How many times have you been offended by someone’s actions or even words? It seems easier to get offended when something ‘unfair’ is done to us. But what if a time comes when that ‘unfair thing’ should be our lot and taking offence is not to be an option for us? Will such a time come?
Notice the following words of Jesus: “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” John 16:1. Being offended in this context is to fall away or to begin to distrust and desert one whom we ought to trust and obey. This is an outcome that Jesus does not wish for His disciples. Therefore, whatever He tells them must be very important even unto us whom the end of the world has come. These things He speaks to us that His joy may remain in us John 15:11.
So, what are these things spoken to us? “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” John 16:2. But why does this happen? It is because of truth, the Word of God. It is because of Jesus, our connection to Him (Matt 13:21; Luke 6:22). This as well is the reason why many will take offence. The result being betrayal and hatred to one another (Matt 24:10).It is important to note that those who are offended because of the truth turn hostile to them which bear God’s banner of truth.
From the words of Jesus (John 16:2), two events are to take place. a) A casting out from the church and b) martyrdom.
a) A casting out from the church body: A story is told of a blind man (from birth), who miraculously receives His sight after an encounter with Christ. The man is brought before the Pharisees (church leaders/teachers/theologians) and is questioned as to how he received his sight. On telling his account, the Jews believe not his testimony and the parents are called to confirm whether the man had been born blind. The parents acknowledge that fact but refuse to speak on how he received his sight because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already that if any man did confess that Jesus was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue (John 9:1-22). The healed man did confess Jesus as his healer despite the opposition and rejection of Christ by the Church (verses 23-34). What followed was him being cast out (verse 35).
Fear of standing distinct which comes with pressure and even possibility of persecution, has often been the reason why many have suppressed the convictions of God’s Spirit and abandoned the light which has been so brightly shed before them (John 12:42). The followers of Christ must tread the same path of humiliation, reproach and suffering which their master trod (Heb 10:32) yea even from our own brethren (Acts 13:50; Matt 10:21). Under the fiercest persecution the witnesses for Jesus are to keep their faith unsullied.
b) Martyrdom: How can this be:”…whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service?” One claiming to belong to God murdering His fellow brother? how come there are two groups which claim to serve God but are so distinct in character and action? Jesus tells us why one group turns murderous: “…because they have not known the Father, nor me.” John 16:3. This group is deceived (Isa 65:5). Thinking to be holy, they walk after their own thoughts (Isa 65:2; Jer 17:9). They have a zeal for God but not in accordance with correct and vital knowledge about Him and His purposes. Being ignorant of God’s righteousness, they go about to establish their own (Rom 10:2-3).
Both groups receive rays of truth but one rejects it (2 Thessa 2:10-12). Sometimes God commissions men to teach that which is regarded as contrary to the established doctrines. Because those who were once depositaries of truth became unfaithful to their sacred trust, the Lord chose others who would receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and would advocate truths that were not in accordance with the ideas of the religious leaders. And then these leaders, in the blindness of their minds, give full sway to what is supposed to be righteous indignation against the ones who have set aside cherished fables. They do not consider the possibility that they themselves have not rightly understood the word. They will not open their eyes to discern the fact that they have misinterpreted and misapplied the scriptures, and have built up false theories, calling them fundamental doctrines of the faith TM 69.2
Knowing God and Jesus entails a knowledge of Jesus as savior (Isa 53:11), and an understanding of God’s character (Jer 9:24) acknowledging Him as sovereign; the only one worthy of our worship, therefore departing from any form of idolatry (1 Cor 8:4; 1 Thessa 1:9).
How do we get to know God and Jesus Christ? Scripture points out that Jesus is truth (John 14:6) and the Holy Spirit leads us to the truth (John 16:13). It is the Spirit who makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church DA 671.2. The Spirit is given on condition that we surrender to be guided and controlled by divine agencies. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. Receiving God’s Spirit is key in getting to know God and Jesus Christ.
How do we make the needed surrender? Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision or of choice. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus, your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him SC 47.1-2.
Practical steps in knowing God: a) appreciation of the character of Christ. Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and by beholding we become changed (2 Cor 3:18). Spend a thoughtful hour every day in contemplation of Christ’s life especially the closing scenes. Realizing what a sacrifice He made for you, what manner of love He has for you, thou will be drawn unto Him (John 12:32). b) through communion with God. We communicate with God through prayer. Let your heart reach out to Him every moment, longing for His presence as you would for a close friend.
A test for knowledge of God: love (1 John 4:8), obedience to His commandments (1 John 2:3).
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