An Influence or A Person?

An Influence or A Person?

 

An age-old debate continues still about the personality of the Holy Spirit. Many feel He is more of a force than a person. Of course, the Bible will be regarded as the written standard for faith and practice. As in all matters, we will strive to agree with the Scripture’s teachings. Agreeing with God’s conclusions involves accepting the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, holding it in the highest regard concerning our confidence and observations. These ideas are greater than mere debates but intended to move us from simply studying the Word to allowing it to transform our lives, incentivizing gaining wisdom and discernment based on the Word for daily decisions. Ultimately, agreeing with the Bible involves trusting divine authority—God’s statements—on matters of life and salvation. 

There are several reasons why there is a tendency to view the Spirit of God as a force, or an influence, or even an emanation. This subject requires closer attention to the details God afford us in the Word. To start with His work seems to be impersonal; that is, it appears to be somewhat mystical and secretive like a force.  He produces grace, fruit, affords gifts, and other worldly powers to believers, which are shadowed in a bit of non-specificity and intrigue. Yet theological and biblical perspectives define the Spirit as a distinct, personal being—the third person of the Trinity.

Accordingly, His vary names and titles tend to produce the idea that He is not a Person.  For example, the word “Spirit” means breath or wind or power and thus people conclude in error that the Spirit is merely an influence rather than a person.  Also, the symbols used in reference to the Spirit seem to encourage us to think of Him as an ordinary influence.  When we ponder on the dove (Matt. 3:16), water (John 7:38, 39), oil (1Sam 16:13) and breath (Job 33:4; John 20:22) imageries, we can undoubtedly see all of these employed in Scripture to symbolize—represent or imply—the personage of the Holy Spirit. Such symbols like wind, fire, or doves are basically poetic descriptions, not literal depictions of the Spirit’s essence or principle being, which is that of a divine person of the Triune Godhead. We use symbolic language (sometimes colloquial or conversational) all the time to convey our meaning and to stress ordinary matters.

Another reason is the fact that the personality of the Holy Spirit is often missing in the opening acknowledgements in the New Testament epistles.  The Father and the Son may be mentioned together (Rom.1:7; 1 Cor. 1:1, 4; 2 Cor. 1:1-3; Gal. 1:1-3; Eph. 1:1-3; Phil. 1:2, 6; Col. 1:1-3), but nothing is said of the Spirit in these instances. Then truthfully the word ‘Spirit’ in the Greek language is a neuter word, therefore we tend to think of His work or personality as detached and in a neutral sense. Nonetheless, despite these rather shallow analyses, the Scriptures even more clearly and predominantly state in many places that the Holy Spirit acts and reacts with authentic personality. Several examples will follow.

The Spirit’s unmistakable association with the Father and the Son intensely signifies His personality. This can be witnessed in the baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19), and in the apostolic benediction (2Cor. 13:14). Furthermore, the Spirit’s identification with believers reveals His personality qualities. He renders decisions and reasons much like a human being would (Acts 15:28), thereby revealing personality like any other person. The Spirit furthermore has several features of obvious personality ascribed to Him in the Scriptures. For instance, He has a will (1Cor. 12:11), he has a mind (Rom 8:27), he has emotions and can be grieved (Eph. 4:30) and is capable of love, joy and peace and producing these qualities in believers (Gal. 5:22-23; Rom 5:5). Yes, these are fundamental features—unmistakable evidence—of personhood. Although some folks emphasize the Holy Spirit far less or interpret Him simply as God’s active power rather than a distinct person, believers correctly regard the Father, Son, and Spirit as united in purpose.

Another closely related reason for insisting on the personality of the Holy Spirit is that He exercises the actions of a person. He searches (1Cor. 2:10), He speaks (Rev. 2:7), He makes intercessions for believers (Rom 8:26), He bears testimony (John 15:26), and He forbids or would not permit Paul’s team to evangelize in parts of Western Eurasia (Acts 16:6-7). All these activities unmistakably reveal His personal qualities. While metaphors like wind or fire may suggest an abstract power, the deeper truth is the Spirit behaves personally, directly, and individually through teaching, comforting, directing, and interceding.

Another reason relates to His office as the Comforter, which requires personality to fulfill (John 14:16). He is the believer’s Advocate, and He takes the place of or represents the Lord Jesus in the believer’s experiences (John 16:7). He conducts Himself precisely as the Lord Jesus would were He literally physically among us. There would be no difference! “Another Comforter” (Jn. 14:16) refers to the Holy Spirit who is like the Lord Jesus… ‘another of the very same kind.’ You see the promise of "another Comforter" signifies that Jesus Himself was the first, the original Comforter. And truly Jesus had been their defender, encourager, He had stood by the disciples teaching and enlightening them. Now the Spirit has taken up this role on the Lord’s behalf! We will have such divine accompaniment, resources, and energy as we endeavor for God’s glory.

 Yes, the Holy Spirit acts as the personal representative of Jesus Christ, continuing His work on earth accordingly. After Christ’s ascension, the Spirit is sent to dwell within believers, providing guidance, truth, and empowerment, often described as the “Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9) or the Comforter (John 14:26). Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” or Advocate (Jn. 14:16-18, 26)—legal intercessor or defender—one called alongside to help, acting as a legal counselor, comforter, helper, and legal defender for us believers. The Holy Spirit would come in Jesus’ name to teach and remind believers of his teachings, effectively taking his place as the active guide for disciples. The Holy Spirit, therefore, does not act independently or separately, but as the active, present reality of Christ within the early churches and individual believers.

An additional reason pointing to the Spirit’s personality is the fact that He is susceptible to being treated like a person. He responds in a manner consistent with personhood. He can be lied to (Acts 5:3), he can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31-32), even insulted (Heb. 10:29), and he can be grieved (Eph. 4:30). Again, the Holy Spirit possesses attributes of personality, including intellect, will, and emotions just like any other person. These actions are only possible toward a person.

The Scriptures tell us two great things, first that there is only one God. We must always assert this truth. But the Scriptures equally teach that there are three Persons in that Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is traditionally recognized as the third Person of the Trinity or Godhead, coequal and coeternal with God the Father and God the Son. He is understood as a divine, personal being—not just a force—possessing attributes of God, such as all knowledge, ubiquity (present everywhere at the same time—deeply universal), and has all authority, power, dominion and province (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 139:7-10; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; Heb. 9:14). While distinct in role, the Spirit shares the same divine nature and essence with the Father and Son. Scripture portrays the Spirit as present at Jesus’ baptism and mentions Him alongside the Father and Son in the baptismal blueprint in Matthew 28:19. Thus, God the Father is fully God, so is God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is completely Deity. One essence but three distinct personalities.

We as Western believers claim the Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father because the facts of the Bible about the Trinity and the Spirit lead to this conclusion. In addition, the Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of Christ” and the “Spirit of the Son” pointing to a relationship in which the Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father.  In John 15:26, the Lord Jesus make this statement, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me”.  In this verse the relationship between the Son and the Spirit mirrors that of the Father and the Spirit—the Spirit was sent by the Son.  Again, consider the fact that Christ promised He would send the Comforter in John 16:7, and taught the Spirit would come from the Father also in John 14:16-17, 26.

This is a kind of subordination within the Godhead; the division of the work between the three personalities. This is a hierarchy where the Son and Spirit relate to the Father through submission and mission. It is supremely functional, voluntary, and salvific (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; Gal 4:6). The Son says that He has come to glorify the Father, and the Spirit’s work is to glorify the Son. Each one reflects the glory of the other. Thus, we investigate the mystery of this amazing doctrine of the Trinity: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:14).  This is to me one of the most amazing and remarkable things about the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seems to hide, mask, or conceal Himself to reveal or show the glory of Christ to us. He is always placing the focus on the Lord Jesus! The Son voluntarily submitted his will, taking a subordinate role to accomplish salvation, and eventually subjected himself to fulfill the Father’s purpose. This is why I profoundly believe a solid test as to whether we are subject to the Spirit’s influence is to ask ourselves, what do we think of Jesus, and what do we know about, the Son.

 

Just A Thought

Just a Thought

 

It may take a few observations to express how important church life is to me. But please indulge me for just a few minutes.

Arriving at church on Sundays and Wednesdays has become something I anticipate and am thankful for. I find such thoughts help me walk in the Spirit throughout the week. Upon arriving at church, I am greeted by Deacon Tibbs most of the time; there are occasions when he is parking cars and caring for the church’s parking arrangements. But he typically greets with a smile, handshake, and a warm, “How’re you doing, Brother.” Deacon Tibbs can really make you feel important to the Lord and himself simply by his greetings. He and the other greeters literally ‘welcome you.’

When it’s time to pray; I am invited to enter the presence of God and given a prayer sheet. The church is counting on me to talk with God about the needs listed on the prayer sheet. These are items of great concern and some anxiety for several people. I sense my need to pray fervently. When it’s time to give, if it’s not my turn to usher, I typically silently observe that time because I give to CBC online. I also tend to listen carefully to the choir selections not only because they can really sing, but they often sing of a trait or quality about God I needed to be reminded of. As I sit in various locations in the church meetings, I am warmly welcome in those areas and those believers enthusiastically participate in the worship, congregational songs, specials by Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Anita, Brother Nathaniel, and the preaching. My how I have been corrected, inspired, and helped by their commitments to our Lord. They repeatedly provide the right kind of spiritual influence for me.

In Sunday School I am typically encouraged and informed from the Bible to keep living for the glory of God, by Deacon Hartwell. Many times, these same believers strengthen me greatly in the Lord. I love these occasions so much that I must restrain myself from adding my two cents when the class is prompted. This is a feature I cherish deeply in the church’s life as a Bible student.

My favorite part is the preaching of the Word which often follows the music leadership afforded by Brother Pascal. Pastor Baldwin always speaks from the Bible, and he favors expository explanations mingled with preaching that reproves, rebukes, exhorts, with a generous measure of patience and insight. I cannot count the number of times I have been helped from the Bible…. Sometimes I convince myself that my need is an explanation or reason and then I am reminded that what I really need is God. Sometimes I think an answer will solves my problem, but I am reminded what I really need is God. I may even be emphasizing a biblical idea so much that I forget about other equally important Bible concepts but preaching generally fixes that issue.

I know the most important time of all at church is during the invitation. It is a special joy to see people saved, baptized, and added to the church. Saint are also meeting with God in their seats and in the alter at invitation time. Every believer is encouraged to talk with our Lord. It is here that we all realize why we have come to church…it is to meet with our great and glorious God on his terms. The driving purpose in coming is to adjust by becoming more completely a living sacrifice to our Lord and His great will. Church is not church until I meet with my God in the assembly of the upright.

Yes, there will always be people who think too much of themselves and choose being a Pharisee instead of a humble servant. There will always be those who really think people come to see them…. There will always be some visitors and some members among us who just don’t get it. But praise the Lord for genuine saints who really pray for you and you for them, greeters who welcome you from their hearts, food preparers who will delight in feeding you, ushers who are poised to help, deacons who afford meaningful assistance and ministry, nursery workers who take care of your children like their own, members who love good music and cherish deeply solid preaching, a choir that sings for God’s glory, a preacher who proclaims God’s precious Word, and a God who meets with His children as we make ourselves available to him.

I am so thankful for my church family and do not want to take them for granted! They are a wonderful gift from my heavenly Father to me. I know that I am blessed! Yea even uniquely fortunate! I must do more to appreciate their service and sacrifices. I need to do more alongside them as we serve our Lord together.

Breaking Free of Temptations

 

Matt. 4:10-11; Luke 4:13

 

Subject: FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Theme:  If You Ever Feel Trapped by Temptations, God wants You to Live in Freedom.

Relevance: God offers each believer an inner freedom that allows us to live above our present circumstances. This form of spiritual freedom is extremely important to the child of God who feels trapped in the bondage of addictions, depression, abusive relationships, and other oppressive situations. The truth is that any person who feels as if he or she is in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, can be set free in Christ! The fact that you and I can be free is a great encouragement!

Introduction:

The freedom we experience from the “law of sin and death” comes through victory over recurring temptations. Such freedom may be experienced in different times and situations, but you can have freedom from evil’s clutches.

Message:

FREEDOM FROM NAGGING TEMPTATIONS….

Matthew 4:10-11, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Luke 4:13, And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

No person is ever entirely free from temptation, but we can experience a release from a “season” or a siege of temptation.  There are some basic things we can do to limit the period of satanic and demonic temptation.

   1.  Use the Word Skillfully.

Notice the phrase “it is written” mentioned in verses Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.   Jesus was a master at halting temptations with the power of the Word.

ILLUSTRATION:  We see this in the life of Jesus when He was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. The tempter came to Jesus with three rounds of temptation, and each time, Jesus refuted him with the Word of God. In the final round, Jesus commanded the devil, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4:10). At that, the Bible tells us, “the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11). There was a definitive end to this “season” of temptation in Jesus' life.

        A.  This Does Not Mean That Jesus Was Never Tempted Again.

Rather, it means that Jesus functioned in full freedom as He conducted His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing for this period. The issue of His loyalty to God alone had been settled in a definitive way, and Jesus could never again be tempted on that point.

       B.  Each of Us Has a Propensity to Sin in Certain Ways.

1 Kings 11:1-2, But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; [2] Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Temptation often hits hardest in our areas of weakness. For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or to lustful desires. Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry.  He failed to identify his weaknesses and to prepare himself against these related temptations.    

APPLICATION:  You and I may have strong faith, but we also have weak spots -- and that is where temptation usually strikes hardest. Choose ahead of time to strengthen and protect your weaker areas, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, so can you and I. The devil knows that, and it is at our weakest point that he comes to tempt us—sometimes in a way that seems unrelenting. How can we experience freedom from his steady barrage of temptation? By using the same method that Jesus used: We can speak the Word of God every time the tempter whispers his lies to us. We defeat temptation by understanding and acting upon the Word.  For example:

1.  When the devil tells us that we are weak, we can declare, “God says I am strong” (Joel 3:10).

Joel 3:10, Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

2.  When the devil says that we are doomed to failure, we can declare, “God says that I am more than a conqueror” (Rom. 8:37).

Romans 8:37, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

3.  When the devil says that we can never change, we can declare, “God says that I am a new creature in Christ Jesus” (2 Cor. 5:17).

2 Cor. 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

4.  When the devil says that we are not worthy of God's love, we can declare, “God says that He loved me so much He sent Jesus to die for my sins so that I might live with God forever!” (John 3:16).

John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

APPLICATION:  Regardless of what temptation to sin you may experience, God has provided a passage of His Word that declares such a temptation to be a lie of Satan intended for your harm.  Find the portion of God's Word that applies to your specific circumstance and use it as the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17).   This is an outstanding plan for resisting temptation. To further strengthen ourselves against temptation, we can memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture that combat our specific weaknesses. Also understand that at the root of most temptation is a real need or desire that God can fill, but we must trust in his timing. In addition to using the Word personally, find another believer with whom you can openly share your struggles, and call this person for help when temptation strikes.  This should be someone who believes the Bible and can pray with you and remind you of God’s power to help resist the temptation.

Ephes. 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

   2.  Know The Role of Prayer.

We are not only to speak God's Word to the tempter, but to ask God for strength not to yield to the devil's temptations.

        A.  Resort to Prayer When You Feel Tempted.

We should also know the value of prayer to resisting temptation.  Be quick to ask God in earnest prayer to help you stay away from people, places, and situations that may tempt you.

               1.  We have a Model Prayer.     

Matthew 6:13, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

               2.  We have a Clear Command.

Matthew 26:41, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

               3.  We have a Sure Promise.

2 Peter 2:9, The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

        B.  Ask the Lord for the Strength to Resist the Temptation.    

When faced with recurring temptation, we must also ask for the help of Christ and the Holy Spirit in withstanding the temptation.

             1.  Ask God to Help You Stir Clear of Temptation.

Jesus said that when we pray, we are to pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”—in other words, do not allow us to get into situations in which we are subject to the devil's tempting (Matt. 6:13). 

             2.  Maintain a Constant Watchful & Alert Attitude for Temptations.

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He had said to His disciples, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. ” (Matt. 26:41).  When we maintain alert, we can see the enticements coming and prepare ourselves against them. 

APPLICATION: This is good advice for when you’re working with or around someone that is immoral or given over to sinful ways and perverted shady practices.  Also, there is the ‘sand paper person’ who frequently rubs us the wrong way, that we must be on guard against their friction, and thereby avert open conflict.  This can also be applied to certain ‘high pressure situations’ and major events that seem to put a great squeeze on our strengths, skills, time, and energy to ensure that we do not take out our frustrations on those we love the most.  If we learn to expect Satan to tempt us, he will not be able to catch us off guard or overtake us by surprise.  Being constantly watchful will deliver us from Satan’s surprise ambush.                                                                                                    

        C.  Use Prayer as a Means of Countering and Enduring Temptation.

Mark 14:32, And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

This experience in Gethsemane with the Lord Jesus and the three disciples portrays the varied purposes of prayer in relation to temptation. Jesus literally resisted temptation by using the same tools He encourages us to use.  For Jesus, prayer was not a means of escape, but respite; not a way to avoid difficulty, but a way to endure it. We know that Jesus humbly submitted to the Father's will. Luke tells us that Jesus' sweat resembled drops of blood. No doubt His prayer was filled with extreme emotion. Jesus was in terrible agony, but he did not give up or give in. He went ahead with the mission for which he had come. He knew that prayer would help him endure this extremely painful period. 

APPLICATION:  We miss the opportunity of communion and fellowship with God if we treat prayer as merely telling God what we want him to know.  Jesus knew that prayer was a stronghold for enduring through a period of trial and temptation.

APPLICATION: Sometimes we forget how fully human Jesus, Son of God, Savior, really was. Here we see it. His agony fills the garden.  Agonies consume us, too. To face the imminent death of a loved one or the accidental death of a child or our own approaching demise -- these agonies can tear at our souls.

Do we have a Savior who knows how heavily we tremble, how deeply we groan? Yes, we do. Can we come to this Savior in prayer and find a friend? Yes, we can. Jesus is with you; he's been there; he knows the feeling. He will help you come through the temptation as you turn to Him.  The Lord reassures of this blessing when he said, in Hebrews 4:15, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When tempted, turn to God for strength by a short prayer– or even linger in His presence, communion, and fellowship, or find a quiet place to pull out your Bible and read a psalm all the while trusting God to help.   

Conclusion:

Many are trapped in lethal sinful lifestyles! There is a freedom that is relevant to us no matter the sinful patterns and destructive behaviors. For those stuck in the bondage of addictions and sinful habit patterns…. For those struggling regularly with thoughts of depression and deep dark despair….

For those living daily in abusive relationships longing for positive change and contemplating running away…. Even others experiencing oppressive situations, which have their root in satanic influences.

God roundly offers freedom through Christ to you and me! To experience this freedom Christ prayed:

John 17:14-17, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Christ prayed earnestly that we would not become enslaved and influenced by the evil present in the world system, but instead become versed and capable with the “Word of Truth” as the “Sword of the Spirit.” To be more set apart for God’s glory, usage, purposes, and practices—“sanctified.” Belove, sanctify yourself unto God through embracing the Word more.

Remember 1 John 4:18 and embrace the truth that God’s perfect love removes all kinds of fears. We need to learn to accept the reality of His love for us, so that our fears do not control us. If you're afraid of facing a person, a situation, or a temptation in your life, God's love can help you put your fears to rest. Don’t be afraid to trust the Lord with even your greatest fears to make this vital commitment to the Truth.

 

Focus on the Word for Freedom

 

2Cor. 3:17-18

Theme: New Testament Believers focus on our Lord Jesus Christ to experience the freedom of transformation.

Introduction:

Setbacks and struggles assert our need for maturity! We take two steps of progress only to face another three steps backwards! Genuine spiritual growth is a frustrating battle, but it is also necessary.

Holy change in this life is not immediate, comprehensive, or lasting. We must work hard to effect meaningful transformation; this fundamental aspect of our new life moves us to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Though it is not automatic, advancement can begin the very moment we are born again. Yes, the growth experience is a bit of a struggle.

Our change is a gradual alteration, and not a perpetual, rising sequence. Rather, it is like a stock-market chart. Some days up, some days down, but overall, we hope, an upward movement. Incremental improvements rather than sudden, dramatic changes are more likely. This can be extremely unnerving at times.  But it helps to know Jesus must be our focus and during frustrating setbacks it’s time to refocus on him…again. 

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, says Now the Lord is that Spirit [Holy Spirit]: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [freedom from bondage and obscurity]. But we all, with open [unveiled] face beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord, are changed [transformed] into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Clearly this is an unearthly, splendid, series of lifelong changes wrought from the inside out by the Spirit of God advancing us believers from one level of the unveiled grandeur of Christ to the next superior similarity of Him.  This is the believer’s gradual transfiguration journey.  It is an inward renovation that has a palpable outward outcome. 

Message:

I.     Focus on the Producer of Change—The Spirit uses the Word of God— “beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord….” (2Cor. 3:18)

A.    It Is True the Bible Is the Mirror That We Are to Gaze Into (2 Cor. 3:18).  The Bible is the mirror that we are to study, meditate upon, memorize, and apply to life situations. Once again Paul said, “But we all, with open [unveiled] face beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord” (2Cor. 3:18). 

                                        1.     The word “glass” refers to a mirror, which is a type or representation of the Word of God (1Cor. 13:12; Js. 1:23). 

i.       1 Corinthians 13:12, For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

ii.     James 1:23-24, For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

                                        2.     The Bible shows the image of “the glory of the Lord” and reveals the great chasm between the believer and the Savior.

B.    Expect the Spirit to Use the Bible as we “behold” Christ. 

                                        1.     The Spirit uses predominantly the one Book He Himself authored—The Holy Bible. The word of God is the essential element the Spirit of the Lord uses, and He faithfully brings the believer’s attention to the risen, ascended, exalted, enthroned, and reigning Christ Jesus. 

                                        2.     There have been occasions when I misread the Word or tried to use the Bible to justify my sinful anger. The Lord Jesus expressed righteous indignation when He cleansed the Temple (Matt. 2:13-17; 21:12, 13) on both occasions, but I tried to use this to excuse my sinful and selfish anger. Later the Lord showed me my anger was rooted in sin, and Christ’s anger was a zeal or jealousy for God to be honored in His Temple. The Bible reveals our lives in the light of Christ’s perfections.

                                        3.     Certainly, this addresses the questions of believers’ responsibilities as the Spirit effects this change. We Christians are to “behold” Him—the brilliant and glorious unveiled Son of God in the Word—we are to concentrate our spiritual and mental faculties on the risen and enthroned Christ to experience the freedom of transformation.

                                        4.     “When Moses beheld Jehovah’s glory, his own face reflected that glory.”^[1] We will become like the one we devotedly gaze upon (Rom. 12:1-2; Heb. 12:2; Ps. 27:4)

                                        5.     In other words, the Word of God does more than regenerate believers (we are regenerated by the Spirit of God using the Word of God, 1 Pet. 1:23).  Likewise, “the Spirit of the Lord” uses His Bible to transform God’s children.  This is monumentally important! (Jn. 17:17; 1Pet. 2:2)

i.       John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

ii.     1 Peter 2:2-3, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: ³ If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

iii.   If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Dr. W. MacDonald says, “What a tremendous impetus for thirsting for the pure spiritual milk! The if does not express any doubt; we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8). His sacrifice for us was an act of unspeakable goodness and kindness (Tit. 3:4). What we have already tasted of His kindness should whet our appetites to feed more and more on Him. The sweet taste of nearness to Him should make us dread the thought of ever wandering away from Him.”

C.    Let the Word Reveal and Reflect the Glorious Christ! 

                                        1.     The “glory of the Lord”—this is the reason the people of God must consistently study the Bible.  As we meditate on Him, we are moved closer to His image—reflecting more of Him inwardly and outwardly. O that God’s people would spend more time glaring in the mirror of the Word, beholding Him more.

                                        2.     In the Scriptures we see His “open face” free of obscurities and obstructions. We are exposed to the explicitly declared Christ in His superb character. Oh, how terribly wondrous He is in glory! Great is our privilege to see, know, and gaze upon Him!

D.    Beloved, do you really want to be Christlike? Then spend time beholding Jesus.

                                        1.     Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

                                        2.     I need this. I hope you, too, sense a need of seeing Jesus Christ on the pages of the Word of God so that you might grow more like Him. –McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary

                                        3.     We must read, meditate, and live out the Word daily looking for the glory of the Lord (Ps. 1:2; Matt. 4:4; Heb. 5:14). 

Conclusion:

We are in a continuing process of transformation into the very image of Christ. Christlikeness is the goal of our journey (Eph. 4:23–24; Col. 3:10). One of the greatest complements a Christian can receive relates to being loving, joyful, peaceful, longsuffering (patient), gentle, good, faithful, meek, and temperate (self-control) like Christ.

As people, we progress from our comfort zone, through the fear zone, through the learning zone and finally to the “growth zone.”  If we are to experience growth we will need to leave the comfort zone, because spiritual growth begins upon leaving the comforts of the familiar, the mediocre, the predictable, the controlled, and the no anxiety or stress. The growth zone involves actively seeking godly challenges, embracing holy discomfort, and continuously pushing our limits to learn, grow, and achieve new levels of progress in the Lord. In the growth zone, we are willing to take risks, face uncertainty, and venture into unfamiliar territory. God has designed us to become groundbreaking, productive, and helpful; we recognize setbacks as opportunities to learn, discover, and pioneer! Beloved, we must make the decision to leave our comfort zone and make our way to the growth zone.  

Romans 12:2, says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The temptation and tendency to merely adopt a list of rules, restrictions, and nasties are a real hindrance to holy change. These only keep Christians’ unacquainted with the Word, immature and unskilled in the teachings of righteousness, and unable to distinguish right from wrong (Heb. 5:11-14). These remain carnal, afraid, guilty, unstable, and ignorant of their identity in Christ. Legalism does not produce Christlikeness! While we are keenly aware of the importance of the externals, we must put forth greater effort to cultivate the inner life—inner grace moving us to think, desire, value, appreciate, love, and even hate as Christ does. We not only want to do the right things, but we also want to be the right person within. Being is as important as doing or not doing. Yes, it is right to have some standards and it is right to denounce sin, but we must not fail to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ through our actual internal changes. 

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^[1] Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 3 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 309.