God restrains us because of LOVE
We cannot have absolute freedom because of:
(1) Our fallenness ⟹ Self-destruct, and will never choose God.
(2) Our Weakness due to existing sinful nature ⟹ Helpless in doing good.
(Martin Luther – Christians are justified and yet a sinner at the same time).
Yet, do we embrace this “restrained freedom” in our lives?
Verses to Read:<Eph 4:26-27, 31-32>
God “gave them over” = The doctrine of Reprobation
The restraint by God in 4 ways
1) God restrains cosmic events
2) God restrains Satanic activity
3) God restrains sinners
4) God restrains His children (out of His eternal love for them)
<1 Sam 25:38-39>. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.”
Restrained, so as to be great instruments of God
1) Know that our greatest enemy is within us (i.e. our sinful nature).
2) Embraces God’s restraining work.
* <Ps 23:3>: He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
3) Through continual confirmation of God’s Word
* <Rn 12: 2>: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
How about deep wounds and grievances?
God restrains us so that HE will not have to keep restraining us indefinitely.
* “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” <Jn 15:15>.
* “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” <Jn 15:7>.
