God's dealings with Israel are written as an example for us to learn about how God deals with us individually (Romans 15:4). From the examples in the Old Testament, the warnings in the New Testament, and from our walk we see God dealing with us in distinct ways when we rebel and turn from Him.
1) Conviction: Our purified consciences are guided by the Holy Spirit and by scripture to convict us of our sin. Conviction is not judgment or condemnation but bringing sin to light. When we are convicted we feel the weight of our sin and the separation it causes. (Conviction)
2) Warning: In the warning stage God speaks more strongly, warning us of the consequences of sin that await us if we continue. Peace flees and communion with God is disrupted. God is calling us to repentance much like the prophets in the Old Testament. (Luke 13:34) (Warning)
3) Discipline: The discipline stage is always unpleasant (Hebrews 12:4-11) . We feel the hand of God heavy on us, things start to go wrong and we are plagued with anxiety. The consequences of sin begin to appear and disrupt our lives. This is similar to the droughts that God caused because of the idolatry in Canaan. (Discipline)
4) Ruin: If we persist in sin and rebellion beyond all warning and discipline God is left with no choice but to graciously dismantle our lives to save our souls. Weakness and sickness can also be part of this stage (1 Cor 11:30). How many Christian leaders have lost their ministries, reputations, families, etc because of besetting sins. God used Assyria and Babylon to conquer Israel and Judah and send them into captivity because they rebelled against Him. (Ruin)
5) Death: The final stage is where God will not allow His name to be tarnished and His people to be condemned by the world (1 Cor 11:32). (Death)
No comments:
Post a Comment