Posted on 09/01/2018 5:11:12 PM PDT by metmom
“The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He has given us” (1 John 3:24).
Because the Holy Spirit affects every area of the Christian life, it is vital that we have a balanced and correct view of His role.
The church’s understanding of the Spirit’s Person and ministry has been seriously distorted over the past few decades. Charismatics have given an undue emphasis to certain pentecostal gifts so that subjective experience is often elevated over objective scriptural truth.
At the same time, many non-charismatics have overreacted to charismatic excesses by almost ignoring the Holy Spirit. For most, an in-depth study of the Spirit does not fit with the pragmatic, psychological approach to solving spiritual problems.
But we can’t afford to go to either extreme; otherwise we’ll miss out on what it really means to know the Spirit and to minister by His power. He is indispensable in saving us, enabling us to obey Jesus Christ, and ultimately perfecting us in glory. Paul urged the Galatian believers not to abandon the Holy Spirit but to lean completely on Him. “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
Too many Christians are wasting time looking to seminars, gimmicks, counselors, and novel interpretations of old truths to uncover “the secret” to the abundant Christian life. But the key to such living is not a mystery or a secret. The sufficiency of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, as revealed through the pages of God’s fully reliable Word, is all the information and resources we’ll ever need to live fruitful and prosperous spiritual lives.
In today’s verse, the apostle John is speaking of Christ’s indwelling presence in the believer’s life, which the Holy Spirit reveals to us. Therefore the Spirit is working with the Lord Jesus in encouraging you, guiding you, enlightening you, and empowering you for every good work (see John 14:1620; 16:13). By understanding the Spirit’s role and allowing Him to work in you daily, you’ll begin to see your life becoming more like Christ each day.
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray that God would grant you and everyone in your church a proper and balanced understanding of the Spirit’s role.
For Further Study
Jesus is portrayed as the Good Shepherd in John 10. Read that chapter, and list the major characteristics He has as our Shepherd.
Studying God’s Word ping
You in the mirror starin’ back at me
Oh, conscience let me be
To the pure, all things are pure
To those who’re defiled
Unbelieving, nothing is pure
Their minds, their conscience defiled
They profess to know God
But deceive Him by deeds all the while
Where do I stand? On the rock or in the sand?
Oh, Holy Spirit, won’t You help me understand?
Holy Spirit, won’t You say a prayer for me?
Jennifer Knapp | Trinity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGAvQ2dVPrE
I’m so glad that Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, “the Promise of the Father!”
Luke 11: ...12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
I am awed that He gave Himself, and just keeps on giving; and that He allows us to incorporate Him into our lives! We sooooo don’t deserve these powerful blessings!
Your life never becomes like Christ’s. YOU sin every day , don’t you? Not even close to Christ. We are forgiven of all sin , past , present and future, from the resurrection? Parakletos is the messenger from God that lives in you, but only if you accept Christ as Savior. There is no eternal life except in “heaven” , Jn 3:16. You just go to dirt, There is no fiery “eternal life” in hell. You just go to oblivion. Be leary of professional Christians living off your “ donations too “god” . They are not gifts to GOD . They are funding the professional’s house payments, car payments and 401K. “ professional christian”.
I guess you think Jesus lied in the gospels, then, eh?
I guess you think Jesus died for nothing , Huh?
Thank you, Metmom. I know I will not be perfect this side of Heaven, but if I am growing (sanctification) more like my Lord as I walk this path, then I have assurance.
Somehow; the rich man beyond the gulf missed this lesson.
Luke 16:26
Tell us where you get eternal life in a fiery “hell”. Dante?
What “ in Hell “ are you talking about? Luke 16:26 New International Version (NIV)
“26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”
Dirt is an awesome chasm buddy. I see no eternal life in your feeble rebuttal. Next attempt please,
There is absolutely no “hell” . The word “hell “ was never in the original text. “Sheol” was Hebrew, Meant “pit or grave”. “Hades’ was Greek. Meant “ pit or grave” . Jesus used Aramaic “ Gehenna” , meant city dump. No “eternal existence” what so ever, “Hell” is a damned lie manufactured in the KJV to control you and get your money.
Believe what you were destined to believe.
Not sure your point.
Funny limerick . Now what is your point? Spit it out.
Funny limerick . Now what is your point? Spit it out.
My old math teacher used to say:
Show your work.
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