THE SCOURGINGS OF GOD

THOSE FLOGGINGS

A strange inspiration came to me last night, and I have learned (I hope) to allow them to develop, even if I don't know why.

Perhaps not many of you are aware of the fact that God makes a difference, in His Word, between those who are "born into the family of God" (Christian believers), and those who attain to the status of "Sons". But, that fact is borne out throughout the Bible-- both the Old Testament and the New. We won't labor the proof this morning, but get right to the point impressed upon me last night.

God deals with "children" differently than with those who are "striving for the masteries"-- who are "overcomers" in the making, or "sons" in the making. Case in point: According to the parable of the ninety and nine-- the shepherd seeks for a “Christian” who wanders away. Conversely, according to the parable of the prodigal son-- a "son-in-the-making" is left to his own devices (plans and purposes) until he, through the process of sowing and reaping, "comes to himself".

Let's look at some scripture. Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, (child-training) and scourgeth (flogging) every son whom he receiveth (into Sonship). Find the word "scourging" in Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:. It comes from the word used to describe the Roman beatings of a criminal. It is a far cry from a "walk in the park" or a game of "tiddly winks". Jesus was "scourged" (flogged) in the judgment hall of Pilate. John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].

This is the SERIOUS BUSINESS of producing a "Son" via the process of SPIRITUAL REFINEMENT AND PERSONAL PURIFICATION. It can become a very painful, bruising process before the Lord is satisfied. And, WE CAN ESCAPE IT IF WE WISH. We do not have to accept such treatment from the Lord. HE WILL NOT FORCE IT UPON ANYONE. But, Listen to scripture:

Hebrews 12:7 IF YE ENDURE CHASTENING, GOD DEALETH WITH YOU AS WITH SONS"; for what SON is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Hebrews 12:8 BUT IF YE BE WITHOUT (refuse) CHASTISEMENT, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise (refuse) not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint ("think it not strange") when thou art rebuked of him: Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

All "Sons-in-the-making" are Christians (blood-bought), but not all blood-bought Christians are "Sons-in-the-making".

Let's "strive for the masteries". II Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

I Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is TEMPERATE IN ALL THINGS. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.