Discipline in Principle to Perfection

‘For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ; let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.' (Hebrews 5:12-6:8 NKJV)

We read what happens when someone 'falls away' after having once been enlightened: 'they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame'. They make God a liar by their lack of discipline in principle to perfection. They bear thorns and briers rather than useful herbs. I know of few who would fall away on purpose, realizing the end of those works. Each of us must be willing to examine ourselves in these words and teach by example.

The Mind of Christ

‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.' 

(Philippians 2:5-16)

'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him who judges righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.' (1 Peter 2:21-25)

Each one's desire is decided upon in the mind. It is clear Paul and Peter, apostles both, were brought to think of the testimony of Christ, in the name of Jesus.

Constrained to Come unto Him

‘And straightway, Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.' (Matthew 14:22-32 KJV)

Jesus had 'constrained' his disciples to get into the ship, and go before Him to the other side. Upon Peter's request to walk to Him, Jesus said, 'Come.'

What hadn't yet been considered by His disciples was the boisterousness of the circumstances on the way to the other side, in ship or out. If you ask to get to Jesus, realize that circumstances will test your resolve to get there. As we recognize and understand His spoken words of discipleship, hope and strength bless our trip.

'For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.' (John 17:8 KJV)

Finish Believing

‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." '

(Matthew 16:24,25 KJV)

'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God has made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.'

(1 John 5:9-13 KJV)

'Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? '(James 2:19,20 KJV)

It seems there is an insinuation by John, although you may believe, that the depth of your understanding of the record must be brought to bear. Our work of faith in the Son of God is to ask this of Him, for he who asks receives.

How Unprofitable Do You Think You Are?

‘And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, 'Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea'; and it should obey you." But which of you, having a servant plowing or tending cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, 'Go and sit down to meat?' And will not rather say unto him, 'Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do'.'

A sign of a servant: recognizing his duty without transgression or fruitless offensiveness. Learning how to serve God, in the name of Jesus Christ, knowing what you have from Him has been given by Him. How unprofitable will you let God show you how to be?

Recognize 'This Mountain': Insert Your Name

‘For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto THIS MOUNTAIN, "Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, is ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.' 

(Mark 11:23-26 KJV)

There inevitably are fears, questions, reasonings within we current believers in God that stand out of the way of Christ's testimony being formed in us. Understand this mountain is your confidence in the flesh that resists confidence in Him. As you recognize this, devote to the remedy which Jesus promises will bring fruit to perfection.

The End of Your Faith, from the Beginning

‘Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed at the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: RECEIVING THE END OF YOUR FAITH, even THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS.' (1 Peter 1:1-9 KJV)

If the end of your faith is the salvation of your soul, what is the beginning?

'When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" And they said, "Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." He saith unto them, "But whom say ye that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."(Matthew 16:13-17 KJV)

The beginning of your faith is the revelation to you, from the Father, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of living God: salvation from the Spirit of God to your spirit, making it alive and ready to continue what Peter witnesses in the epistle that bears his name. As we read/listen to Jesus' words of faith, allow the Father, by His Spirit, to bring us to the end Peter loved, believed, and rejoiced in.