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.

 

The Road to Maturity in Christ III

The Road to Maturity in Christ

1 Corinthians 3:1–4

Theme: The Christian journey leads to maturity in the Word, discernment, and righteous decision-making.

Relevance: God designed the Christian life to grow continuously into obedience dominated by His Spirit and will.

Introduction:

During Paul's ministry in Corinth, he tried to feed his spiritual children and help them mature in the Faith. Much like a normal family, everybody helps the new baby grow and mature, so in the family of God we must encourage spiritual maturity. We want to observe this progress in three movements.

Message:

I.   “Walk as Men” (1 Cor. 3:3).

II. “Ye are Yet Carnal” (1 Cor 3:1, 3).

III.  “As Unto Spiritual” (1 Cor. 3:1).

A.   Mature in Christ

                                                   i.     Spiritual refers to saved individuals who are dominated by the Holy Spirt and Obey the Word. This is exactly where the Lord would have us to be, but not many ‘believers’ actually appreciate this kind of commitment. We are basically selfish creatures so we think a large part of ‘maturity’ accommodates our desire for comfort, convenience, and quick fixes.

                                                 ii.     A Christian matures by allowing the Spirit to teach him and direct him by feeding on the Word. True wisdom from God is revealed by the Spirit (1Cor. 2:6–13) to those who are “mature.” This maturity is like a fruit which has developed to completion and perfection; it is ripe. Such believers are fulfilled by their employment by Christ, they are daily listening to the Spirit…they study, memorize, and meditate on Scripture as a means of securing and executing God’s plan. They cherish the idea of God’s Word richly indwelling them and guiding their hearts and minds.

                                               iii.     The usual observation is that "milk" represents the easy things in the Word, while "meat" represents the hard doctrines. But according to Heb 5:10-14, "milk" represents what Jesus Christ did on earth, while "meat" speaks of Christ’s present ministry in heaven. The current heavenly priesthood of Jesus Christ should be explored and relied on, but immaturity will prevent this (Heb. 6:1-3). Christ is ascended, received, enthroned, empowered, reigning, interceding in heaven now, and anticipating his return to earth. The mature Christian not only rejoices in these truths, but they hang on to them as holy comfort from God during harnesses and persecutions. 

B.   Feed on the Word

                                                   i.     Spiritual maturity involves many things. Hebrews 5:11–14 teaches three principles about spiritual maturity as compared with spiritual immaturity:

1.    First, maturity takes time (v. 12). The believers need to be exposed to the truth of the Word and see it modeled in others over time. They rely on others to teach and explain the Bible to them. God will apply it to the individual life.

2.    Second, maturity involves growth in the knowledge of the Word of God (v. 13). Babies in Christ can only handle the simple things of the gospel (1 Pet. 2:2). Spiritual development (or deformity) is directly related to the amount of intake of the Word. These believers can feed themselves from the Bible.

3.    Finally, spiritual maturity involves experience in the use of the Word in discerning between good and bad, or truth and error (vv. 13, 14). This is to be a disciplined exercise in spiritual discernment. Such believers can teach others and engage in spiritual warfare successfully. (W. W. Wiersbe)

                                                 ii.     The Word of God is our spiritual food: milk (1 Peter 2:2), bread (Matt 4:4), meat (Heb 5:11-14), and even honey (Ps 119:103) just as the physical man needs a balanced diet if his body is to be healthy, so the inner man needs a balanced diet of spiritual food. The baby begins with milk, but as he grows and his teeth develop, he needs solid food.

1.    It is not difficult to determine a believer's spiritual maturity, or immaturity, if you discover what kind of “diet” he enjoys.

2.    The immature believer knows little about the present ministry of Christ in heaven. He knows the facts about our Lord's life and ministry on earth, but not the truths about His present ministry in heaven. He lives on "Bible stories" and not Bible doctrines. He has no understanding of 1 Cor 2:6-7. Unfortunately, they are more focused on themselves than the Lord Jesus. (W. W. Wiersbe)

C.   Makes Bible Based Decisions

                                                   i.     In my ministry, I have preached in hundreds of churches and conferences; and I have always been grateful for congregations that wanted to be enlightened and edified, not entertained.

1.    It is important that we preach the Gospel to the lost, but it is also important that we interpret the Gospel to the saved.

2.    The entire New Testament is an interpretation and application of the Gospel. Romans, for example, does not tell us how to be saved - because they were already believers. It explains what was really involved in our salvation. It is an explanation of the "deep things of God" and how they apply to daily life. Sound Bible-based knowledge is key.

                                                 ii.     There is another way to determine maturity; the mature Christian practices love and seeks to get along with others. Children like to disagree and fuss. And children like to identify with heroes, whether sports heroes or Hollywood heroes. The "babes" in Corinth were fighting over which preacher was the greatest - Paul, Apollos, or Peter. It sounded like children on the playground or adults on a “Monday after the big game”! 

Conclusion:

When immature Christians, without spiritual discernment, get into places of leadership in the church, the results will be disastrous. Such compromises regarding commitment levels are a formula for disappointment and disingenuous behavior. More than one brokenhearted pastor has lamented wondering what to do with church officers or significant church members who talk big but live small. Also, sometimes it is the officers who wonder what to do with an immature pastor!

The Christian must drive forward focusing on maturity in the Word, discernment in life, and righteous decision-making pursuant of God’s plan. We will make mistakes and experience serious failures along the way, but you are not the first one. Still…go on with the Lord. It is costly and painful breaking away from ‘fleshly’ carnal living. Staying tune to God’s will gets extremely uncomfortable at times, but we must stay focused on the Lord to sustain us. God literally designed us to grow continuously into a lifestyle of obedience dominated increasingly by His Spirit and will. Many fellow ‘believers’ will not necessarily appreciate this because they desire traditions far more than truth. ‘Comfort’ and ‘happiness’ cannot be a mature Christian’s determining factors.

     1.    Again, some need to be saved today—I mean really 'get the goods' being born again. Stop putting it off and trust Christ as your Savior and Lord now.

     2.    Others need to make the choice to pursue spiritual development and real progress. Stop faking divine advancements; refuse to be like the Pharisees any longer. Study the Word, apply God’s truth, use God-given discernment, and make decisions that reflect God’s rule in your life and ministry.

     3.  Yet others need to keep their eyes fixed on our risen, enthroned, interceding, and soon coming Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is your everything and He can meet your every need. Look unto him continually! 

What God Wants Everyday

What God Wants Everyday

John 4:23-24

Subject: Worship

Theme: God wants genuine heart-felt Christ-centered worship from each believer throughout each day.

John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Introduction:

We know many things are done in the name of worship in churches and stadiums, but does God accept these sometimes-sincere gestures? What kind of worship is acceptable to Him? Our focus should not be on the congregation whether saved or lost, but on God whom we presume to adore.

Worship basically means to “express by attitude and possibly by position one’s allegiance to and regard for deity—‘to prostrate oneself in worship, to bow down and worship, to worship.’ Mt 2:2.^[1]

Worship can also mean “to bow the knee,” suggesting more than merely the position/posture of our body….

Webster’s Dictionary says worship involves adoring, idolizing, esteeming worthy, reverencing, and giving homage. This indicates our definition of worship must encompass both an attitude and an act.

Sincere adoration extends into the very depths of our souls and far beyond external indicators. God’s Word contains stores of instructions about really worshiping God that clarify and expand our conception of worship. He patiently teaches us how to embrace true worship and progress on our spiritual journey.

Lesson:

Here are some critical facts to reflect on about “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) requirement of our Lord Jesus:

Worship takes various forms involving lifestyle actions of devotion, service, and obedience, treating daily life as a sacrifice to our great God. In John 4:24, Jesus states: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth”. Actual worship is not bound by location nor merely external but is an internal reality—sincere devotion (spirit) rooted in the authenticity of God’s Word and His very incredible nature (truth).        

1.      “God is a Spirit”: We must realize that God is not tied to one location or place for our worship. As “Spirit” He is free of such boundaries and confinements; He can receive our worship from anywhere. Because God is not limited by physical form, worship is not restricted to specific places like temples, mountains, or even church buildings. Meeting with God cannot be relegated to a room, a chair, or a place in our homes.

• God is Spirit asserts that “God is not one Spirit among many. This is a declaration of His invisible nature. He is not confined to one location. Worship of God can be done only through the One (Jesus) who expresses God’s invisible nature (1:18) and by virtue of the Holy Spirit who opens to a believer the new realm of the kingdom (cf. 3:3, 5; 7:38–39).”^[1]

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^[1] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 286.

1. “In Spirit”: There is an honest recognition of God and a reflective authentic response to Him. The idea “in Spirit” signifies that worship comes from the heart—real genuine, legitimate honest admissions—guided by the Holy Spirit, and is not merely external rituals, formal procedures and ceremonies, mindless liturgies, or ignorant conventions. This implies sincere devotion invading into the extreme farthest reaches of our inner most being transforming us into unrecognizable souls who treasure/value God most. Externally we reveal intense and genuine loyalty to the one true God partly evidenced by changes, corrections, and reprioritizations in daily matters.
• Jesus announced to the woman that from now on worship of the Father would be in spirit and truth. The Jewish people had reduced worship to outward forms and ceremonies. They thought that by religiously adhering to the letter of the law, and going through certain rituals, they were worshiping the Father. But theirs was not a worship of the spirit. It was outward, not inward. Their bodies might be bowed down on the ground but their hearts were not right before God. Perhaps they were oppressing the poor, or using deceitful business methods.^[3]
2. “In Truth”: Indicates that worship aligns with God’s essential nature, the true declarations of Scripture, Jesus Christ— “The Truth” (Jn. 1:14; 14:6), and the teachings of Christ. We must worship according to the truth of Jesus’ person and work, for He is the truth (Jn. 17:3; 18:37) and, thus, the solitary way we may truly worship God. God is revealed as the “true” God (1 Jn. 5:20) and the Holy Ghost is described by the Lord Jesus as the “Spirit of Truth” (Jn. 16:13). This truth about “the Truth” demands genuineness, authenticity, transparency, and honesty with God, ourselves, and people. While we are not perfect or flawless, we refuse to resort to excuses making real progress living for God.
• True worshipers are those who realize that Jesus is the Truth of God (3:21; 14:6) and the one and only Way to the Father (Acts 4:12). To worship in truth is to worship God through Jesus.^[4]
• In spirit and truth…. This is what matters, not where, but how (in reality, in the spirit of man, the highest part of man, and so in truth). All this is according to the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:5) who is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Here Jesus has said the final word on worship….^[5]
3. The Father’s Expectations: The Father seeks (like a shepherd pursues a lost sheep, like a farmer expects fruit, or like an investor requires ROI) such genuine adoration. 
• The Father is seeking true worshipers because He wants people to live in reality, not in falsehood. Everybody is a worshiper (Rom. 1:25) but because of sin many are blind and constantly put their trust in worthless objects.^[6]

Christ ideas contrasts with rigid, traditional, or location-based worship, focusing instead on a personal, authentic connection to God. 

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, many people offer God ‘worship’ that satisfies their cultural ideas, and this can be seen in churches and large auditoriums. Churches also have programed the ‘worship services’ to be more people centered omitting the fact that it is God we have gathered to worship. While some of the cultural ideas are acceptable, we must note carefully what God himself stated as a requirement. 

Because God is spirit, we as genuine worshippers must connect with Him sincerely through the Holy Spirit and in accordance with the truth of Jesus’s teachings. Let us freely give God our Father precisely what he is looking for: genuine heart-felt Christ-centered worship from each one of us believers throughout each day He gives us to glorify Him.

As a means of establishing intimate fellowship with God, worship is a necessary element of our faith. Focus your mind and heart on God with clear Bible statements and worship Him accordingly. Jesus stipulates that we worship in “Spirit and in truth” to access the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture.

Beloved, a serious way to respect and adore God is authentic worship. This is the very essence of our connection with Him. Give God your love and respect, expressing your appreciation for His majesty. Worship Him with sincerity and delight; let worship change your relationship with Him and with others.

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^[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 539.

^[2] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 286.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1485.

^[4] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 286.

^[5] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 4:23.

^[6] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 286.

The Power of Christ's Amazing Love

 

Ephesians 3:14–21

 

Subject: Love for our Church Family

Relevance: The Spirit helps us experience God as the potent demonstration of the indwelling Christ as we submit to Him. He makes continuous and genuine Christian expression possible by enabling us for supernatural Christian living, loving, and laboring so that our Father is glorified.

Theme: We need the Holy Spirit’s supernatural strengthening for Christlike loving to the credit of our Father. Beloved, this is a prayer for strength to love each other.

Introduction: 

Noting that positionally the Gentile and Jewish believers are “one new man” as the body of Christ in Ephesus (Eph. 2:15), Paul now prayed that they may be united experientially. Paul had been affirming the unity of this local church prayed that the Ephesians would be strong inwardly through Christ's Spirit.

Message:

I.               The Power of Christ’s Love (Eph. 3:16)

A.    Fortified—“Strengthened” (Eph. 3:16)

                                                    i.     Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be “strengthened” by the Spirit, indwelt by Christ, and filled with all the “fullness” of God’s uniting love.  What “love” are we to be “rooted and grounded” in?  No, it is not the love of God, or even love for God. It is love for one another as fellow members of the family of God! It is in the context of loving relationships within the church family that we experience, through one another, the depths of God’s love.  It is through such commitment that we understand and grow in the fullness of Christ’s love.  We likewise must desire that we might genuinely know and experience Christ’s love and thus exhibit it toward each other.

B.    Force—“Might” (Eph. 3:16)

                                                    i.     The Holy Spirit (a person) provides power for a lifelong process to make us more like Christ (2 Cor 3:17-18). When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ. He aids in prayer (Rom 8:26-27; Eph 2:18; 6:18); he inspires us to worship (Eph 5:18; Phil 3:3); he shapes our character (Gal 5:22-23).

                                                  ii.     Furthermore, the Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Eph 2:19-22). He can be experienced by every believer, and he works through all (1 Cor 12:11; Eph 4:4). As such, the Spirit constantly provides us with the moral power to stand for Christ and to serve him. We access this power through prayer, worship, and yielding.

C.    Focus—"Inner Man” (Eph. 3:16)

                                                    i.     Spiritually strong and empowered in “the inner man”. This spiritual part of man is where God dwells and works. Christians have a regenerated inner being that can be renewed and strengthened day by day with power through his Spirit (2Cor. 4:16).  It is this inner power that makes him succeed.

                                                  ii.     Our spiritual faculties can be controlled by God, and we must exercise them and grow in the Word (Heb. 5:12-14). When we yield to the Spirit letting Him control the inner man we succeed in living to the glory of God. This means feeding the inner man the Word of God, praying and worshiping, keeping clean, and exercising the senses by loving obedience. Certainly, our best interactions should be with each other!

                                                iii.     Spiritually energized to live morally, to be a witness, and to remain unified with other believers is the task! We get strength from the powerful Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20). We are energized for ministry (Eph. 3:7), and to defeat Satan in battle (Eph. 6:10-11). How do we gain access to this power? Christ returned to glory and sent the Spirit from heaven to indwell and empower His people. It is not necessary for us to "work something up." The power must be sent down. We gain power in prayer. If you want power to live, make prayer a greater priority. When you pray, you will experience God’s renovating power.

Conclusion:

All this is possible only because God is more than able to do immeasurably more than all we could pray for or even imagine possible, because it is according to His power that is at work within us as believers.

Please keep uppermost in mind that this concerns our perception of God’s love, not whether he loves us or not. While the choices we make will affect that perception, there is nothing a believer can do to remove themselves from it. Romans 8:35–39 reminds us that nothing, absolutely nothing, in heaven or on earth can separate us from the love of God.

Focus on the Power of the Spirit

 

 

2Cor. 3:17-18

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

Introduction:

Setbacks and struggles assert our need for maturity! Genuine spiritual growth is a frustrating battle. This can be extremely unnerving at times.  But it helps to know Jesus must be our focus and during setbacks it’s time to refocus on him…again.

Message:

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 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 inward renovation that has a palpable outward outcome.  What a magnificent change it is! But how can such a drastic change transpire?  Well, let look at considering the power for such change.

I.     Focus on the Power for Change—The Holy Spirit Manages this Awesome Process— “Now the Lord is that Spirit…where the Spirt of the Lord is…even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2Cor. 3:17-18)

A.    According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is the Power.  The third member of the Godhead who effects this splendid modification in believers. 

                                        1.     This title the “Spirit of the Lord” is a little unusual because frequently ‘Lord’ in the NT refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. Here the title is a reference to the Holy Spirit, and I think this title highlights his ministry of revealing, promoting, and exalting Jesus Christ.

                                        2.     John 16:12-15, I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. ¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ¹⁴ He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

                                        3.     Dr. William MacDonald says of the Holy Spirit, “His principal work will be to glorify Christ. By this we can test all teaching and preaching. If it has the effect of magnifying the Savior, then it is of the Holy Spirit. “He will take of what is Mine” means that He will receive of the great truths that concern Christ. These are the things He reveals to believers. The subject can never be exhausted!”

                                        4.     2 Corinthians 4:6, For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

B.    This is Supernatural Power wrought by the Spirt! “The Spirit of the Lord” draws the believer’s attention to the perfections of Christ, highlights areas of deficiency and sin in the people of God, urges us on to our spiritual potential in Christ and then literally empowers us to attain it (Acts 1:8; Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22-23).

                                        1.     But how can such a drastic alteration of morals, values, and character transpire?  The power for change is the Holy Spirit of God: “even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  

i.       Ephesians 5:18-21, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

ii.     Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

                                        2.     William MacDonald observed, “As we behold the Lord of glory, study Him, contemplate Him, gaze on Him adoringly, the Spirit of the Lord works in our life the marvelous miracle of increasing conformity to Christ.” (MacDonald) 

C.    Every Believer Must Rely on the Holy Spirit for Spiritual Change!

                                        1.     Clearly this change is not through mere human effort, psychological reform, or mere human determination, for no such energy and power resides in the “flesh” of our humanity (Rom. 7:18).

                                        2.     Romans 7:18-20, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. ²⁰ Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 

                                        3.     While men can alter their behavior, it is utterly impossible to affect the spectacular transformation mentioned here. 

 

Conclusion:

We are in a continuing process of transformation into the very image of Christ. Christlikeness is the ultimate goal of our journey (Eph. 4:23–24; Col. 3:10). 

It is tempting to think that we should see some special sign of our spiritual growth. We imagine that, like bodybuilders who can see the results of their training, we too should be able to look in a mirror and see our spiritual muscles bulging! Perhaps we think of the Apostle Paul’s example, and look for a miraculous transformation such as he experienced. But even Paul took pains to point out he had not attained some kind of spiritual perfection (Phil. 3:12–14).--M. Anders 

Finally, consider our need for God’s forgiveness and Salvation.

     1. Every Person that Ever Lived Has Been Impacted by Sin– We All are Sinners.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

So, you see we all are sinners—transgressors of God’s law and under the divine death penalty. We are guilty and desperately need God’s forgiveness. Do you sense your need for God’s forgiveness for your life of sin? Remember, confession is acknowledging God's standards of morality and the truth that we have not lived up to his requirements. It is admitting, "I don't measure up...either." 

     2.  The Results and Consequences of a Life of Sin is Death. 

Ezek 18:4, Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

If you spend your life serving Master Sin, then you can expect to receive the wages of Master Sin. The wages of Sin are the death penalty!

              a.   Physical Death—Rom. 5:12,14

              b.   Spiritual Death—Eph. 2:1; 4:18

              c.   Eternal Death—Rev. 20:15

The evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die physically. Physical death is also indicative of pervasive spiritual separation from God as a human condition. Eternal death is nothing short of suffering forever in the Lake of Fire. When deciding it is best to have all the necessary information.

     3. The Key is Trusting Christ as our Savior. 

Paul outlines this in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification before The Father. It is crucial that we understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

I have given you all you need to know to understand your guilt before a holy God. I know how this must feel. I do NOT measure up either...I am not good enough for God to accept me without accepting his forgiveness. God promises to save all who will acknowledge their sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior. Remember sin is defined as violations of God's Laws. We have put idols before the true and living God. We are guilty of taking God's Name in vain. We have not honored our parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfection of God's standard of morality. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us forgiveness not condemnation. With this being the case...condemnation is something you chose by refusing Christ.