews can start with an Altar: 

Daniel then refers to this same prince that shall come, (who rises is out of the Revived Roman empire) and we read that he confirms the covenant: 

Daniel 9:27 Then he shall confirm a covenant {make a binding, agreement} with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate." 

We know this is a peace treaty. A week is seven years and we see that in the middle of the seven years the treaty is broken.  Isaiah referred to a covenant with death and an agreement with hell and broken. 

Isaiah 28:14-19 "Therefore hear the message from the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people that are in Jerusalem.  (15)  Because you said: 'We have entered into a covenant with death, and we have an agreement with Sheol, {grave} so when the overwhelming scourge makes its choice, it cannot reach us, since we have made lies our refuge and have concealed ourselves inside falsehood'  {broke covenant} 

(16)  therefore this is what the LORD God says: "Look! I am laying a foundation stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation: Whoever believes firmly will not act hastily.  (17)  And I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and floods will overflow your hiding place.  

(18)  "Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be trampled by it.  (19)  As often as it sweeps through, it will carry you away, for it will sweep by morning after morning in the day; but understanding this message will bring sheer terror at night, 

The Antichrist agrees with the treaty and has a deceitful heart.   

Psalms 55:20-21 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.  (21)  The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. 

Isaiah 33:7-8 Behold, their brave men cry in the streets, The ambassadors of peace weep bitterly.  (8)  The highways are desolate, the traveler has ceased, He has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, He has no regard for man. 

·      This agreement or covenant gives peace for 7 years, broken after 3.5 years, allows to build a Temple / Sanctuary in peace on the temple mount. 

·      We can assume or speculate that the Antichrist will embrace the Jewish people, and their desire for peace in their land and by offering them their land and his protection.

·      Currently, there is no Third Temple on the Temple Mount.

·      Only the Muslim Dome of the Rock stands in the original Temple’s location, so a Temple / Sanctuary must one day again stand.

·      Once in the Third Temple, the Antichrist sets up an abomination, ends the sacrifices and offerings after 3.5 years, and then he declares himself to be God and the only one the world’s inhabitants are allowed to worship. 

·      The Antichrist guarantees peace for Israel and allows them to rebuild their Temple without any Islamic reprisal. 

The Peace Betrayed 

·      Daniel, along with Revelation 13, also reveals to the reader that in the middle of the Tribulation the Antichrist declares himself to be God.

·      His False Prophet sets up a “living” image of the Antichrist that must be worshiped.

At this point, the Jewish people totally reject their would-be savior. In response to their rejections, the Antichrist becomes obsessed with annihilating all the Jewish people during the second and last half of the Tribulation.  Satan.  Protected by 2 witnesses. 

Sacrifices, the Jews are doing, are stopped by the Antichrist (Beast) after

3.5 years of 7 years period, of the tribulation is a time of peace.  The Antichrist {Beast} then starts their 3.5 years reign on the earth.  

Abomination of Desolation, Man of Sin Revealed, 

Economic Babylon Religion, Falling away, 

It says Sanctuary {Dan 9:26}, does not mean there has to be a Temple.  It can be a tabernacle with a Sanctuary or Holy Place and not a Temple. 

The Abomination of Desolation: Altars to idols were set up in Jerusalem and on December 16, 167 B.C. the Jews were ordered to offer unclean sacrifices and to eat swine’s flesh or be penalized by death. 

Rome made Torah reading punishable by death, slaughtered a pig on the Altar and erected an idol to Zeus in the Holy of Holies” 

Jesus said this will happen again. 

Matthew 24:15-16 "Therefore when you see the ''Abomination of Desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), (16) "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. {hid for 3.5 years} 

Daniel 11:31 Armed forces will arise from his midst, and they'll desecrate the fortified Sanctuary, abolish the daily sacrifice, and establish the destructive desecration. 

Daniel 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 

Mark 13:14 "So when you see the 'Abomination of Desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.   {this is when individuals from Jerusalem flee to Petra} 

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, for it will not come unless the rebellion takes place first and the man of sin, who is destined for destruction, is revealed.  (4)  He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god and object of worship. As a result, he seats himself in the sanctuary of God and himself declares that he is God.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the power of Satan. He will use every kind of power, including miraculous signs, lying wonders, (10)  and every type of evil to deceive those who are dying, those who refused to love the truth that would save them. 

Antichrist Breaks Peace Treaty, Beast start ruling the Earth 

Summary Dan 9:27: in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice.  If the sacrifice are to stop, then they must start earlier 

Sacrifices, the Jews are doing, are stopped by the Antichrist (Beast) after

3.5 years of 7 years period, of the tribulation is a time of peace.  The Antichrist then starts their 3.5 years reign.  

Revelation 13:5 The beast was allowed to speak arrogant and blasphemous things, and it was given authority for 42 months. 

Fall of Jerusalem, half of city taken into slavery, 

Zechariah 14:1-2  "Look! A day is coming for the LORD, when your plunder will be divided among you.  (2)  I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem, to lay siege against it. The city will be captured, the houses will be ransacked, the women raped, and half of the city will go into exile, but the remaining people will not be cut off from the city. 

2 Witness killed, made alive for 3 and half days before ascending to

heaven 

Remember, the 2 Witnesses will control everything for 3.5 years, before their death and resurrection back to life.  

Also, the Antichrist is in Jerusalem with his army for the full 3.5 years and at the final battle against Jesus, will be destroyed. 

Revelation 11:3-4 I will give my two witnesses who wear sackcloth the authority to prophesy for 1,260 days."  (4)  These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands standing in the presence of the Lord of the earth.

 6 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 

Revelation 11:5-6 And if anyone should want to hurt them, fire comes out of their mouths and burns up their enemies. If anyone wants to hurt them, he must be killed in this manner.  (6)  These witnesses have authority to close the heavens in order to keep rain from falling while they are prophesying. They also have authority to turn bodies of water into blood and to strike the earth with any plague, as often as they desire. 

Revelation 11:7-8 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit will wage war against them, conquer them, and kill them.  (8)  Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.   {Jerusalem} 

The Antichrist now in power and notice the beast was able to overcome and kill them. 

Revelation 11:9-10 For three and a half days some members of the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will look at their dead bodies and will not allow them to be placed in a tomb.  (10)  Those living on earth will gloat over them, celebrate, and send gifts to each other, because these two prophets had tormented those living on earth. 

{Only celebration on the earth by Antichrist in the Book of Revelation!} 

Revelation 11:11-12 But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet. Those who watched them were terrified.  (12)  Then the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven calling to them, "Come up here!" So they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.   {A CNN exclusive?} 

Revelation 11:13 At that moment a powerful earthquake struck. One-tenth of the city collapsed, 7,000 people were killed by the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 

Daniel 7:25 He'll {Antichrist - Satan} speak out against the Most High and wear down the Saints of the Highest One. He'll attempt to alter times and laws, and they'll be given into his control for a time, times, and half a time. 

{times - Sabbath, to Sunday, Feast Days to Easter / Christmas}. 

·      The two witnesses testifying in Jerusalem have wrecked havoc on the world by the words of their mouths.

·      By banding together, the nations suppose that they can battle against the LORD and his people.

·      And so they gather together at the place that is "in Hebrew called Armageddon."

·      The description of the two witnesses as olive trees and lampstands has an Old Testament background (Zechariah 4:2-14).

·      The two witnesses in this passage were Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor.

·      Their connection to the lampstands was that they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the olive oil.) 

Zechariah 4:14 He said, "These are the two anointed ones, who continually stand beside the Lord of the whole earth." 

Two witness Powers:  Possible, brought back to life? 

  • Call down fire from heaven:     Like Elijah – 1 King 18:37
  • Shut heaven, no rain:             Like Elijah – 1 King 17:1
  • Turn water into blood:             Like Moses – Ex 7:19, 20
  • Smite earth with Plagues:       Like Moses – Ex 8-12 

Transfiguration:  Matthew 17:3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 

Staff Meeting? (Mt 17) connected with Second Coming (Lk 9:31) 

Luke 9:30-31 Suddenly, two men were talking with him {Jesus}. They were Moses and Elijah.  (31)  They had a glorified appearance; and were discussing Jesus' departure that he would shortly bring about in Jerusalem. 

Moses and Elijah had their previous ministries interrupted. 

Numbers 20:12 But the LORD rebuked Moses and Aaron, telling Moses: "Because you both didn't believe me, because you didn't consecrate me as holy in the presence of the Israelis, you won't be the ones to bring this congregation into the land that I'm about to give them. 

2 Kings 2:11 As they continued on, talking as they went, suddenly chariots blazing with fire and pulled by fiery horses appeared, separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a windstorm to heaven! 

Is this a hint for us during Satan wrath? 

Isaiah 26:20-21 Come, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.  (21)  For see, the LORD is coming from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins; the earth will reveal the blood that has been shed on it and will no longer conceal its slain."

Jesus collected His Saints for the Bema Seat Reward at His 2nd Coming 

Matthew 24:31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another." 

Jesus takes His Saints, His Bride, to the Wedding and Wedding Supper at Jesus 2nd Coming  

Revelation 19:6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a large crowd, like the sound of raging waters, and like the sound of powerful thunderclaps, saying, "Hallelujah! The Lord our God, the Almighty, is reigning. 

Revelation 19:7-8 Let us rejoice, be glad, and give him glory, because the marriage of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready.  (8)  She has been given the privilege of wearing fine linen, dazzling and pure." (The fine linen represents the righteous deeds of the saints.) 

Revelation 19:9-10 Then the angel told me, "Write this: 'How blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the lamb!'" He also told me, "These are the true words of God."  (10)  I bowed down at his feet to worship him, but he told me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who rely on what Jesus is saying. Worship God, because what Jesus is saying is the spirit of prophecy!" 

The ancient city of Megiddo existed on the north side of the plain of Jezreel and was always a great military stronghold. 

This is the same valley that Joel prophesied that God would gather the nations for judgment in the last days.  Joel 3:2,12 

Joel 3:2 I will gather all nations, bringing them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will set out my case against them there, on behalf of my people, my heritage Israel, whom they scattered among the nations, apportioning my land among themselves. 

Joel 3:12 "Let the nations be awakened and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; because I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

One by one the nations will enter the battle.  

Antichrist and Europe army will be at Jerusalem before Russia {Magog} comes into play, then China and India, Pakistan, and North Korea have all developed nuclear weapons.  Will cause the death of fully one-third of mankind. 

The Antichrist will appear to the world as some kind of savior, but in reality he will be an evil False-Christ, Psalms 83 battle.  It is Satan that really wants to destroy the Jews in the place of safety.  Held back until 2 witness die. 

Armageddon;  because of the sheer magnitude of the troops and equipment that will have to be mobilized. It will take time. 

Next time, We will cover Armageddon. 

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Book of John 10:1-18: May 22, 2021; www.seachord.org

 

Book of John 10:1-18                                     May 22, 2021

John 10 is the famous “Good Shepherd” chapter. This chapter may be so well known that we do not really listen to what it is saying. 

We are still in Jerusalem at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. 

Pharisees were the shepherds of Israel.  They supported themselves in their opposition to Christ with this principle, that they were pastors of the church {Israel}; and that Jesus, having no commission or authority from them, was an intruder and an impostor, a false shepherd to the people. 

I Am the Good Shepherd 

Contrast between the Good Shepherd and the false shepherds of Israel. 

John 10:1 "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 

The sheep pen of the Middle East are large enclosures, open to the sky, but a high wall around made with reeds or stones or brick and sometimes the enclosure was a cave in order to afford a protection against robbers, wolves, and other beasts of prey. There is one large door at which the shepherd enters and leaves with the sheep. 

The Pharisees had secured their power not by legal means.  A thief steals in secret and a robber plunders openly with violence. 

John 10:2 The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 

In contrast to the thief the true shepherd would come through the gate or door with the sheep. 

Hebrews 13:20 Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, 

Political and Spiritual leaders were often called shepherds of the nations and people. 

Isaiah 56:11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain. 

Look at the Sheep and their Shepherd 

John 10:3 It is to him the gatekeeper opens the gate, and it is his voice the sheep hear. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  

·      The naming of sheep was a practice done in Israel by the Shepherd.

·      Do we not name our horses, dogs and cats?

·      Jesus call each of us by name. Our pet Name. 

In the spiritual picture Jesus spoke of, the door for the sheep pen had a doorkeeper; one who watched who came in and who went out. The doorkeeper knows the true shepherd and appropriately grants him access. 

Isaiah 40:26 Look up into the heavens! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, calling each by its pet name, and counts them to see that none are lost or strayed, so God does with stars and planets! 

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him to life on the last day. 

Interesting allegory, gatekeeper {Father?} opens and closes the gate, the shepherd is Jesus, sheep are those who the Father draws for the elect; and Jesus leads with His Word. 

John 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 

·      Jesus’s sheep will never follow a stranger voice.

·      A false shepherd tries to rid themselves of trouble; as the Pharisees did by casting out the man born blind

·      The true shepherd feeds His sheep. 

Supposedly, a true story, how the sheep know the shepherd voice 

During World War I, some soldiers tried to steal a flock of sheep from a hillside near Jerusalem. The sleeping shepherd awoke to find his flock being driven off. He couldn’t recapture them by force, so he called out to his flock with his distinctive call.

The sheep listened, and returned to their rightful owner. The soldiers couldn’t stop the sheep from returning to their shepherd’s voice. 

John 10:5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not recognize the voice of strangers." 

A stranger is anyone the sheep do not know, not necessarily a thief and a robber. Sheep would not follow a stranger’s voice even if he used the shepherd’s call and matches his tone. 

It is not possible to deceive the elect. 

Matthew 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 

John 10:6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 

Matthew 13:13-14 That's why I speak to them in parables, because 'they look but don't see, and they listen but don't hear or understand.'  (14)  "With them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says: 'You will listen and listen but never understand. You will look and look but never comprehend, 

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.  (15)  The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 

The individual who does not have the Holy Spirit of God cannot understand Spiritual things, but a Believer who has the Holy Spirit can understand Spiritual things. 

I Am the Good Shepherd 

John 10:7 So again Jesus said, "Truly, I tell all of you with certainty, I am the gate for the sheep. 

Jesus just said, I am, meaning it is only through Jesus that mankind can be saved.   Saying He is God “I AM” 

John 10:8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep didn't listen to them. 

Severest criticism in the Scriptures are reserved for false teachers, false prophets (Mt 23:14; Mt 3:7; 2 Cor 11:13; 2 Pet 2:17; Jude 12,13).  The Holy Spirit will instruct the elect what to look for in the false individuals. 

Jeremiah 23:1 "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. 

John 10:9 I am the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. 

·      Pasture means to eat, feeding or food, Bread of Life

·      “I am” the gate or the door”:

·      Remember, there was only One door in the ark of Noah to be saved

·      In the Tabernacle was only one entrance to God

·      Jesus is the only way through Him to be saved

·      Jesus gives Spiritual Life and access to Spiritual Food and to the Holy Spirit 

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  (15)  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 

1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

I am the good shepherd”: One of service to individuals and especially for His people, the Saints. Jesus laid down His physical life in order to give us eternal life. 

John 10:12-13 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  (13)  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 

When a hired shepherd sees the wolf {Satan} coming he flees, not caring about the sheep. 

Matthew 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 

John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (15) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 

Jesus knows all His sheep, as they are the choice of his Father, as his Father's gift to him; and as his own purchase with His life;

Through our prayers Jesus our hearts, our wishes, our purposes, and our circumstances and we know Jesus by His Words.

How do we know about Jesus by studying His Words. 

John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 

Where is Jesus working with groups we do not know about.

We know there is only one Church and one door into it, and one Shepherd over it.  Jesus. 

Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 

John 10:17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it back again. 

As the good shepherd, Jesus has the power and authority not only to voluntarily lay down His life for the sheep {that is us}, but also to take it up {or back or receive} again. No one but Almighty God can do that.  By raising Himself from the dead and glorified. 

John 10:18 No one is taking it from me; I lay it down of my own free will. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again. This is what my Father has commanded me." 

John 10:19 Once again there was a division among the Jews because of what Jesus had been saying. 

 

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Why do Christians have trials? May 15, 2021; www.seachord.org

 

Why do Christians have trials?                           May 15, 2021 

Since the first of the year, we all have had trials, facing cancer, surgery and chemo treatments, deaths in the family, family problems, other personal sickness, work, travel, political, etc.  

Why are some of the reasons Jesus allows us, His Saints, to go through trials in our lives, since tomorrow is the Feast of Pentecost. 

The Scriptures are filled with people of God facing trials, so it is very clear that just because we serve God, we are not exempt from trials, storms and many tests along the way. That is what the faith chapter is all about, Hebrew 11. 

Why do we have trials in our lives? 

Remember, We are being led by the Holy Spirit 

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning’s which cannot be uttered. 

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  (13)  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

In trials we glorify God 

1 Peter 4:15-17 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.  (16)  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  

Isaiah 48:10-11 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.  (11)  For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. 

Jesus disciplines the Ones He loves 

Hebrews 12:5-7 You have forgotten the encouragement that is addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not think lightly of the Lord's discipline or give up when you are corrected by him.  (6)  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts."  (7)  What you endure disciplines you: God is treating you as sons. Is there a son whom his father does not discipline? 

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, for those who have been trained by it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. 

Revelation 3:19 I correct and discipline those whom I love, so be serious and repent! 

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not reject the LORD's discipline, and do not despise his correction, (12)  because the LORD corrects the person he loves, just as a father corrects the son he delights in. 

We should cherish God’s correction in our lives, because God disciplines only those He loves. 

Suffering prevents us from falling into sin 

Suffering teaches Christians to live in such a way that they honor God. Christians are to be serious and joyful as they reveal through our lives the love and spiritual abilities that God has given to them. 

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 

The focus of the lives of those who suffer for Christ is on doing God’s will, rather than on living according to sinful passions.  

Trials keep us from Pride, Conceited. 

Romans 2:6-7 For he will repay everyone according to what that person has done:  (7)  eternal life to those who strive for glory, honor, and immortality by patiently doing good; 

Romans 2:8-9 but wrath and fury for those who in their selfish pride refuse to believe the truth and practice wickedness instead.  (9)  There will be suffering and anguish for every human being who practices doing evil, for Jews first and for Greeks as well. 

Apostle Paul kept from pride and becoming conceited by his “thorn in the flesh”    We all some type of thorn in our flesh       

2 Corinthians 12:7-8 To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thorn was given to me and placed in my body. It was Satan's messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited.  (8)  I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me, 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 but he has told me, "My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah's power may rest on me.  (10)  That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Thorn can be a physical ailment of the flesh, or to a temptation, sinful nature. 

Was the thorn for Paul, his eyes? 

Galatians 4:15 What, then, happened to your positive attitude? For I testify that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 

His eyes, blindness happen on the road to Damascus or being stoned at Lystra.  This could explain the reference to his own eyes, as well as the size of Paul’s handwriting, 

Galatians 6:11 Look at how large these letters are because I am writing with my own hand! 

Trials to build faith. growth and Godly Character 

There will also be trials because of the pressures and difficulties of life, these trials refers to ordeals that we encounter in life rather than those things that would induce us to sin. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while,  (7)  so that your genuine faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes when tested by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. 

Romans 5:1-2  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.  (2)  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory. 

Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  (4)  endurance produces character, and character produces hope.  (5)  Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 

2 Corinthians 10:15 We are not boasting about work done by others that cannot be evaluated. On the contrary, we cherish the hope that your faith may continue to grow and enlarge our sphere of action among you until it overflows. 

We learn Obedience from sufferings 

Hebrews 5:8  Son though he was, he learned obedience through his sufferings 

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord told him, "Go, since he (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the gentiles, to their kings, and to the descendants of Israel.  (16)  For I am going to show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." 

In trials we learn to comfort others 

Luke 22:28 "You are the ones who have always stood by me {Jesus} in my trials. 

Jesus recognized that the disciples had been present and had suffered with Him during His ministry.  We all have a physical problem and later on we were able to help someone else with the same problem. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  (4)  who comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort others in all their suffering, as we ourselves are being comforted by God. 

Trials take our minds off of things of the world and put them back on the Lord 

Colossians 3:1-4 Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.  (2)  Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.  (3)  For you have died, and your life has been safely guarded by the Messiah in God.  (4)  When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you, too, will be revealed with him in glory. 

Through trials we become a witness to unbelievers 

Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with all humility, with tears, and with trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven." 

1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. "Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset.  (15)  Instead, exalt the Messiah" as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. 

1 Peter 3:16-17 But do this gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah will be ashamed of slandering you.  (17)  After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

Trials brings Heavenly Rewards 

2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and to hold unrighteous people for punishment on the day of judgment, 

Matthew 5:11-12 "How blessed are you whenever people insult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falsely because of me!  (12)  Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you." 

·      We as God adopted children, like it or not, we represent The King wherever we go; at work, at home, at church, and in the community. 

·      We are reflecting Him to other individuals every day as Jesus Ambassador. 

·      Do we see our trials as an opportunity and not as an obstacle. 

·      Whether it is physical, illness, financial, spiritual, a relationship, persecutions, distresses, temptations, tribulations, fiery trials, work, reproaches or some other crisis,

·      We need to learn to trust and have faith in God.  

·      We have such short memories. 

·      After a trial, we forget it and move on to our normal habit of our lives. 

·      The real secret of survival in any trial is recalling the many times in faith that God has always brought us through before and because of God’s promise, He will do it again. 

Do we love God?  Here is one of Jesus’s promise for encouragement. 

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

·      We still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices.

·      But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good. 

 

To prove the reality of Christ in us 

2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.  (8)  In every way we're troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair,  (9)  persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.  (10)  We are always carrying around the death of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our bodies.  (11)  While we are alive, we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be clearly shown in our mortal bodies. 

God has given us His Word to guide us 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

Finally, what does James tells us 

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  (3)  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  (4)  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

The bottom line, we understand and believe it is God’s purpose to build holy, righteous character in human beings by the trials we go through.