Becoming A Vessel Of Honor Rebecca Brown

127 In fact, there is a very unpopular concept that we must think about very soberly. We MUST prove ourselves to God. We must demonstrate obedience and faith. Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Can we do any less?

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Hebrews 5:8-9

The hard facts are this: We CANNOT progress in our growth in the Lord without first proving ourselves obedient and faithful by putting sin out of our lives. This is one of the gravest errors in the current teachings about the Holy Spirit. Too many people promise instant access to great power in Christ. We receive this type of power ONLY as we prove ourselves faithful. I find it amazing, actually, the amount of power God does give to new Christians. BUT, we cannot sidestep the growing and refining process. This process will continue as long as we live, but we will reach a point where much of it is behind us. The parable of the man who went to a far country to be crowned king applies here. Let’s look at it.

"A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then, came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five Chapter 8 The Sin Nature