In God's Furnace

Gal. 5:16-26, (16, 18, 25); Prov. 17:3; 27:21

SUBJECT: Power for Purity

                                                                                   

THEME: Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold. Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is purity of heart.”

RELEVANCE: God not only removes the impurities from our lives and character, but he endeavors to refine and improve our lives in pursuit of the likeness to Jesus Christ. While he certainly subtracts the wickedness and sin, he also installs holy fruit and habits instead. The imagery of a furnace appears frightening, but it is important for us to understand how intensely God desires to develop the image of Christ in each of us. His fire will edify and purge the believer’s heart and habits; He will lead us into more effective series of positive changes resulting in purity and usefulness. 

INTRODUCTION:

Refining is the process of reducing the impurities in a substance. You can't turn crude oil into gasoline without first refining it. ... Refining can also mean the act of making something more efficient, such as a business process, or clear, such as an idea or argument. (Vocabulary.com) Often the Lord uses the metaphor of refining to point to his gracious and transformative work in the believers heart, character, and behaviors.

Proverbs 27:21, As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; So is a man to his praise.^[a]

Proverbs 17:3, The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: But the Lord trieth the hearts.^[b]

Precious metals are separated (extracted), purified, and concentrated through the refining process. As a result refined metals are more precious and valuable than raw ore. Many believers have emerged from the furnace of affliction more beautiful, refined and more useful to God than before.

Spiritual refining involves divine and human activities. The believer is to refine his praise to the Lord, and the Lord will test the hearts of believers to refine our character. Note the phrase in both passages, “the furnace for gold.” Yes, the furnace is for purifying and refining gold. Gold is one of the most valuable metals on the planet; refining is for improving that which is valuable and precious. The refining involves removing the impurities AND concentrating the valuable metal for higher usages and purposes. This is precisely the Lord’s express purpose in Malachi 3:2-3, which says,

But who may abide the day of his coming?

And who shall stand when he appeareth?

For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:

And he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.^[c]

Likewise, the Lord still undertakes to refine our character, clarify our purpose, raise us to higher endeavors, and use us in more meaningful ways and services for his glory.

Psalm 12:6, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

It is God's ambition and hopefully our desire to refine and improve the quality of our faith, character and service unto the Lord. Though we are tried seven times in a furnace, our hope is to come forth as gold. Is this desire in your heart? Do you yearn to be more like the Lord Jesus? Really...do you want this?

The Spirit’s Refining Fire—Cultivating Christ-Likeness in God’s Furnace (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Spirit’s Fire Refines our Faith in God, Increases our Value to Others, Improves the Quality of our Character, and Heightens our usefulness in God’s Service. By developing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, the Holy Spirit transforms the quality of our Christian experience by adding tremendous value.

Gal. 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.^[d]

The more the Spirit fills and controls our minds and hearts the more this fruit will be evident in our character, expressions and ministry. It is vital for us to understand that bearing fruit is a supernatural production wrought by God's Spirit.

Dr. W. MacDonald agrees and comments on this passage saying,

It is significant that the apostle distinguishes between the works of the flesh, and the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:5). They differ as a factory and a garden differ. Note that fruit is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness. All the virtues now listed describe the life of the child of God. Dr. C. I. Scofield has pointed out that every one of them is foreign to the soil of the human heart.^[e]

Concerning the dynamics of the “fruit of the Spirit,” and how this fruit is produced Dr. D. K. Campbell writes,

It is important to observe that the fruit here described is not produced by a believer, but by the Holy Spirit working through a Christian who is in vital union with Christ (cf. John 15:1–8). The word “fruit” is singular, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. In an ultimate sense this “fruit” is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian. It also points to the method whereby Christ is formed in a believer (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:21).^[f]

Again this is not merely people learning more, acquiring new skills, or broadening their experience. While these developmental strategies are employed, the outcomes are utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit. This is God shaping Christ-likeness (character) in you and me.  Yes, we all have some kind of character whether good or bad, but this is the choice jewel of all character development--to be conformed to the image of God's precious Son! What an extraordinary honor for us! 

One more foundational observation is necessary at this point, and it can be grasped in Galatians 5:5. This passage testifies to the fact that there is an inter-dependence between the Spirit of God and the believer to produce righteousness in us. Note thoughtfully what the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:5, "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."^[g]

Don't miss his emphasis..."for we through the Spirit"! This is the vital relationship highlighting a collaborative exchange between us and the Lord. The word “wait” refers to looking and eagerly anticipating a virtuous and honorable lifestyle—the constant practice of righteousness. Ultimately, this is glorification, but immediately it refers to sanctification. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, an attitude of intense yearning and an eager waiting for holiness resides in us. Such a godly and holy lifestyle can be constantly produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit as we trust him for it and yield our entire being to Him. While this is not sinless perfection, it is an active desire for living free of sinful practices and being drenched with the power of God unto continuing holy expression. This desire—this passion for godliness—this longing and dependence upon the Spirit for right-ness—is evidence of holy refining fire within! Are you on fire for God? Does a holy passion for right-ness abide in you? Is it consuming you? 

1.     One Purpose of the Holy Spirit’s Indwelling is to Refine Believers and Cultivate Christ-like Character within us.

A.    To Produce the Fruit of the Spirit—Christ-like Character. The beautiful fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and temperance, and this is our character (Gal 5:22-23). God refines by His Spirit.

B.    To Take Great Care in Developing Holy Character. We must actually and actively add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (2Pet. 1:5-8). God commands us to give all diligence to add to our faith! That is throw yourself into it. Please do not confuse this with fleshly or carnal human strength or effort! We have an obligation to cooperate with the Spirit to cultivate higher quality in our character. Character develops through our decisions and the deliberate development of holy habits.

C.    God aims to produce fine gold in you and me! Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

D.    Choose a Spirit-filled Life to be truly Fruitful and Refined deep within.

E.    Walk daily in the Spirit’s Power and Grace—by faith depend on Him to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit in your experience (Gal. 5:16, 22, 23).

F.     Relationally, such believers are gracious, pleasant, well-adjusted, capable, and great to be around and to work with.

2.     God has Specific Processes and a Clear Purpose for Refining Believers.

A.    God uses the Process of Persecution to Refine us (1Pet. 1:7).

B.    God uses the Process of Intense Trails (often in series) to Refine Us (Js. 1:2-8).

C.    God uses the Process of Corrective Judgments to Refine us (Isa. 1:25; 48:10; Jer. 9:7; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2, 3).

D.    God uses the Process of Heart Examinations to Refine us (Jdg. 7:4 (Gideon’s men); Pss. 17:3b; 26:2b; 66:10).

E.    Trust the Lord to Choose the Best Processes for you and Cooperate with Him fully.

F.     Such believers can be greatly used of the Lord for special ministry and service in a broken and hurting world.

G.   God’s purpose in refinement is Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-29; 2Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:22).

             3.     But, Commitment and Cooperation with The Refining Process are My Responsibility.

A.    Aspire to be a Faithful and Useful Servant of God by giving Careful Adherence to God’s Word (2Tim. 2:15-23).

B.    Engender a Habit of Regular Self-Examination and make Changes that align your Life with God’s Will. Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 

C.    Surrender to the Spirit to Produce His Graceful Fruit in your Experience (Gal. 5:22-23).

D.    Throw yourself into Developing Real Christian Character (2Pet. 1:5-8).

4. Refining Fire Will Involve Afflictions and Trials, But It Will Also Bring Eternal Glory.

A.    2 Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

B.    God will be with you through the night seasons!

C.    The Refiner’s Fire—As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:3) She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, ‘How do you know when the silver is fully refined?’ He smiled at her and answered, ‘Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.’

               5.     The Refining of Believers Requires Fire (Testing, Persecutions, Corrective Judgments, Self-Examinations, and the Ministry of the Spirit).

A.    Isa. 1:25, And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

B.    Fire—or Intense Temperature—is used to Melt and Purify Metals (1 Pet.1:6-9). This image was applied to God's people (1 Pet. 4:12-19) repeatedly! (Read also about the comfort God affords in 2Cor. 1:3-7).

C.    Watch out for Resentment and Anger! Guard against resenting the Lord’s authority or refuse to become angry with the Lord because of the challenges he uses in your experiences. Do not allow yourself to doubt his wisdom, love, or power. Resist the need or desire to control your circumstances; yield control to the Lord and trust his love and efforts to be for your good.  

D.    God works to Cleanse Believers of All the Father deems Impure. The Holy Spirit literally burns sin out of us so that we won’t burn in our sinful desires. Recall what Paul wrote in Romans 8:10-11, And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

E.    The result of the Spirit’s Influence is Spiritual Refinement and Power.

1.Reduced impurities in the heart, mind, spirit, and soul.

2.Enhanced skills, sharper vision, proven strategies, and advanced leadership skills.

3.Refined and free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics! 

4.Refined spiritually in manners, lifestyle, and speech.

5.Polished for special, unique, and delicate areas of service! (Mal. 3:3)

Conclusion:

Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold.

Romans 12:1, says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Isn’t it time to present ourselves to God once and for all? He obviously has great plans for us, but are you willing to be refined in His furnace? There are many in line to get a title, a position, to have some power or authority…. There is no want for people who want recognition for their involvement and volunteering…. The question before us is, are you ready to change for the better by the fire of God’s Spirit? Is there a burning passion in you to truly become more like Jesus?

Perhaps our need is still more along the lines of cleansing and purging? Will you pray with the Psalmist?

Psalm 139:23, says, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psalm 51:10, says, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Can God show you where you are from His perspective? Will you submit to His thorough examinations? Is there a cry in you to be recreated deep within…to have a clean heart? Do you yearn for personal revival? 

Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is a purity of heart.” Ask God to reveal anything that might hinder His flow of power in your life.

• Do I treasure deceptive and misleading goals, sinful-worldly pleasures, Christ-dishonoring habits, ugly pride, myself or my friends?
• Have I fully submitted to the authority of my Lord expressed in the Bible by refusing conformity to this world while choosing the transforming power of a spiritually renewed mind (Romans 12:1, 2)?

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^[a] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 27:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[b] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 17:3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[c] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mal 3:2–3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[d] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:22–23). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[e] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1894). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[f] Campbell, D. K. (1985). Galatians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 608). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[g] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:5). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Crucify The Sensual Sins

Gal 5:14-21,

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)

Paul reminds the Galatians that, though he is now talking of the need to live a godly life, he is not thereby reverting to legalism.  Life in the Spirit is neither legalism nor license—nor a middle way between them. It is a life of faith and love that is above all of these false ways. Being led by the Spirit does not imply that we have no responsibility but rather the need to allow oneself to be led. Responding to the Spirit is described by three mutually interpreting words in vv. 16, 18, and 25--"walk", "led," and "live."(Also see Col. 1:10–14; 3:1-10, “set your affections,” “Mortify,” “put off,” “put on new man”)

“The problem of the Christian life is based on the fact that so long as the Christian lives in this world he is, so to speak, two trees---- the old tree of the flesh and the new tree of the divine nature implanted at the new birth; and the problem itself is, how to keep barren the old tree and make the new tree fruitful.  The problem is solved by walking in the Spirit.”  -- C. I. Scofield

REALIZE FREEDOM THROUGH CRUCIFIXION (w. 19-21, 24).

That Spirit and flesh in conflict is now illustrated by contrasting lists of the works of the flesh and of the fruit of the Spirit. Paul has both in mind as he begins to write this section. At the same time, the lists are more than a mere proof of what he has written earlier. For by raising these particulars of conduct, he also provides a checklist for measuring the conduct of those who consider themselves spiritual.  If one's conduct is characterized by the traits in the first list, then he is either not a believer or else a believer who is not being led by God's Spirit. The same standards of evaluation hold true for churches.  We must understand that the flesh is already crucified and we are now challenged to live out this positional reality (5:24). Christ died for me to remove the penalty of my sin, but I died with Christ to break sin's power (6:14).

Crucify the Works of the Flesh.  Vs. 19, 24

Paul now lists some of the ugly "works of the flesh." (You will find similar lists in Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 1:29-32; I Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:2-5.) The flesh is able to manufacture sin but it can never produce the righteousness of God.  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jer. 17:9).

The word manifest means “open, evident” so that anyone may see, hence, “well-known.” Paul appeals to their common knowledge. It is as if Paul said to the Galatians, “You have a clearly defined standard by which to decide whether you are being led by the Holy Spirit or by the flesh. Each is known by its peculiar work or fruits.”  This list in Galatians can be divided into three major categories: Sensual, Superstition, and Social.  The key to triumphing over the works of the flesh is crucifixion (5:24). 

         

                   

Crucify the Sensual Sins (vv. 19, 21b).

The particulars he specifies are of various sorts; some are sins against the seventh commandment, such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, by which are meant not only the gross acts of these sins, but all such thoughts, and words, and actions, as have a tendency towards these great transgressions.

              1.  Adultery.  Adultery is illicit sex between married people.

                   A.  Physical Adultery.  It is having physical marital type relationships with someone other than one's wife or husband (Le. 20:10; Pr. 6:26-32; Eze. 16:32; Ro. 7:3; He. 13:4).

                   B.  Spiritual Adultery.  The Bible also speaks of spiritual adultery--worshiping or serving false gods or worldly pleasures (Je. 13:27; Eze. 23:43; Jam. 4:4).

                   C.  Mental Adultery.  The Lord Jesus Christ taught that adultery first occurs in the heart. Immoral lust is adultery (Mt. 5:27-28).

              2.  Fornication.  Fornication generally refers to sexual sin among unmarried people. "Fornication" or sexual immorality is a very broad term, denoting any immoral sexual intercourse or relationships.

                  A.  Physical Fornication.  Fornication could also be defined as "the gratification of sexual appetites without respect to marriage or the necessity of God's approval" (Bunnell). The Bible uses this term as a general description for immorality (Mt. 5:32; 15:19; 19:9; Ac. 15:20,29; Ro. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:1; 6:18; 7:2; 2 Co. 12:21; Ga. 5:19; Ep. 5:3; Co. 3:5; 1 Th. 4:3; Re. 9:21).

NOTE:  Fornication is a union but it is not marriage.  Malachi explains that marriage is more than the sexual union; it is a covenant before God and man (Mal. 2:14), and it is this covenant that God blesses by making the two one (Mal. 2:15).  Also take note of  the women at the well who had five husbands but Jesus confirmed the fact that the man she was currently living with was not her husband (Jn. 4:16-18).

                  B.  Spiritual Fornication.  Like adultery, fornication is also used in a spiritual sense to describe turning from God to serve false gods (Eze. 16:29-34; Re. 2:21; 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3; 19:2).

                  C.  Mental Fornication.  The Greek word translated fornication is porneia, from which the English word "pornographic" is derived.  Again the Lord Jesus made it extremely clear that immoral lust is adultery (Mt. 5:27-28; 15:17-20).  Certainly this includes the sin and pursuit of looking at lewd women in wicked magazines and on the internet.

              3.  Uncleanness.  Uncleanness means just that: a filthiness of heart and mind that makes the person corrupt.  To be defiled, foul, unfit. To be unclean refers to lifestyles that are unfit, to defilement of a moral   character, and to spiritual impurity.  The thought is often connected with sensuality (2Cor. 12:212).

                 A.  Moral Impurity.  Paul uses tern “uncleanness” almost exclusively to refer to moral impurity and perhaps of unnatural vice.  The unclean person sees dirt in everything (see Titus 1:15).  This results is a dirty mind, heart, mouth, and actions.

                 B.  Divine Purity.  The teaching about “uncleanness” springs from the concept of God's holiness (Lev 11:44-45, 47).  Uncleanness is not a matter of personal perception or preference, it is a matter which God has defined in absolute standards and terms.  It is not based on a culture’s or society’s perceptions of purity; it does not change merely because “times have changed and people or different now.”  This is an absolute and concrete issue with God.  This is why having a dirty mind and heart is a moral issue. 

NOTE:  Freedom from uncleanness and guilt is possible through God's gracious work (Ps 51:7). Holiness within and purity of heart, is possible through the exercise of faith in Christ's redemption (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:2) and obedience to His word of truth (John 15:3; 17:17; 1 Peter 1:22). Freedom is also realized as we are led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).

                 C.  Spiritual Impurity.  In the gospels, the word unclean describes those who are possessed by undesirable or even demonic spirits. Jesus exercised command over these unclean spirits (Luke 4:36) and effectively rebuked them (Luke 9:42). The disciples were also given power over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7; Acts 5:16). Jesus often cast out unclean spirits (Mark 1:23,26-27; 5:2).  A lifestyle given over to Uncleanness is a lifestyle heavily influenced or possessed by demons.

                 D.  Not Ceremonial Uncleanness.  Paul is not referring to O.T. restrictions regarding unclean foods (Lev 11:1-19), contact with a dead body (Lev 11:25-31). Besides foods,  people were designated unclean under certain conditions like: 1) a discharge or menstruation (Lev 15:2-13,19-24). 2) Puss-type body emissions from open sores or 3) a leprous person was unclean (Lev 13:11).  These are not the things that Paul is referring to in Galatians.  In fact it is this type of thing he is trying to discourage (Gal. 4:9, 10; 5:3-6).

The first three words, then, cover sexual sins.  They are obviously intended to be somewhat comprehensive and inclusive.

              4.  Lasciviousness.  (Vs. 19) Lasciviousness is close to the word debauchery.  It evidently means conduct and character that is unbecoming, indecent, unrestrainedly shameless. The special sense of sexual excess is probable in Gal. 5:19 and certain in Rom. 13:13; 2 C. 12:21; 2 Pt. 2:2, 18. (Bill Clinton)

                                                                                                                                  

                A.  Shameless Conduct and Desires.

It speaks of a lewd and sensual appetite that knows no shame—excessively lewd and vulgar.  In the New Testament it generally appears to point more specifically to unembarrassed open indulgence in impurity.  It point to reckless shamelessness in unclean and sensual indulgences.  It could be defined as "the stirring up of lustful desires which cannot be satisfied within God's boundaries" (Bunnell). The Greek word (aselgeia) is also translated "filthy" (2 Pe. 2:7) and "wantonness" (Ro. 13:13; 2 Pe. 2:18).

                                                                                                                                  

                B.  Unharnessed Conduct and Yearnings.

Lascivious. A term referring to immorality (Mk. 7:22; 2 Co. 12:21; Ga. 5:19; Ep. 4:19; 1 Pe. 4:3; Jude 4). It especially refers to excess and lack of restraint, shameless conduct (Vine). In 2 Pe. 2:7 this word refers to the moral perversion which characterized Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Pt. 2:7).  It goes without saying that all of these sins were rampant in the Roman Empire and the pagan world generally (Eph. 4:19).

                C.   Lawless Conduct and Motivations. 

Undisciplined and unrestrained behavior, especially a flagrant disregard of sexual restraints (Mark 7:22; 2 Cor 12:21). This further means "outrageous conduct," showing that licentious behavior goes beyond sin to include a disregard for what is right.  It speaks of one who acknowledge no restraints, who dares to do whatever his whim and impulsive perverted heart may suggest.  It refers to one who has a cocky meddlesome hatred for decent and conservative public opinion, and shamelessly outrages public decency.

                 D.  Enticing Conduct and Motivations. 

Lasciviousness also means to entice in the lusts of the flesh.  The word originally referred to any excessive behavior or lack of restraint, but eventually became associated with sexual excess and indulgence.

Nakedness is a common act of public indecency in our days and certainly fit within the description of shameless and lewd behavior. Man was naked before the Fall (Ge. 2:25), but after man sinned their conscience was defiled and God made coats and clothed them (Ge. 3:7,10,11,21). Ever since, God has instructed man to cloth himself because of the sinfulness of his thoughts (Mt. 5:28; 15:19). Nakedness is connected with immorality (Ge. 9:22-23 (Noah); Ex. 32:5,6,25 (Calf Idolatry); Le. 18:6-19 (Incest); Le. 20:11-21 (Fornication and Sexual Perversion); Hab. 2:15 (Drunkenness and Shamelessness). Nakedness is shameful (Is. 47:3; Eze. 23:18; Re. 3:18).  Shamefacedness, however, which means to have a sense of shame; a sense of modesty; bashfulness (1 Ti. 2:9) is what should characterize the Christian’s life and appearance. Modesty is a restrained sense of propriety, not bold or forward, not loose, not lewd; it is synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners (1 Ti. 2:9; Tit. 2:5).

              5.  Drunkenness. vs. 21 Drunkenness is the condition of being intoxicated with alcoholic beverages (Ep. 5:18).   Verses which deal with drunkenness and strong drink: Pr. 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:3-5; Is. 5:22; 28:7; Ho. 4:11; Hab. 2:15; Ro. 13:13; Ep. 5:18; Ga. 5:19-21; 1 Th. 5:6-8.

                A.  The Nature of Drunkenness: Modern-day psychology would have us believe this condition is a disease or a psychological problem, but the Bible says it is a sin (Pr. 23:29-35). Drunkenness is an act of the will (vv. 30-31). Drunkenness is a moral wickedness (v. 33). The victory over drunkenness is redemption and sanctification (1 Co. 6:10-11) through the Word (Jn. 17:17) and the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).

                B.  The Deception of Drunkenness: (Pr. 23:32; 20:1). Intoxicating drink has the power to take away the senses. Thus God calls it a mocker. This is why it is foolish to say it is O.K. for a man to drink in moderation. When a man takes the first drink to his lips, he does not know what the end will be. He is no longer in control; the liquor is.

                C.  The Results of Drunkenness: Immorality (Pr. 23:33), cursing (Pr. 23:33), recklessness (Pr. 23:34), dizziness (Pr. 23:34), fighting and injury (Pr. 23:35), bondage (Pr. 23:35; 5:22-23; Jn. 8:34; Ro. 6:16), sorrow (Pr. 23:29), contention (Pr. 23:29), babbling (Pr. 23:29), redness of eyes (Pr. 23:29), poverty (Pr.23:21), loss of wisdom (Is. 28:7), takes away the heart (Ho. 4:11).  The end of drunkenness is eternal death: (1 Co. 6:9-10). Deliverance from drunkenness is salvation and sanctification: (1 Co. 6:11).

               6.  Revellings. (orgies) vs. 21   Revelling is Carousing; drunkenness; evil living (Ro. 13:13; Ga. 5:21; 1 Pe. 4:3). The night life of a riotous group of half drunken people who parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before the houses of their male and female friends; therefore it refers generally of feasts and drinking parties that last till late at night and indulge in revelry.

                   A.  The Night Club Scene.  Revellings, an old word also for drinking parties, riotous gatherings for entertainment, lascivious feastings,  with obscene songs and music (Rom 13:13).  It is your typical bar room scene, discos, and night clubs,  or house or frat party in a college campus area. (1 Peter 4:3)

                   B.  The Idolatrous Prostitution.  Revellings probably had special reference to the orgies that so often characterized the pagan worship ceremonies that many of the Gentile converts of Galatia had once participated in. In a more general and universal sense, however, they refer to becoming drunk under any circumstance and to all rowdy, boisterous, and crude behavior.

Living the Christian life in freedom involves realizing Christ’s righteousness in practical ways by faith and not by mechanical obedience to mere rules and rituals.  The Christian is set free from the curse of the law and the control of the law. Christian liberty is not a liberty that leads to license, but rather to maturity, responsibility, and holiness through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  To live by grace, through faith, brings us a holy freedom and a fulfilling Christian experience.  The Holy Spirit is the secret! One danger of misunderstanding freedom in Christ is a tendency toward self-indulgence, which can express itself in destructive words and actions toward other believers.

Can I Be Sure God's Spirit Lives Within Me?

In the light of certain movements within the ranks of Christianity and certain emphasis about the Spirit living in Believers, we must entertain the questions that some people and even Believers are asking. Here is a question in connection with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling; “How can a believer know the Spirit of God lives within?”
First understand that being filled with the Spirit is not the same as being indwelt by the Spirit. Receiving the Spirit and being controlled by the Spirit are two entirely different spiritual experiences. To be Spirit-filled means that the Spirit of God is freely working in and with you to achieve the will of God through you. To be Spirit indwelt simply means that God lives in us as a result of our repentance and faith in Christ the Lord. To be Spirit-filled is to be quite spiritual since the Spirit of God has incredible control of your life. To be Spirit indwelt does not necessarily mean that you are holy, set apart for God, nor consecrated to His will. It simply means that the individual is saved. All Believers are indwelt by the Spirit, but not all are Spirit-filled. Every Believer ought to walk in obedience and submission to the Spirit, but not all do. These two very different spiritual dynamics must never be confused; unfortunately many fail to recognize this important difference. In the New Testament, when we see terms like "filled""fullness" or "full" in relation to the Spirit of God generally it is referring to the Spirit-filled lifestyle. However, when we see terms like "receive," "have," or "dwell" these generally refer to being a Christian--Spirit indwelt. Actually this simple observation while reading the New Testament can clarify a great deal of confusion.
In addition a Believer can be filled with the Spirit repeatedly according to Ephesians 5:18, and we find this happening several times in the Book of Acts where Believers asked God to fill them afresh and anew for new power, standing for Christ, continuing in the will of God, and witnessing with boldness (Acts 4:23-37).Clearly some of these Christians were filled on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, but in Acts 4 they are being filled again with the power and grace of God for life and service. We also know that Believers receive the Spirit once and only once that the Spirit may remain with us forever. He never leaves nor forsakes the Believer once He begins to live in us (John 14:16-18). We can grieve, vex, and quench the Holy Spirit, still He will not leave New Testament Believers as He did with some Old Testament Believers. With these preliminary observations established, we can now explore whether a genuine Believer can KNOW they are indwelt by God's Spirit.
Another way of asking this question is "Can we be sure we are indeed saved?" Since being indwelt by the Spirit is the same as being saved this is a good question. According to Max Anders (1995, Chapter 3) and Charles Ryrie (1995) there are two ways a Christian can know that he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. First, simply take the Scripture at face value. If they have believed in and received Christ as their personal Savior, then they have the Spirit living within. Note John's exact words,

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39).

Here the Lord Jesus predicted that those who receive Him and believe on Him will receive the Holy Ghost as a result of their faith in Him. This reception of the Savior would transpire after the Lord Jesus was glorified. He was glorified through His resurrection, and through His glorious ascension to Heaven to His Father's right hand (John 17:1-10). Once there He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all true Believers permanently.

Several scholars and Bible Commentators agree with this conclusion that the Spirit begins to indwell Believers at the moment we believe on Christ the Savior. Note just one insightful observation,

It is clearly stated that the expression “living water” refers to the Holy Spirit. Verse 39 is very important because it teaches that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ also receive the Spirit of God. In other words, it is not true, as some claim, that the Holy Spirit comes to indwell people sometime after their conversion. This verse clearly and distinctly states that all who believe on Christ receive the Spirit. At the time the Lord Jesus spoke these words, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. It was not until the Lord Jesus went back to heaven and was glorified that the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost. From that moment on, every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has been indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary)

Notice  furthermore the promise of our wonderful Lord Jesus. He indicated in clear terms the Spirit will pick up His work where Christ left off. He wanted to assure His disciples and us that we will not have to serve and labor alone! He was not abandoning His people!

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:16-18).

Our Lord promised another Comforter, one like Himself to remain with us Believers forever. The Comforter dwells in each Believer as Christ our Lord promised. This is clearly what the Lord Jesus taught in unmistakable terms. I believe Him and every Christian should take His words seriously! John 7:37-39, are clear about when a Believer is indwelt by the Spirit, and the Lord Jesus said it is when we believe. You see Christ has been glorified and is living today in Heaven as He predicted. He has sent the Spirit just as He promised He would. The Spirit is here and we are assure the Lord Jesus is back in Heaven and is glorified with the Father. Since He is glorified, and the Spirit is here operating in the world we now receive the Spirit the moment we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This wonderful promise of Christ continuing with His people through the indwelling Spirit is true for EVERY genuine Believer today with zero exceptions. 

Now there were a few exceptions to this in the Book of Acts when God sovereignly delayed the Spirit's indwelling the Samaritans (Acts 7), and the disciples of Apollos and John the Baptist (Acts 19). These were exceptions and not the standard or the rule. God had specific reasons for delaying the Spirit's indwelling these people groups. Because of these delays, His Apostles were assured of the truth that the Gospel is for all peoples, all nations, and the message was to be taken to the uttermost parts of the globe (Acts 1:8). Apostle were present to witness what God was doing internationally regarding the Gospel and the salvation of anyone who repented and believed the Gospel. The Gospel is for Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles; God desires to save all and is not willing that any should perish. To signify this God delayed the Spirit's indwelling in these few instances to demonstrate this truth to His leaders the Apostles. Again these were exception and not the rule. The standard procedure is for a person to repent believing the Gospel of Christ, and they are saved, regenerated, and indwelt by the Spirit of God exactly as the Lord Jesus said it would be. This is the standard as demonstrated in Acts 10 when Cornelius and his household are marvelously saved. Peter preaches the Gospel, they listen with believing receptive hearts and God's mighty Spirit fell upon them all. As new Believers they received the Spirit of God in a manner that was obvious to the Apostle Peter--they were genuine Believers. Yes, God was signifying that even Gentiles should hear the Gospel and be saved by grace. Peter would later explain all of this to the church in Jerusalem and they finally accepted Gentiles as true Believers (Acts 11). The order again is simple: the Gospel is preached, sinners listen with repentant and believing hearts, and God saves them giving them the Spirit of God to indwell them. Beloved this is the rule; yes, there are a few historical exceptions, but this is the rule.   

We can stand on the clear statements of God’s Word. In fact, Romans 8:9 makes it clear that if we do not have the indwelling Spirit then we are not saved at all. In contrast, if we do have the indwelling Spirit, we are truly saved. Indwelling is a normal consequence of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. It is not a "second blessing" of some sort; it is the reception of Jesus Christ through the Spirit of Grace upon our repentance and faith in Christ.

The second way is to look for the evidence of His work in one’s life (Ryrie, C.). This too can afford assurance of the Spirit’s indwelling. When I became a Christian, I was certain I was, because things within me were changing. Though I struggled later with assurance issues rooted in bad theology, initially I had great assurance. New desires, motives, and ambitions were beginning to emerge. Over the next few weeks, I would continue my work at the aircraft support equipment shop of Plattsburgh, AFB, New York. But now it really bothered me when my co-workers and fellow airmen were swearing or using vulgarities. This in spite of the fact that a few weeks before I was the ring leader in that circus, but now I wanted everybody to stop. Before my conversion I freely participated in the generous usage of expletives, gutter language, and filthy statements. Now God was cleaning up my speech and I wanted others to clean theirs up also.  

I could recall also changing my TV and Cable watching selections and habits; I seemed to know instinctively that my previous selections were inappropriate for a Believer. I also embraced new friends and curtailed my involvement with old friends who could influence me to live the old life. On the other side of things, I found myself reading my new Bible and loving it, especially the Book of Genesis; I truly was fascinated and thrilled. The Spirit began to teach me and formulate wholesome values within. I began attending the church I was saved in on Sundays, and developed a desire to be with and talk to other Christians about spiritual things. I recall the emergence of desires to be more loving, less prideful, holy, and more patient springing up deep within me. I also felt burdened to reach my old friends with the Gospel and I began inviting them to church. My life was far from holy and consecrated to God, but these small changes within evidenced the Holy Spirit’s internal work.

The Spirit had indeed moved in and was about the work of growth and transformation.  Not everyone’s experience will be the same as this, but such positive “changes” are indications of the indwelling Spirit of God. With regard to experiences, it would be wise to think on the words of Charles Ryrie (1995) in A Survey of Bible Doctrine,

Experience may not always be convincing since sin may hinder His work, and in the normal process of Christian development one’s growth will be slow but steady with no unusual demonstrations of the power of God. This unspectacular kind of progress should never be diagnosed as indicating the absence of the indwelling Spirit. He does abide forever in every believer’s life (Jn. 14:16–17).

Finally, because the Spirit indwells Believers, we are never alone. Prisoners in concentration camps or prisoners of war camps testify that the presence of God kept them going during the grueling hours, days, and even years of solitude. This is because they knew they were not really alone. Praise the Lord for His eternal Presence in and with His people always (Anders 1995, Chapter 3)! Even after exploring these very clear passages and examining the biblical facts, the Spirit’s indwelling is still mysterious in some regards. Obviously there are some things we Christians know for certain, but others evade our understanding heretofore. The concept of indwelling is such a mystery that probably no one fully understands specifically what happens in that instant the Spirit of God moves inside. But indwelt Believers truly are if they have given their lives over to faith in Christ. The Scriptures makes it clear that the Holy Spirit lives in us, and based on that fact, we should glorify God with our bodies.