WALK IN THE SPIRIT
"But I say walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)." [The text is taken
from the Amplified Version of the Bible].
Introduction
This is a vital part of the true conversion experience in the life of the believer. It is a sadly absent one too. In the lack of examples to follow, there are very few lives of a true "witness" that we may emulate. Within the present Christian community, the popular "numbers game" being played out in many church circles that seem to be in competition with each other, the hope of developing and building Christian Character is almost non-existent.
Let us begin with a question, a question that would help us put matters in perspective. In a genuine, born-again, conversion experience, there must be discipleship, an increasing love for God's word and fellowship with other like–minded believers. Preferably, in a small community, as these are the ingredients needed and important for building sound lives, lives of commitment, discipline and discipleship.
In the greater unfolding dimension of "the kingdom of God" on the earth, being an integral part of the New Covenant established by our Lord at the Lord's Supper, all four Gospel writers through the working of the Holy Spirit upon their lives clearly perceived the importance the Centrality of Jesus Christ. In order to affect the leading and guiding of the Sovereign Spirit, Jesus Christ has to be Lord and the center of all things.
Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians to encourage them to make a proper response to The Holy Spirit that they might not live on the level of their lower nature. Realistically, this struggle would continue between the Spirit of God, upon us at the time of conversion and the lower nature with its sinful appetites (Gal. 5:17-21). So as a believer, don't get your hope too high that all is going to be OK. We have been redeemed from the power of sin, but we have not been freed from the presence of sin.
We live in a fallen, sinful world, surrounded by all those outside God's salvation, who are diametrically opposed to all Godliness. We too lived under those circumstances not too long ago. Now we have been freed, don't expect "a pat on the back" for your change from the folks around you. In fact, it may be the just the opposite. Paul desired that the believers in Galatia and all the churches in Asia, would bear the fruit of the "full harvest of the Spirit" What does all this mean to us in all practicality? Let us consider three areas that would help form a basis for living. Walk also implies an ongoing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by the study and meditation upon His word. The Holy Spirit does not work outside God's revealed word. Therefore, a disciple must be a disciplined follower of the Lord.
To be led is to be related to Him, to be related to Him will result in being led. Makes a lot of sense too since the word and Spirit makes no mistakes in the daily application of Truth.
To walk implies progress.
It is not the will of God that we remain as we are or where we are. This was never the intention of the Divine purpose of God in creation. God would have us to walk forward towards maturity and fruitfulness (Gen. 1:24-31). Being discipled and discipling others, so that bearing fruit is an integral part also of what our Lord taught and lived amongst his own disciples-in-training. It is a long obedience in the same direction. The objective is not to get to heaven, but be witnesses to His grace, mercy and fullness in a sick and dying world.
To walk implies direction.
God would not have us go backwards from our tasks and opportunities. Neither would He have us to walk in aimless circles or even as some Christians say, when asked "how they are keeping" the disgusting reply would be –Oh, I am just hanging in there, a true believer just hanging in there? If this is the present condition in your thinking you need to repent, since you have undermined the Divine Purpose in salvation. We were not saved just to "hang in there".
Therefore, by His Spirit He would lead us in the paths of righteousness and fullness as He lead Paul by the Spirit and guided the apostle, He will also guide each one of us in our walk in a similar manner, if we are sensitive and responsive to His leadership. This walk is for the whole person, each moment, every day. It is a walk in the midst of all the circumstances of life and all its challenges. "You are in the world, but not of the world." Jesus did not command us to escape the world into some form of ascetic life, cloistered away from all reality.
To walk implies – Walking in the Spirit.
There are at least five ways in which we know the Spirit wants us to walk. We can count on Him to assist us in every way possible. He is the Gracious Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit will help us to walk worthy of our Christian calling (Eph.4:1).
- The Holy Spirit will help us to walk differently from the unsaved (Eph.4:17).
- The Holy Spirit will help us to walk in love (Eph. 5:2).
- The Holy Spirit will help us to walk as the children of light (Eph. 5:8).
- The Holy Spirit will help us to walk in wisdom (Eph.5:15).
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of the believer. He is as close to you and me as the breath we take. Let us then by faith (obedience) recognize His presence. Let us respond to His leadership with joy, and walk forward into the future with courage and cheer, for God has wonderful things in store for each of us if we seek to "walk in the Spirit".
No comments:
Post a Comment