| Spiritual Chastisement |
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John 15:1-2, 2Timothy 3:16-17
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. *All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. *All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Just as chastisement is an important part of training and instilling discipline in children in the natural, spiritual chastisement is an important part of our spiritual training in God. The Bible says God chastises us because He loves us and that if we endure chastening, God deals with us as sons. However, if we are without chastisement, then we are bastards and not sons, Heb.12:6-8. Chastisement is usually not a pleasant experience but when received with the right heart and attitude, it leads to greater fruitfulness and effectiveness.One major way God chastises us is through His Word. God's Word can reprove or rebuke us to make us sound in the faith, Titus 1:13. It can correct us and instruct us in the way of righteousness so that we would be thoroughly furnished for good works. There will be times that God will send you a Word that will purge you and cleanse you so that you may become more fruitful spiritually. How will you react when such words come to you? Do not get angry or irritated whenever God's Word convicts your heart about something wrong that you are doing or not doing. Yield yourself to God's spiritual chastisement so you can have life, Heb.12:9.
Do not avoid spiritual chastisement. Do not be like those who the Bible says do not like to endure sound doctrine, but rather after their own lusts will have itching ears (2Tim.4:3); ears that only listen to what excites or pleases them.
PRAYER FOCUS: Tell God that you are His child and that you are open to Him to chastisenand correct you from His Word whenever necessary.
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