[In these seven steps, we see a DEFINITE PROGRESSION of spiritual awakening and transformation which is the main thrust of our Lordโs TEACHING US TO BECOME LIKE HIM. This shows us the importance of noting THE ORDER in which Godโs truth is presented to us!] [First, there is a discovery of the fact that I AM NOTHING, I HAVE NOTHING, I CAN DO NOTHING-poverty of spirit.] “โฆAll of you, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5) [Second, there is conviction of sin, a CONSCIOUSNESS OF GUILT PRODUCING GODLY SORROW-MOURNING.] “Come near to God and he will come near to you. WASH YOUR HANDS, YOU SINNERS, AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.“ (Jam. 4:8-9) [Third, there is a renouncing of self-dependence and a TAKING OF MY PLACE IN THE DUST BEFORE GOD IN MEEKNESS (humility).] “For the LORD takes delight in his people; HE CROWNS THE HUMBLE WITH VICTORY.“ (Psa. 149:4) [Fourth, there is an INTENSE LONGING AFTER CHRIST and His salvation-hungering and thirsting after righteousness.] “As the deer pants for streams of water, SO MY SOUL PANTS FOR YOU, MY GOD. MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR GOD, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?“ (Psa. 42:1-2) [Fifth, Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one’s neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. And your Heavenly Father will be merciful with you! Jesus reminds us that whateverโฆ] “ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR BROTHER AND SISTER LIVES IN THE LIGHT, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.“ (1 John 2:10-11) [Sixth, to be pure of heart means to BE FREE OF ALL SELFISH INTENTIONS and SELF-SEEKING DESIRES, an act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all.] “Whatever you do, WORK AT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AS WORKING FOR THE LORD, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. IT IS THE LORD CHRIST YOU ARE SERVING.“ (Col. 3:23-24) [Seventh] “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But WE KNOW THAT WHEN CHRIST APPEARS, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.“ (1 John 3:2-3)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, KNOWING THAT IT IS HIS DESIRE FOR US TO BE LIKE HIM!
–Bill Stockham