JRM Sison Chapter - Teachings

What is a promise?
     According to Encarta Dictionary; promise is a vow to somebody, an assurance, a given expectation.

     A promise to most people is something that is expected to be given or to be received.
          Examples of promise
               a.     “I shall return” - The infamous saying made by McArthur.
               b.     “Till death do us part” or “in sickness and in health” - the undying ceremonial undertaking.
               c.     “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang buwan at langit” - the corniest promise made by a suitor.


What is God’s promise?
     A promise made by God is a promise that you can take to the bank. It is true and attainable. Though the promise of God is somewhat impossible with man’s sight and ways, it is only a little matter with God.
          Examples of God’s promise:
               a.     God’s promise to Abraham (a son in his old age)
               b.     God’s promise to Lot (salvation from the destruction of Sodom)
               c.     God’s promise to the people of Israel (the land flowing with milk and honey)
               d.     God’s promise of the Messiah
               e.     God’s promise to Solomon
               f.     And so many promises that God had kept.

How are promises claimed?
     a.     There must be a promise first
     b.     The source of the promise must be reliable
     c.     The methods to be used must be readily available

ACHIEVING GOD’S PROMISE
     A.     Purpose
          God’s promise has a purpose. The reason why God has given vow to man is due to His purpose for us. This purpose must be seen in us to claim the promise of God. Without purpose, there is no vision. Without vision, people perish (Prov 29:18). Have a purpose to gain God’s promise.
          The people of Israel had a certain purpose after they were freed from bondage in Egypt; a purpose of hope. This purpose was to move to the promise of God; a land flowing with milk and honey.

     B.     Revelation
          Gal 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. God also speaks to us through revelation. One’s purpose is made known also through revelation. Others had revelation after knowing their purpose.
          The people of Israel never had a revelation before knowing their purpose. God used leaders to reveal to them His promise. Through His revelation, the people of Israel traveled grasping the promise; moving on towards the goal.

     C.     Obedience
          Deut 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
          John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
The Israelites were given purpose and God revealed to them what would happen. He would give them blessing if they obey; curse if they would not obey His commands. Now, obedience was present only through purpose and revelation. As God has given the Israelites purpose and revealed to them the things to come and His commands, the Israelites must adhere to God’s voice, God’s Word. And Revelation 19:13 and 16 states that Jesus is God’s Word. Thus, as stated in John 15:7, obedience to God is abiding in God’s only begotten Son. Obedience is also about listening to His Word (“and my words abide in you”). Through obedience the people of Israel began to understand their purpose and the reason of the revelation. Note that knowing one’s purpose is different from understanding it. Obey God, abide in His words and reap the rewards. Note that the blessing that will be set upon those who obeyed is not the promise yet. Just as the people of Israel trusted on the commands of God through His servant Joshua; they got rid of the walls of Jericho and plundered it. But Jericho was not yet the promise; it was only a taste of the things that were yet to come.

     D.     Movement
          Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Obedience is not for idle man but for active Christians. An inactive movement brings nothing. An active movement brings abundance. Ecc. 3:13 states “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God”. Only those who are willing will be blessed; only those who have will be given more (Matt 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath). As the saying goes, Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Move to gain the promise that God has given.

     E.     Inspiration
          As Christians, we read our Bibles on a daily basis. But reading is different from inspiration. As we read the Bible, we must be inspired. How can we be inspired? John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Only through the Spirit of God will we be inspired. Through this inspiration will we be able to sanctify ourselves.

     F.     Sanctify
          God has given us a distinct command in Lev 20:7 (Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God). The Israelites before they undertake a certain miraculous event, they consecrate themselves; sanctified them for the works of the Lord is at hand. Only through sanctification will the promise be met and achieved.

     G.     Excited
          The last thing that we should know about gaining God’s promise is to be excited; like a child expecting a gift from his father.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

     1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

     Heb 10:35-36 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

          Brethren, keep on going on; keep on fighting on; keep on keeping on. Run the race, lay hold on eternal life. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. And receive the promise of God.