The Scandalous Truth
(study – 16)
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The gospel is so Shocking to Unbelievers – that God’s Word or Truth is generally rejected.
The Gospel IS shocking –
God’s Standard IS scandalous –
His Word of Truth IS staggering –
But His Word is so Shocking to Believers –we often won’t accept its disturbing Truth,
Scripture is so Scandalous – we are unprepared to see ourselves through God’s eyes,
Scriptures Truth is so Staggering – we often substitute our own preferred thoughts.
Scripture IS shocking – His Standard IS scandalous – His Word of Truth IS staggering.
But if we would judge ourselves …..(by God’s standard)
- we would not be judged 1Cor.11:31
God has set one criterion for SALVATION in His Word… and it is believe,
– and nothing else… if only we would Trust His Word,
– but law, works, skewed doctrine and false perceptions muddy the truth.
God has set out steps for SANCTIFICATION in His Truth… and we are to do it HIS way,
– and not try to do it our way… if only we would Believe His Word,
– but self-effort, wrong doctrine, and inappropriate church requirements hinder us.
God has set one singular requirement for GRACE… and it all of GOD…
– and none of me… if only we would just have in Faith His Word..
– but legalism, self, false doctrine and wrong perceptions cause confusion.
God has set a simple yardstick for GROWTH in His Word… and it’s obey His Word,
– and it is all set our in the New Testament epistles… if only we would obey His Word,
But a wrongly divided Word, self-effort and ignoring His directives causes regression.
God has set His one and only standard for PLEASING GOD… and it is FAITH
– a confidence and conviction in all God’s promised Word – whether visible or invisible
– but how we allow sight, feeling or circumstances to override His Truth in Scripture
God has set His single specification for FELLOWSHIP with Him – and it is Confess,
God has set His vital criterion for EFFECTIVE PRAYER – do it in Spirit and Truth,
God has set His instruction on dealings with SPIRITUAL ATTACKS – resist the evil one,
The problem is that sanctification; grace; growth; faith et al – are all interlinked.
And a wrong course in one – inevitably influence all the rest.
– and a life that once knew a closeness to God – becomes a life that is in tatters.
Now this is the score:-
Every Individual Perfect Attribute of God – is MULTIPLIED by His other attributes.
Each Eternal, Changeless Characteristic – is MAGNIFIED by His other characteristics.
If we mistrust just one of God’s attributes – we have a problem with them all,
– if we cant accept His everlasting Love – it affects all our thoughts of Him,
– or if we think He’s unfair in one area of life – we deny the truth of His whole character.
Similarly:-
Rejecting a part of scripture that conflicts with our preconceptions – affects all of life,
If we cant accept one area of truth – we put a question mark over the whole.
In the same way:-
Every instruction in God’s Word – is affected for better or worse by all the others,
If we don’t accept Grace as all of Him – it influences Fellowship and Growth -etc
If we only have Faith in the visible aspects of His Word – we deny the invisible -etc
Every teaching in God’s Word – is founded on, and intertwined with all the others,
If we are wrong in one area – it influences every single part of our Christian walk,
And that precious child of God is the Shocking, Scandalous, Staggering TRUTH.
The Gospel is Shocking –
God’s Standard is Scandalous –
His Word of Truth is Staggering
God’s Word IS so Shocking to Believers – we often won’t accept its simple Truth,
Scripture IS so Scandalous – we are unprepared to see ourselves through God’s eyes,
Scriptures Truths ARE so Staggering – we often substitute our own preferred thinking.
But if we would judge ourselves……
(judging by God’s standard
not judging be our own standards)
if we would judge ourselves – we would not be judged 1Cor.11:31
If we could only accept God’s Word as a little child – it IS as simple as the A.B.C.
“…UNLESS you become as little children…..”
“…Unless YOU become as little children…..”
“…Unless you BECOME as little children…..”
“…Unless You Become as Little Children…..”
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- The Scandalous Truth - part 16
- Full Study Index for ‘A Study on GROWING in GRACE’
- A Study : GROWING in GRACE
Elizabeth Haworth
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Today's Devotionals
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Knowing Jesus Devotional: Rightly DividedDaily Light: June 20My Utmost: Have You Come To “When” Yet?Open Windows: The Arm of the Lord
