Spiritual Leadership, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Maturity Set of 3 Sanders books

1. God's Providence Works All Things for Good

"All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

God's beneficent plan. The overruling providence of God ensures that all circumstances, whether seemingly adverse or advantageous, ultimately work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean that all things are inherently good, but rather that God uses everything to achieve His benevolent intentions for His children.

Active and inclusive. God's providence is not passive but actively works in all situations. It encompasses every aspect of life, leaving nothing outside its scope. Even in the midst of tragedy, disappointment, or failure, God is at work, weaving these experiences into a pattern that will ultimately bring about good.

Harmonious outworking. Like a master artist blending various colors to create a beautiful masterpiece, God interweaves diverse experiences – both joyful and sorrowful – to produce a harmonious outcome. This process may not always be immediately apparent, but in time, the wisdom of God's providential care becomes evident.

2. Visions of God Lead to Self-Abasement and Transformation

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead."

Profound impact. Encounters with the divine consistently result in a deep sense of self-abasement and unworthiness. From Job to Isaiah, Moses to John, those who experienced visions of God were overwhelmed by His holiness and their own inadequacy.

Preparation for service. This self-abasement is not an end in itself but a necessary precursor to spiritual growth and expanded ministry. God uses these encounters to break down self-reliance and pride, preparing individuals for greater usefulness in His service.

Examples of transformation after divine encounters:

• Job's increased blessings and restored fortunes
• Isaiah's commission as a prophet
• Paul's conversion and apostolic ministry
• John's revelation and writing of the Apocalypse

3. The Undiscouraged Perseverance of God in Pursuing His Children

"Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

Relentless pursuit. God's love is persistent and undiscouraged, even in the face of human waywardness. The story of Jacob exemplifies God's unwavering commitment to pursuing and transforming His chosen ones, despite their flaws and failures.

Transformation process. God's perseverance is not about maintaining the status quo but about bringing about radical change. Through various encounters and life experiences, God works to reshape character and fulfill His purposes.

Key moments in Jacob's transformation:

• The dream at Bethel
• Wrestling at Peniel
• Return to Bethel

4. God's Sovereign Selection Chooses the Unlikely

"God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty."

Divine perspective. God's choices often confound human expectations. He frequently selects individuals who seem ill-suited for His purposes, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness.

Grace magnified. By choosing the unlikely, God magnifies His grace and leaves no room for human boasting. This principle is evident throughout Scripture and church history, where God has used flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Examples of unlikely choices:

• Jacob over Esau
• David over his brothers
• The disciples (fishermen, tax collectors)

5. Divine Discernment Sees Hidden Potential

"Jacob have I loved."

Deeper insight. God's selection is based on His ability to see beyond surface appearances and discern hidden potential. In Jacob, despite his flaws, God saw a capacity for spiritual growth and a desire for divine blessing.

Basis for pursuit. This divine discernment forms the basis for God's persistent pursuit. He sees what we can become, not just what we currently are, and works tirelessly to bring that potential to fruition.

Aspects of Jacob's character God saw:

• Desire for spiritual blessings
• Capacity for transformation
• Future role in God's redemptive plan

6. God's Persistent Pursuit Leads to Transformation

"Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."

Ongoing process. God's pursuit of Jacob spanned decades, involving multiple encounters and life experiences. This illustrates that transformation is often a lengthy process requiring divine patience and human cooperation.

Key encounters. Throughout Jacob's life, God orchestrated specific encounters designed to challenge and change his character. Each of these served as a stepping stone in Jacob's journey from deceiver to prince with God.

Significant moments in Jacob's transformation:

• First Bethel encounter: Promise of divine presence
• Peniel wrestling match: Name change and character shift
• Second Bethel encounter: Renewed commitment and blessing

7. Divine Discipline is Purposeful and Proportionate

"Doth the plowman plow continually to sow?"

Tailored approach. God's discipline is not arbitrary but carefully tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Like a skilled farmer who knows how to treat different types of soil, God applies discipline with wisdom and discernment.

Goal-oriented. The ultimate purpose of divine discipline is not punishment but preparation for greater fruitfulness. God's chastening is always aimed at producing a harvest of righteousness in the lives of His children.

Aspects of God's disciplinary wisdom:

• Appropriate duration
• Suitable intensity
• Clear purpose

8. Our Response to God's Discipline Determines Its Effectiveness

"Let Him Plow, He purposeth a crop."

Active participation. While God initiates and oversees the disciplinary process, our response plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Embracing God's discipline with faith and submission leads to growth and fruitfulness.

Potential outcomes. The same discipline can produce different results depending on our response. A submissive heart will be softened and made more fruitful, while a resistant spirit may become hardened and unproductive.

Positive responses to discipline:

• Submission to God's will
• Trust in His wisdom and love
• Expectation of future blessing

Human responsibility: Our role is to cooperate with God's work in our lives, trusting His wisdom even when we don't understand His methods. This attitude of faith allows us to benefit fully from His loving discipline and experience the transformation He desires for us.

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Last updated: August 3, 2024