For the grace of God has appeared for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness and passionate desires, to live discreet, temperate, self-controlled, upright, devout, spiritually whole lives in this present world, awaiting and looking for the fulfillment, the realization of our blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people to be peculiarly His own, people who are eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds. (Titus 2:11-14)
In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zechariah, of the division of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. (Luke 1:5-6)
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam made a point which should be central in the thought life of every Christian: It is possible for people to live righteously and obediently in the sight of God. And, beyond being possible, it is necessary. This righteous, obedient lifestyle is achieved in and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, our Savior, has done His work in this process of redemption. His death has brought us life; His resurrection from the dead has given us hope. And He has left us His Spirit, by Whom we are empowered to remember and act upon the word of God (see John 16:7-15). The writer to the Hebrews leaves us a simple, but profound, truth: If we do not pursue peace and holiness, we will not see the Lord (see Hebrews 12:14). John Wesley says, "The not following after holiness is the direct way to fall into sin of every kind."
Satan has a strategy: his aim is to convince Christians that once they have made a mental assent of the deity of Christ, there remains nothing else to do. That is a lie. James warns us that even devils believe in God (James 2:19), and the Gospels recount incidents where persons under demonic influence fell at Jesus's feet even though they were bound by evil spirits (see Mark 5:6 and 9:20). The Christian life is more than just saying that Jesus is in charge of the universe. And the Christian life is more than just falling at the feet of Jesus in worship. For the person who confesses Christ as Lord, there must also be the presence of the Holy Spirit within the heart of the believer. If Jesus has told us that it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us and causes us to function in our faith (John 16:14), then why would we avoid embracing the work of the Holy Spirit in us?
Thy precious will, O conquering Savior, doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed, my peace a river; my soul, a prisoned bird, set free.
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer 'til I am wholly lost in Thee. (Leila Morris)
It is the will of God that His people receive the gift and grace of His Spirit, so that they might be empowered to reject ungodliness, pursue holiness, and gain peace.
The Holy Spirit wants to hug you, surround you, infill you. Will you let Him?
(*Today's post title is in memory of Pastor Sam's mom.)
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