Proof Of Residence.

“After God had blessed them and showed them how to live, giving them laws and directions, immediately, it seems from Scripture, they turned away to attractive idols in their contemporary situation… the idols that are the competition to their God.” –Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

In this past Sunday’s sermon, our pastor noted that God gave laws and decrees not for His own benefit, but for the benefit of His people. In the face of ancient Israel’s continual idolatry, God sent a word through the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah: I am going to do a new thing. I will take out their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh; I will put My Spirit in them. They will not have to be taught, because they will know the truth directly from Me. (see Ezekiel 36:26 and Jeremiah 31:34)

If the Spirit of God is resident in us, then we will walk in His truth.

If the spirit of idolatry is resident in us, then we will turn our backs on God’s truth.

But, what is the evidence of residence? How can we, and the world, know who influences our thoughts and actions? The apostle Paul shares a list that distinguishes the people ruled by self-will from the people ruled by God’s Spirit. Today, let us reflect on this passage prayerfully.

Holy Spirit of God, please help us to live lives that reflect the proof of Your residence in us.

Galatians 5:19-25

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.