Hi guys, here is something i put together to share this Sabbath. Its based on a sermon on the character of the 144,000 by Norman McNulty from the site
http://www.mentonesda.org.--Ren
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(1Pe 2:20) For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
(1Pe 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(1Pe 2:22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
(1Pe 2:23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
(1Pe 2:24) 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.
Jesus is our example in all things, and the example that we ought to follow as we live our Christian experience. Remembering His example when He was provoked, 1 Peter chapter 2 councils us what is acceptable to God is to bear patiently when we are falsely accused. What did Jesus do, is the question. The writings of Mark details Christ’s example to us during the closing moments before His going to the cross…
(Mar 14:55) And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
(Mar 14:56) For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
(Mar 14:57) And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
(Mar 14:58) We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
(Mar 14:59) But neither so did their witness agree together.
(Mar 14:60) And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
(Mar 14:61) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
(Mar 14:62) And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
(Mar 14:63) Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
(Mar 14:64) Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
(Mar 14:65) And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
How many of us, apart from the power of God would be able to sit and take such abuse from others, knowing that you have come to help them. Our human nature would be to strike back, to get even, to set them straight. But 1 Peter 2:23 says …
(1Pe 2:23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Perhaps the greatest test the all believers will face is the test of overcoming self, for example, controlling our speech, which is so often quick to respond, quick to defend. Here is a quote from the book Ministry of Healing…
We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most need to fear. No form of vice has a more baleful effect upon the character than has human passion not under the control of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self. {MH 485.1}
We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another. Whatever others may think of us or do to us, it need not disturb our oneness with Christ, the fellowship of the Spirit. "What glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." 1 Peter 2:20. {MH 485.2}
If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that "a soft answer turneth away wrath." Proverbs 15:1. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.
Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God. Let mind and heart be stored with God's promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat to yourself the precious promises: {MH 486.2}
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21.
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." Psalm 37:5, 6.
"There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:2.
"Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." Psalm 66:12. {MH 486.6}
The world is used to people fighting amongst themselves, defending themselves, etc. But how often to they see people that reflect the character of God? People who are willing to endure afflictions and false accusations even in the midst of self-wanting to rise up. I myself can recall instances in which I may have presented a theological truth, but the presentation lacked the Spirit of Christ, the Fruit of the Spirit, the peace, the joy, the longsuffering…the patience.
“So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.” {Gospel Workers page 477.2}
As the closing events of this world take place, and calamities come more frequent and more intense, believers will be falsely accused and blamed along with God for causing the perils. Friends, we must learn now how to surrender ourselves to God when we are provoked, how to let God speak for us instead of allowing self to do the defending. Any thing else, anything less and we run the sure risk of following another spirit and misrepresenting God. Here is some good advice from the book Ministry of Healing by Ellen White.
“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person's life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.” {Ministry of Healing page 492.1}
The book of Acts is full of examples of believers who in the midst of the strongest persecutions, reflected the character of God and not self. The same was with other servants of God like Daniel, Martin Luther, Huss & Jerome, to name a few. Even under the treat of death they stood firm on God’s Word, praised His name and pray for those who persecuted them. When Christ returns a second time He will meet a set of people who wholly reflect His character, who will be led by His Spirit, whose lips will speak the Holy Word of truth. May God prepare us to be among those who will stand and be counted worthy…
(Rev 14:1) And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
(Rev 14:4) …. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. …
(Rev 14:5) And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
(Zep 3:13) The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
(Heb 12:1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
(Heb 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Heb 12:3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
(Heb 12:4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
AMEN!
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