W E L C O M E !

THE CRUCIBLE OF

Hebrews 12: 3-11 (NLT)

Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12: 3 (NLT)

After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12: 4 (NLT)

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, Hebrews 12: 5 (NLT)

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. Hebrews 12: 5 (NLT)

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.” Hebrews 12: 6 (NLT)

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12: 7 (NLT)

If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Hebrews 12: 8 (NLT)

Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? Hebrews 12: 9 (NLT)

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. Hebrews 12: 10 (NLT)

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening --- it’s painful No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening --- it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12: 11 (NLT)

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

I. God Empowers Our Regeneration (Justification) and Provides the Means and His Aid in our Purification (Sanctification).

II. God’s Sovereignty in the Circumstances of Life Do Not Remove Our Personal Responsibility or Accountability to Repent from Sin and Obey.

6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. Deuteronomy 30:6 (NKJV)

7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7 (NKJV)

19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19 (NKJV)

There are Two Types of God’s Will in the Bible. 1. Sovereign Will (God’s Plan) 2. Will of Command (God’s Commands)

Sovereign Will (God’s Plan)

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 33 We may throw the dice,* but the LORD determines how they fall. Proverbs 16:33 (NLT)

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Acts 4:28

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Acts 4:28

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Sovereign Will (God’s Pan) 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God,* for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11 (NLT)

God’s Will of Command

God’s Will of Command 1 Thessalonians 5:15–19 (NKJV) 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always,

God’s Will of Command 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

III. God Works to Change Our Hearts By Disciplining Those He Loves.

IV. God Disciplines His Children through His Sovereign Plan in Good and Bad Circumstances to Forge in Us Christ-Likeness and Allow us to Share in His Holiness.

V. God’s End Result in His Children is the Complete Salvation and Transformation of the Saints as We Fully Become Righteous and Glorified (Glorification) in His Image.

Whatever is happening in our lives we have at least three responsibilities before God.

1. We must trust that no matter what happens God will use every circumstance to work out His sovereign will for our good.

2. We must saturate ourselves in God’s Word, walking in His Spirit, so that we will fulfill His will of command through obedience. Don’t give up, think what Jesus endured for this to happen in your soul.

3. Place you hope and confidence in the master work of art God is accomplishing in the salvation of your soul. Walk in His Spirit and let your obedience flow the love and appreciation God develops in your heart for Himself.

Communion Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV) 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV)