Notes taken from The Life Application Study Bible (NIV edition).

“THOSE WHOM I LOVE I REBUKE AND DISCIPLINE. SO BE EARNEST, AND REPENT.” – Revelation 3:19 (NIV)

Let us focus on the word “discipline”.

The Lord is disciplining and rebuking us when we are far from him. How can we avoid the discipline of the Lord? We can avoid the discipline of the Lord by drawing near to him again through confession, service and studying his word.

CONFESSION

First John 1:9

In admitting our sins we are: a. agreeing with God that our sin is truly sin and that we are willing to turn from it. b. ensuring that we don’t conceal our sins from him and from ourselves. c. recognizing our tendency to sin and relying on his power to overcome it.

SERVICE

Deuteronomy 11:13: serving the LORD with our heart and with our soul.

Second Chronicles 19:9: serving faithfully and wholeheartedly.

Psalm 2:11: serve the LORD with fear.

Psalm 100:2: “Serve the LORD with gladness.”

Matthew 4:10: serve the Lord only.

Ephesians 6:7: “Serve wholeheartedly, …”

WORSHIP

John 4:24:

The Holy Spirit helps us worship. a. The Holy Spirit prays for us. Romans 8:26 b. The Holy Spirit teaches us the words of Christ. John 14:26 c. The Holy Spirit tells us that we are loved. Romans 5:5

STUDYING HIS WORD

Ezra 7:10

“FOR EZRA

Intr.:

had devoted himself

a. to the study and

b. observance

of the law of the LORD, and

c. teaching its decrees and laws

End:

in ISRAEL.”

Let us do what the Bible says: Let us be earnest. Let us repent.