Mon, Apr 27, 2009
Holy Spirit in us
In this verse, Paul is speaking of three characteristics that are made available to a Christian through the Holy Spirit. This verse is so powerful, so strong, so encouraging, so uplifting, it is SO GOOD, it explains to us some of our qualities that are made available to us as we walk and live a Christian life. It makes me think of Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through he who gives me strength." Wow, talk about a a confidence boost when you combine these two verses! Jesus came to this earth, resisted evil, conquered death, and in all gave us the strength to fight and walk each day. When I think of the three characteristics; power, love, and self-discipline, I start to realize what they mean in our daily lives.
1.) We have not been created timid, in God's image we were created. Jesus was not timid, he did not hide from persecution, and he definitely did not shrink under pressure from the evil one. He stood his ground, firm in faith, and had true power to do just what he did...save us. We are offered that same power as Christians through the Holy Spirit, power that enables us to fight tough battles, resist evil, and to stand firm when the path becomes rocky. With power(the presence of the Holy Spirit in us) we can walk everyday spreading the good news and not feeling ashamed.
2.) Love. Such a beautiful word. If it weren't for love, none of us would be here. But love gives us the ability to help all that we are in contact with. Not just our close network of friends, family and colleagues, but ALL of God's people. The hurt, the lost, even the wicked, we are to love them all and share the gospel at all times. If we have the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Love that is overflowing, we are equipped to spread the word at all times everywhere. Jesus did not speak only to the those who knew him and to saved, but he lived, and cared for the afflicted, the lost, the sinners like us, and those are the same people we are to take this love we were created with and share the good news that we once could not see, but not it is clear.
3.) Self-discipline. To be created with love and power, we are created to do God's will. Unfortunately, there are evil spirits, and Satan will do his best at all times to make you stumble. If we were not created with self-discipline, we would fall apart and give in to these evil desires, and would not be clean and fit. However, it is such a blessing that we possess not only love and power, but the amazing spirit of self-discipline, that we might stand firm against all of the selfish and earthly ambitions and shadow missions that we as sinful humans desire.
It is so good to know that we were created, from the beginning of our walk, to do all things. Just as it says in Philippians, what is there that we can't do when we have the spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline within us? GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME. We are created, equipped with these spirits, what will you do with them?
1.) We have not been created timid, in God's image we were created. Jesus was not timid, he did not hide from persecution, and he definitely did not shrink under pressure from the evil one. He stood his ground, firm in faith, and had true power to do just what he did...save us. We are offered that same power as Christians through the Holy Spirit, power that enables us to fight tough battles, resist evil, and to stand firm when the path becomes rocky. With power(the presence of the Holy Spirit in us) we can walk everyday spreading the good news and not feeling ashamed.
2.) Love. Such a beautiful word. If it weren't for love, none of us would be here. But love gives us the ability to help all that we are in contact with. Not just our close network of friends, family and colleagues, but ALL of God's people. The hurt, the lost, even the wicked, we are to love them all and share the gospel at all times. If we have the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Love that is overflowing, we are equipped to spread the word at all times everywhere. Jesus did not speak only to the those who knew him and to saved, but he lived, and cared for the afflicted, the lost, the sinners like us, and those are the same people we are to take this love we were created with and share the good news that we once could not see, but not it is clear.
3.) Self-discipline. To be created with love and power, we are created to do God's will. Unfortunately, there are evil spirits, and Satan will do his best at all times to make you stumble. If we were not created with self-discipline, we would fall apart and give in to these evil desires, and would not be clean and fit. However, it is such a blessing that we possess not only love and power, but the amazing spirit of self-discipline, that we might stand firm against all of the selfish and earthly ambitions and shadow missions that we as sinful humans desire.
It is so good to know that we were created, from the beginning of our walk, to do all things. Just as it says in Philippians, what is there that we can't do when we have the spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline within us? GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME. We are created, equipped with these spirits, what will you do with them?
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