The Chastening Of The Lord
"Blessed is the man whom thou chasteneth, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law." (Psalm 94:12).
1. Christians must realize what it means to "chasten" (Eph. 6:4).
A. The word "nurture" in the King James version is the same Greek word used in other New Testament scripture as "chasten."
B. The Amplified Bible sheds more light on Eph. 6:4.
2. Christians must realize that God chastens us because He loves us (Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6).
A. God desires to keep us apart from the pollution and evil of the world (1 Cor. 11:32).
B. God is our FATHER. No TRUE father will SPOIL his child (Prov. 13:24; Heb. 12:7-9; Deut 8:5).
3. Christians must realize that God NORMALLY chastens us by His Word (Heb. 12:5).
A. God’s Word is perfectly capable of doing the chastening that God desires (2 Tim. 3:16).
B. The intent of chastening is to purify. God’s Word does just that (John 15:3).
4. Christians must realize that God SOMETIMES has to use negative circumstances to chasten us (2 Sam. 7:14).
A. When our senses become dull and we become disobedient, God will allow negative circumstances to bring us back to our senses (Heb. 3:8-11).
B. Sickness can be the result of sin. Once we repent then we can receive the healing we need (James 5:14-16).
5. Christians must realize that wonderful results can be produced in our lives as a result of chastening (Heb. 12:10-11).
A. As a Father, God wants nothing but the best for His children (Matt. 7:11; Deut. 8:5-11).
B. In every GODLY household, privileges come as a result of discipline and maturity. Should we expect less of God?
6. Christians must realize that God’s Chastening will not kill us (2 Cor. 6:9).
A. God’s intention is not to harm us or hurt us but to deliver our souls from hell (Prov. 23:13-14).
B. God does not go around killing and taking babies, however, disobedience can bring many things upon us.
7. Christians must realize that we are not to despise the chastening of the Lord (Prov. 3:11).
A. His chastening is for our good and His glory. God needs MATURE children for the work of the kingdom.
B. We must allow God’s chastening in our lives while there is still hope. We do not want to get to a place of no return (Prov. 19:18; Rom. 1:24-28).
