Difficult times become deadly times when we see them as originating from God. God does not bring on hard times in order to educate us. Tests and temptations are designed to bring us to a place where we will fall from faith.
Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endured temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
The word “tried” in this verse means to be “approved”. The approval spoken of her is not God’s stamp that says “you are good enough because you have proven yourself”. It is the life that remains in us because we didn't succumb to the death that was trying to get a grip during the difficult time. Death through difficult times manifests as follows:
1 Saying that God is the one who tests us – i.e. seeing the source of life and deliverance as the origin of our trouble.
2 Falling into deep introspection, seeking things we must do right in order to pass the test and be promoted to a higher level. This will result in a Law-mindset, causing us to fall from Grace as a basis for salvation, into Law as the basis of salvation - this is deadly!
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the laws of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelled all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Let’s see the perfection of His sacrifice, which perfects us completely, and by doing so we'll make hard times powerless!!
8 comments:
Amen! Well said. I have recently been learning this in my own life.
ps.. what's up with all the "ye"s? Are you reverting old English, Jul?
I just realized I posted under Steve's name, this is Katie and I also just realized this was Bertie that posted. Sorry for the mix up!
Bertie, thanks for saying that! I've been trying to get people to realize that for years. What o what is the perverse urge that causes people to view God as "The Bestower of Burdens"?
God bestows strength, not burdens.
Katie! Good to hear from you. Bertie favors KJV and The Message translations. Quite an interesting combo haha.
Point number 2 is such an awesome revelation. This shows how easy it is to slip into a law mentality.
With reference to Pt.2 again, may I print this quote that I'd taken from elsewhere: "to constantly believe that you are righteous is to constantly receive blessings."
That is to mean regardless of the circumstances or situations.
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