School Of Hard Knocks

(Prov 15:10 NLT) Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

This morning we continue our series In the last two verses Solomon clearly told us how much Jehovah hates sin and how He will not overlook it. Solomon has already made it painstakingly clear that life will not go well for those who choose to walk in sin. In this verse He highlights the fact those who were once walking with God, who were traveling down God’s desired path for their lives, but for whatever reason left the path, will be severely disciplined. Make no mistake, those who know better but refuse to do better will be ‘men most miserable.’

In yesterday’s message I said: “God created a system of laws and principles – sowing and reaping, cause and effect, and the free will of humans – that govern the earth. His laws are always working. For God to overlook your sin and bless your mess He would have to violate the system He established.

Since He is a God of integrity that would pose a significant challenge for Him. That’s why He wants us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Our God is a good God and He wants to bless us, but He cannot overlook sin, so He urges us to live Godly lives. He wants (dearly) to gives us the right harvest, but He needs us to sow the right seed.”

If we know God’s Word, if we understand His purpose for our life, and we have God’s Spirit down inside of us, but we still refuse to do right, how can we expect to reap a harvest of blessing? Since God loves us He has to correct us. The writer of Hebrews said,

“For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?” (12:6,7).

But what happens when our children refuse our correction? They get punished. Life does not go well for them. It’s the same way with our heavenly Father and us. The Message Bible version of this text makes it very plain, saying:

“It's a school of hard knocks for those who leave God's path, a dead-end street for those who hate God's rules.”James said, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (4:17).

For you to be a child of God, to have His Word and His Spirit, and still then refuse His ways is rebellion. It’s not that God is expecting you to do something that He has not equipped you to do. Whatever He expects you to do, He equips you to do. But whatever He equips you to do, He expects you to do. That the ability to do good in any case imposes an obligation to do it.

Now, if you refuse to do right, God will correct you. If you refuse correction, the next step is severe discipline. If you refuse severe discipline, our text says that you can wind up dead. In the 10th chapter Solomon refers to this, saying: “If you respect the LORD, you will live longer; if you keep doing wrong, your life will be cut short” (10:27). It’s impossible to know how many people’s lives have been cut short because of sin and rebellion.

So what does this mean to you? I believe the message is clear. The Father wants to bless you, but He needs you to cooperate with Him and His ways. In the words of Solomon: “If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded” (Prov 13:13). If you want to live God’s best for your life you must be willing to do things His way. I will close with the words Paul used when speaking to the Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus . Paul said, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Father, thank You for the reminder and warning this morning. I sincerely want to live my best possible life in You, but I also know that for it to happen I must do my part. I declare, right now, by faith, that I will remain on Your path for my life. I will abstain from sin and wickedness. I will live what I know and maximize all that You show me. Holy Spirit, lead, guide, and direct me today. You will never lead me where the grace of God cannot keep me, so I declare that I will live a Spirit-led and Spirit-filled life that pleases You! In Jesus’ name. Amen!