In Bob Sorge book “The Chastening of the Lord”, He discusses that the disciplining of the Lord is the “forgotten doctrine” of the church. As we move into the final days of history, we are approaching the fulfilling of Romans 8:18-19 (ESV)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”
As I have stated publicly, I believe the next item on the prophetic calendar is not the rapture but the revealing of sons. Because of that, we must realize that the Lord will be pressing those sons into maturity. He uses discipline to train us. Those in the military understand this principle. Many in the church do not. The role of the five-fold ministry is not only to teach inspirational and practical messages but to bring the body to maturity. Because spiritual authority was often abused the “shepherding movement” of the 1990’s, many believers throw off spiritual leaders all together. The other extreme is to worship Christian celebrities who train a younger generation how to become a ministry celebrity. Remember Todd Bentley? Tremendous gifts; poor character. Paul Cain had the most amazing prophetic/word of knowledge gift I have ever seen. Yet he struggled with homosexuality most of his life. You see, we cover up sin in our lives by religious activity, spirituality and giftedness. Like King Saul, It’s not the intimacy of God we crave for, it’s the following and acceptance of man. In the days to come, true spiritual authority will only see their role in maturing and preparing the bride for the Master. See Ephesians 4 :11-16 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
God uses trials and difficulties to train us. The only right response to discipline is joyful, “thanksgiving and praise”. This response will not only bring to maturity but will also increase our spiritual authority. Jesus’ half-brother, James opened his letter with this; James 1:2-7 (ESV)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Finally, the role of discipline proves our true identity. See Hebrews 12:5-7 (ESV)
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.
If you never experience discipline, you might want to check to see if you’re a real son. In the days to come, God has called us to “step up our game”. Don’t despise if you are being disciplined, realize it is because He loves us and desires to bring us to maturity. Let Him deal with your foundation of sin and mixture. Don’t be life Saul, be like King David who did not deny His sin when confronted but took responsibility, took ownership and repented. Jesus will sit forever on David’s throne. As a spiritual leader, God is also calling me to a higher place. I am more focused than ever to listen and do what He calls me to do even if it offends those who I love. Cheryl and I have given up almost half our lives to Cornerstone. We are determined to see this through to the end. God will have His way and lead us. To that I’m committed. God bless!!!