“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...” (Phil 2.14-16).
These are the kinds of verses that many of us would prefer to skip over. It is natural for us to begin self-justification as soon as we read words like these. Sometimes this is because statements such as these have been misapplied. In context, pursuing the commandments of God is under consideration. I don’t suggest you complain about your boss’ managing style, or your teacher’s difficult tests (poor attitudes are never good), but I also believe it has little to do with Phil 2.14-15.
Keep in mind the preceding verses (Vs 12-13), which discuss obedience to God, and seeking to please him. In our obedience to God’s will we should “do all things without grumbling or questioning...” The reason I feel so sure about explaining the passages in this way has much to do with the concluding phrase in the quote above. Rather than complaining and grumbling, we are to shine as lights to the world, “holding fast the word of life.” Paul says that in the day of Christ he will be proud of the Philippian brethren who accomplish this. My guess is that he will be proud of everyone else who holds fast to God’s word, without complaining.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Taking A Back Seat
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others. Having this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...” (Phil 2.3-5).
Most people in the world are taught or conditioned to look out for number one. Even acts that appear selfless are sometimes just a means to an end for one's personal gain. But when we die to ourselves and put on Christ (Rom 6.3-4), number one changes from myself to Christ. When our focus is on Christ, we will be more focused on what is best for one another. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “the reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me” (Rom 15.2-3). One of the aspects of the peace of God centers around the fellowship his people share. There is nothing the world can offer which equals the relationships found between Christians living with the Spirit of Christ within them.
Most people in the world are taught or conditioned to look out for number one. Even acts that appear selfless are sometimes just a means to an end for one's personal gain. But when we die to ourselves and put on Christ (Rom 6.3-4), number one changes from myself to Christ. When our focus is on Christ, we will be more focused on what is best for one another. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “the reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me” (Rom 15.2-3). One of the aspects of the peace of God centers around the fellowship his people share. There is nothing the world can offer which equals the relationships found between Christians living with the Spirit of Christ within them.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Christianity: Money Matters
Debt is a significant problem in the United States. The average credit card balance per household in 2001 was $7,500. By all implications things have been getting worse over the last five years. The “buy now and pay later” concept can be valuable if used wisely; however, too many people let their debt get out of control. Unfortunately, too many Christians let their debt get out of control.
Although it may be necessary to occasionally take on debt, it is not a good habit. The Bible talks about problems associated with accumulating too much debt. Solomon said, “The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 ASV). The Bible does not lack in financial advice. In fact, finances come up repeatedly throughout scripture. Jesus himself often dealt with such issues, or included them in his parables (Matthew 6:19-21; 18:21ff; Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-30). Paul reveals that money issues are a problem for Christians too. He told Timothy that many had been lead astray from the faith because of their attitude toward earthly wealth (1Tim 6:6-10, 17-19)
Debt, if we allow it, will rule our lives. There are people in our country that work hours of overtime to pay for their oversized homes, fancy new cars, and dream vacations. As a result, little time is left for family, friends, and most importantly– God. Jesus predicted that this would happen. Remember the parable of the sower? Some seed is sown among the thorns, it grows up, and is choked out by the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things (Mark 4:18-19). This may be the biggest problem among Christians today.
Please do not misunderstand my point. There is nothing wrong with buying a home, a car, and or saving for a nice vacation. I hope to do all of these things at some point in my life, must of us do. The problem is, too many people, Christians included, are forced to give all of their servitude to their lenders because of the poor financial decisions made on a daily basis. Solomon’s words of wisdom, “the borrower is servant to the lender,” must be considered before we begin indiscriminately swiping plastic to meet our hearts’ desires. Consider Paul’s words in Romans 13:7-8:
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7-8 ASV)
We better be careful about debt, because Christians have the responsibility to pay what is owed. Whether it is paying taxes to our country or paying respect to our nation’s leader, Christians must not hold back what is owed to another. Christians should avoid bad debt, and certainly bankruptcy, at all cost. The first step, of course, is enacting responsible spending habits. We are ambassadors for Christ, and as such we must do our best to prove that we are trustworthy and honorable.
Second, we need to stop worrying about how rich we look. The desire to appear affluent has contributed to the debt troubles of countless individuals. Sadly, this longing to radiate a wealthy aura pervades our society. In truth, such people are slaves to their “wealthy” behavior. Solomon strongly addressed this issue:
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7 NKJV), and “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17 ASV).
Christians need to avoid this want for a moneyed appearance. It shows an overemphasis on the temporal and a lack of concern for the eternal. Paul is clear that the love of money is the basis of all sorts of evil. Greed often enslaves people to their debts and alleviates their sense of spiritual obligation. It is sad when we feel compelled to place our material duties above our spiritual duties. Do not let debt put you in that position.
For most of us, debt is incurred when we purchase the “wants,” rather than the “needs” of life. Giving up a few wants is a small price to pay to help ensure undivided devotion to the Lord. Would you not agree? We need to live within our means, and discard the tendency to “put it on the card.” Not only does bad debt leave us in spiritual poverty, it often results in physical privation. Proverbs states, “Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread” (Proverbs 12:9 ASV). What’s the point? People that look rich rarely are.
The devil works in various ways to distract us from our spiritual service.
Those who enslave themselves to their monthly bills grant the devil success in his mission to cark God’s people with worldly diversions. It is impossible for us to be a living sacrifice to God when we are working ourselves to death to pay off outrageous debts (Romans 12:1).
I like what Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. wrote in his book The Millionaire Mind, “I taught my sons and daughters that money is not their god. You control it...not let it control you.” We cannot afford to become slaves to debt, because we owe our service to God. We must be slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Remember, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). If you let debt become your master, it will cost you eternal life– that is a debt you can never repay.
Although it may be necessary to occasionally take on debt, it is not a good habit. The Bible talks about problems associated with accumulating too much debt. Solomon said, “The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 ASV). The Bible does not lack in financial advice. In fact, finances come up repeatedly throughout scripture. Jesus himself often dealt with such issues, or included them in his parables (Matthew 6:19-21; 18:21ff; Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-30). Paul reveals that money issues are a problem for Christians too. He told Timothy that many had been lead astray from the faith because of their attitude toward earthly wealth (1Tim 6:6-10, 17-19)
Debt, if we allow it, will rule our lives. There are people in our country that work hours of overtime to pay for their oversized homes, fancy new cars, and dream vacations. As a result, little time is left for family, friends, and most importantly– God. Jesus predicted that this would happen. Remember the parable of the sower? Some seed is sown among the thorns, it grows up, and is choked out by the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things (Mark 4:18-19). This may be the biggest problem among Christians today.
Please do not misunderstand my point. There is nothing wrong with buying a home, a car, and or saving for a nice vacation. I hope to do all of these things at some point in my life, must of us do. The problem is, too many people, Christians included, are forced to give all of their servitude to their lenders because of the poor financial decisions made on a daily basis. Solomon’s words of wisdom, “the borrower is servant to the lender,” must be considered before we begin indiscriminately swiping plastic to meet our hearts’ desires. Consider Paul’s words in Romans 13:7-8:
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7-8 ASV)
We better be careful about debt, because Christians have the responsibility to pay what is owed. Whether it is paying taxes to our country or paying respect to our nation’s leader, Christians must not hold back what is owed to another. Christians should avoid bad debt, and certainly bankruptcy, at all cost. The first step, of course, is enacting responsible spending habits. We are ambassadors for Christ, and as such we must do our best to prove that we are trustworthy and honorable.
Second, we need to stop worrying about how rich we look. The desire to appear affluent has contributed to the debt troubles of countless individuals. Sadly, this longing to radiate a wealthy aura pervades our society. In truth, such people are slaves to their “wealthy” behavior. Solomon strongly addressed this issue:
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7 NKJV), and “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17 ASV).
Christians need to avoid this want for a moneyed appearance. It shows an overemphasis on the temporal and a lack of concern for the eternal. Paul is clear that the love of money is the basis of all sorts of evil. Greed often enslaves people to their debts and alleviates their sense of spiritual obligation. It is sad when we feel compelled to place our material duties above our spiritual duties. Do not let debt put you in that position.
For most of us, debt is incurred when we purchase the “wants,” rather than the “needs” of life. Giving up a few wants is a small price to pay to help ensure undivided devotion to the Lord. Would you not agree? We need to live within our means, and discard the tendency to “put it on the card.” Not only does bad debt leave us in spiritual poverty, it often results in physical privation. Proverbs states, “Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread” (Proverbs 12:9 ASV). What’s the point? People that look rich rarely are.
The devil works in various ways to distract us from our spiritual service.
Those who enslave themselves to their monthly bills grant the devil success in his mission to cark God’s people with worldly diversions. It is impossible for us to be a living sacrifice to God when we are working ourselves to death to pay off outrageous debts (Romans 12:1).
I like what Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. wrote in his book The Millionaire Mind, “I taught my sons and daughters that money is not their god. You control it...not let it control you.” We cannot afford to become slaves to debt, because we owe our service to God. We must be slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Remember, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). If you let debt become your master, it will cost you eternal life– that is a debt you can never repay.
Monday, January 29, 2007
How Does Grace Work?
The religious world today does an injustice to God’s plan of salvation. With their “Faith Only” doctrine many are being deceived into believing that they have received the blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, when in actuality they have only completed half of Jesus’ instructions regarding salvation. He told his disciples, before he ascended to the father, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Many of these religious leaders couple “faith only” doctrine with “once saved always saved” doctrine, or “the impossibility of apostasy.”
This teaching negates any need for someone to conform their life to Christ’s. They just “get saved,” and then go on their way doing as they please, paying no attention to the commands of God. Why wouldn’t they? According to their church it is impossible for them to be lost, so they might as well do as they please. They claim to be “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” but then they do not do the work they have been created in Christ Jesus to do.
Proponents of such false doctrines will accuse those who believe that baptism is necessary for salvation, and who believe one can, in fact, fall away once they have been saved, as believing in “works salvation.” They think we teach that one must work to earn their salvation. These men often appeal to passages like Eph 2:8-9 to make their point. Paul says here, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
As our religious friends teach, we are saved by grace. When they quote Eph 2:8-9 I agree 100% with what they say; however, being saved by God’s grace does not mean there is no work for us to do. You might be thinking, “If being saved requires work, what’s grace got to do with it?” The answer seems rather simple to me. We just have to find the balance between grace and works. As Paul says, we are saved by grace. Therefore, there is absolutely no way for us to earn our salvation by works. When Paul speaks of not being saved by works, he is refering to works of the jewish law. Perfect law keeping, or salvation by works, would make God's grace unnecessary. Sin separates us from God. If one kept the law perfectly, they would still be in a good relationship with God, and wouldn't need his grace to forgive their sins (they are sinless). In fact, if one recognizes the need to be baptized for the remission of their sins, they are, by this realization admitting the fact that they cannot be saved by works. If they could be saved by their works, they wouldn't need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, because they would have no sins to forgive. Do you see the problem with arguing that baptism is "salvation through works." Baptism is simply a work of obedience, by which we receive God's grace. Works of obedience are merely the actions through which we carry out God’s commands, not the direct means by which we are saved.
Let me explain: Some one decides that they want to give you a new car. When they hand you the keys they say “all you have to do to have this car is get in and turn the key in the ignition,” which you happily do. Then you quickly drive off before they change their mind.
Let me ask you, why do you have that car? Did you earn it by turning the key in the ignition? Of course not! No one would suggest such a thing. How can turning the key in the ignition earn you a $20,000 car? Obviously you received the car by the grace of your friend. It was not because of anything you did, but simply a gift from them.
Being saved by grace is that same idea. How could baptism and living faithfully ever earn our salvation? It cannot, and that is not the point at all. We do those things because God, who has saved us by His grace, requires us to act in faith to receive this priceless gift. That is why Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith…” If you never turn the key, you cannot drive away with the car, right?
Where much of the religious world falls short is by omitting the end of Paul’s thought in Eph 2:8-10. They typically end with Eph 2:9, or at least fail to explain Eph 2:10. Let’s look at the entire passage:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10).
Paul tell us we are saved by grace, through faith. We are not saved solely by works, which means no one can boast about their salvation because of their own good deeds. Why? “For we are His workmanship.” We are workers for the Lord, not for ourselves. More than that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
When are we “created in Christ Jesus?” Consider these few passages written by Paul: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27), and “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Anyone in Christ is a new creation. We are in Christ when we are baptized into Christ, which means we are “created in Christ Jesus” when we are baptized into Him. When this happens we have been “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” These good works were prepared by God “that we should walk in them.” This is a statement that implies action. We do not work to earn our salvation. We work because we have been created in Christ Jesus for that purpose (Eph. 2:10). We do not baptize believers because we think baptism earns salvation. We baptize believers because God’s word tells us to do so. The Bible clearly states that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mt. 28:19, Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, Rom 6:3-8, Gal 3:27, Col 2:11-14, 1 Pet 3:21).
Besides that, I would like for some one to explain to me how saying the “sinners’ prayer” is any less of a “work” than is baptism. Faith only doctrine is contradictory to the core. Its proponents teach that one cannot be saved by works, but then they turn around and require people to say the “sinners’ prayer” to be saved. Prayer is just as much a work or an action as being submerged in water. But when it comes to salvation there is a difference between these two actions, and it is rather important. God’s word says, “‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…’” (Acts 2:38). On the other hand, God's word never mentions the “sinners’ prayer.”
This teaching negates any need for someone to conform their life to Christ’s. They just “get saved,” and then go on their way doing as they please, paying no attention to the commands of God. Why wouldn’t they? According to their church it is impossible for them to be lost, so they might as well do as they please. They claim to be “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” but then they do not do the work they have been created in Christ Jesus to do.
Proponents of such false doctrines will accuse those who believe that baptism is necessary for salvation, and who believe one can, in fact, fall away once they have been saved, as believing in “works salvation.” They think we teach that one must work to earn their salvation. These men often appeal to passages like Eph 2:8-9 to make their point. Paul says here, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
As our religious friends teach, we are saved by grace. When they quote Eph 2:8-9 I agree 100% with what they say; however, being saved by God’s grace does not mean there is no work for us to do. You might be thinking, “If being saved requires work, what’s grace got to do with it?” The answer seems rather simple to me. We just have to find the balance between grace and works. As Paul says, we are saved by grace. Therefore, there is absolutely no way for us to earn our salvation by works. When Paul speaks of not being saved by works, he is refering to works of the jewish law. Perfect law keeping, or salvation by works, would make God's grace unnecessary. Sin separates us from God. If one kept the law perfectly, they would still be in a good relationship with God, and wouldn't need his grace to forgive their sins (they are sinless). In fact, if one recognizes the need to be baptized for the remission of their sins, they are, by this realization admitting the fact that they cannot be saved by works. If they could be saved by their works, they wouldn't need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, because they would have no sins to forgive. Do you see the problem with arguing that baptism is "salvation through works." Baptism is simply a work of obedience, by which we receive God's grace. Works of obedience are merely the actions through which we carry out God’s commands, not the direct means by which we are saved.
Let me explain: Some one decides that they want to give you a new car. When they hand you the keys they say “all you have to do to have this car is get in and turn the key in the ignition,” which you happily do. Then you quickly drive off before they change their mind.
Let me ask you, why do you have that car? Did you earn it by turning the key in the ignition? Of course not! No one would suggest such a thing. How can turning the key in the ignition earn you a $20,000 car? Obviously you received the car by the grace of your friend. It was not because of anything you did, but simply a gift from them.
Being saved by grace is that same idea. How could baptism and living faithfully ever earn our salvation? It cannot, and that is not the point at all. We do those things because God, who has saved us by His grace, requires us to act in faith to receive this priceless gift. That is why Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith…” If you never turn the key, you cannot drive away with the car, right?
Where much of the religious world falls short is by omitting the end of Paul’s thought in Eph 2:8-10. They typically end with Eph 2:9, or at least fail to explain Eph 2:10. Let’s look at the entire passage:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10).
Paul tell us we are saved by grace, through faith. We are not saved solely by works, which means no one can boast about their salvation because of their own good deeds. Why? “For we are His workmanship.” We are workers for the Lord, not for ourselves. More than that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
When are we “created in Christ Jesus?” Consider these few passages written by Paul: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27), and “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Anyone in Christ is a new creation. We are in Christ when we are baptized into Christ, which means we are “created in Christ Jesus” when we are baptized into Him. When this happens we have been “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” These good works were prepared by God “that we should walk in them.” This is a statement that implies action. We do not work to earn our salvation. We work because we have been created in Christ Jesus for that purpose (Eph. 2:10). We do not baptize believers because we think baptism earns salvation. We baptize believers because God’s word tells us to do so. The Bible clearly states that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mt. 28:19, Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, Rom 6:3-8, Gal 3:27, Col 2:11-14, 1 Pet 3:21).
Besides that, I would like for some one to explain to me how saying the “sinners’ prayer” is any less of a “work” than is baptism. Faith only doctrine is contradictory to the core. Its proponents teach that one cannot be saved by works, but then they turn around and require people to say the “sinners’ prayer” to be saved. Prayer is just as much a work or an action as being submerged in water. But when it comes to salvation there is a difference between these two actions, and it is rather important. God’s word says, “‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…’” (Acts 2:38). On the other hand, God's word never mentions the “sinners’ prayer.”
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Did God Create Evil?
Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God
create evil? A University professor at a well-known institution of
higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God
create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he
did!" "God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil." The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's
hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the
students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The other students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to
the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of
heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to
describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Of course it does." The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can
study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break
white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each
color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break
into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a
certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this
correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when
there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already
said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's
inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence
everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else butevil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it
does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is
just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the
absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what
happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's
like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that
comes when there is no light." --The professor sat down.
The young man's name -- Albert Einstein
Source unknown- interesting email I received recently.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Led By The Spirit?
New Testament writers did not shy away from discussing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Actually, they speak rather comfortably about it. When you read through the New Testament notice how often the authors mention that God has poured out His Spirit on those who believe. John the Baptist told the multitudes that Jesus was greater than he was, and that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The apostle John records these words of Jesus, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John then said: “but this He Spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39).
Romans 8 and Galatians 5:16-6:8 speak unreservedly about the Spirit. Paul told the Galatian brethren, that those who are led by the Spirit are not under law. The law is to restrict those who are led by the flesh, because their desire is to do evil. That is why Paul could say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are “contrary to one another” (Gal 5: 17). If we live in the Spirit, or allow the Spirit to live in us, we are Christ’s. “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). When the Spirit dwells in us, it is a purifying agent. It rids us of all the putridity caused by the flesh. The lusts of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit cancel each other out. If one is faithful, they do not commit adultery, and they are not idolatrous. If one is peaceful and loving they do not hate or act selfishly. In other words, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings life, and results in the purging out of the flesh, which causes death. Consider these two statements:
1. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace...So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:6,8-9).
2. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14)
The New Testament writers wrote frequently and openly about the Spirit because Old Testament writers such as Isaiah also spoke frequently about the working of the Spirit. One of the central themes of Isaiah message was to warn the people of God about their impending judgment. Conversely, he also foretold of the restoration of Jacob, the people of God. It is clear in his prophecies that the Holy Spirit would play a major part in the restoration of these cleansed people. The Spirit of God is promised to all of his faithful followers. God's Spirit, said Isaiah, would replenish a land that had been destroyed because of the wickedness of the Jews. The waste land would flow with rivers of water. The dry fields would produce plentifully. Why? "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring" (Is 44:3). Those who receive the Spirit of God have one heart and one mind, they fear God and keep his commandments (Ezekiel 11:19; Jeremiah 32:37-41). Joel prophesied concerning the initiation of the era of the Holy Spirit. As a sign that the Spirit was being poured out on the people of God (Rom 5:5), for a time some men and women were blessed with spiritual gifts. Certainly, not every Christian in the first century had spiritual gifts. We know the Christians in Rome did not have these special gifts when Paul wrote them (Romans 1:11), but all faithful followers of Christ today are definitely led by the Spirit. God promises that. Do not mix up the two concepts or just assume they are basically the same thing. The Bible is clear that they are not.
We could continue in greater detail on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but I’ll let you continue the study on your own. Notice in these few scriptures, and the suggested readings below, that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has to do with how we live. Those who are filled with the Spirit of God, are led by the Spirit of God. Those who are filled with the Spirit of the world (desires of the flesh), are led by the Spirit of the World. As Paul says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). Those who live in the Spirit are cleansed and made new. That is how the Spirit changes the lives of believers (Titus 3:5).
Scriptures to Read About The Holy Spirit:
1. The Book of Isaiah. Pay special attention to imagery regarding the renewal of the promised land, and the restoration of God's people. This mostly occurs from chapters 29-66, the first 24 chapters mainly focus on the destruction of wicked nations, including the "People of God," who failed to obey God.
2. Romans 5:5 & 8:1-30
3. Galatians 5:16-6:8
4. 2Cor 1:21-22
B.A.M. 12.8.06
Romans 8 and Galatians 5:16-6:8 speak unreservedly about the Spirit. Paul told the Galatian brethren, that those who are led by the Spirit are not under law. The law is to restrict those who are led by the flesh, because their desire is to do evil. That is why Paul could say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are “contrary to one another” (Gal 5: 17). If we live in the Spirit, or allow the Spirit to live in us, we are Christ’s. “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). When the Spirit dwells in us, it is a purifying agent. It rids us of all the putridity caused by the flesh. The lusts of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit cancel each other out. If one is faithful, they do not commit adultery, and they are not idolatrous. If one is peaceful and loving they do not hate or act selfishly. In other words, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings life, and results in the purging out of the flesh, which causes death. Consider these two statements:
1. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace...So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:6,8-9).
2. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14)
The New Testament writers wrote frequently and openly about the Spirit because Old Testament writers such as Isaiah also spoke frequently about the working of the Spirit. One of the central themes of Isaiah message was to warn the people of God about their impending judgment. Conversely, he also foretold of the restoration of Jacob, the people of God. It is clear in his prophecies that the Holy Spirit would play a major part in the restoration of these cleansed people. The Spirit of God is promised to all of his faithful followers. God's Spirit, said Isaiah, would replenish a land that had been destroyed because of the wickedness of the Jews. The waste land would flow with rivers of water. The dry fields would produce plentifully. Why? "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring" (Is 44:3). Those who receive the Spirit of God have one heart and one mind, they fear God and keep his commandments (Ezekiel 11:19; Jeremiah 32:37-41). Joel prophesied concerning the initiation of the era of the Holy Spirit. As a sign that the Spirit was being poured out on the people of God (Rom 5:5), for a time some men and women were blessed with spiritual gifts. Certainly, not every Christian in the first century had spiritual gifts. We know the Christians in Rome did not have these special gifts when Paul wrote them (Romans 1:11), but all faithful followers of Christ today are definitely led by the Spirit. God promises that. Do not mix up the two concepts or just assume they are basically the same thing. The Bible is clear that they are not.
We could continue in greater detail on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but I’ll let you continue the study on your own. Notice in these few scriptures, and the suggested readings below, that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has to do with how we live. Those who are filled with the Spirit of God, are led by the Spirit of God. Those who are filled with the Spirit of the world (desires of the flesh), are led by the Spirit of the World. As Paul says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). Those who live in the Spirit are cleansed and made new. That is how the Spirit changes the lives of believers (Titus 3:5).
Scriptures to Read About The Holy Spirit:
1. The Book of Isaiah. Pay special attention to imagery regarding the renewal of the promised land, and the restoration of God's people. This mostly occurs from chapters 29-66, the first 24 chapters mainly focus on the destruction of wicked nations, including the "People of God," who failed to obey God.
2. Romans 5:5 & 8:1-30
3. Galatians 5:16-6:8
4. 2Cor 1:21-22
B.A.M. 12.8.06
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