All of us at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature
And following its desires and thoughts
Were by nature objects of wrath.
Ephesians 2:3-4
Mankind can only give birth to flesh and blood, but Holy Spirit gives life to spirit (John 3:6). How sad it’s such an easy thing to neglect the most essential part of our being – our eternal spirit. Especially since God has given us ample evidence to the existence of our spiritual being – the internal dialogue no one else hears (except God) and our conscious.
How many years I allowed my mind and my heart to determine the meaning of good. Without Holy Spirit I resembled that fool God’s Word describes! Why? Because the things that come from the Spirit of God, cannot be understood since they must be spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Without Holy Spirit I would never have been able to accept the Truth Christ Jesus shares, “No one is good – except God alone!” Luke 18:19. You see, I thought very highly regarding my opinions.
That natural, fallen sinful nature housed within our being, dictates ways to please ourselves. Ways that are harmful to ourselves and others. When Holy Spirit’s presence is absent in our life, so too will the Life and Peace of heart and mind that God bestows.
The Spirit of Truth identifies what we work so hard to hide: our fears, our denials, our doubts, our motives…. All such things stored within a heart that not only works against us, but they also work against God (Romans 8:5-8).
We don’t like change! We don’t like discomfort! We don’t like being wrong! Who wants to be in control – WE DO!
BUT GOD! His kindness is intended to lead us to repent, to change our mind and heart and accept His glorious will (Romans 2:4): To be born anew through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Born into an inheritance reserved in heaven for those, who are being guarded by God’s power through their faith.
God has given us His Word of Truth and His Spirit of Truth so He can work within us helping us to do what pleases Him, while giving us the power to accomplish just that (Philippians 2:13). What a privilege to be called to work together with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, till we fully inherit that final salvation that is ready to be revealed for us in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-4). Phil 2:13.
The Message Bible explains it this way: Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
But it doesn’t just give God pleasure. It is an amazing experience to realize you have done or are doing what once seemed highly unlikely.
“God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called!” – Mark Batterson
How amazing our God! But sadly, many allow their heart to determine who God is for them. As a result, Holy Spirit is not able to administer the CPR (Christ Paid Redemption) that breath of Life of regeneration (rebirth, renewal, resurrection…) that gives new life to our spiritual being.
Now God generously pours out His Spirit through Christ our Savior. Yes, because of God’s grace He declares us righteous and gives us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. These teachings from God’s Word, which Holy Spirit helps us to understand, are good and beneficial for everyone. All who trust God will devote themselves, will discipline and train with Holy Spirit to do what is good (Titus 3:5-8) for the glory of God!
Whoever has suffered in the flesh, having the mind of Christ,
Is done with intentional sin!
They stop pleasing themselves and the world,
To please God!
1 Peter 4:1 AMP