B-Gems from Psalms-2

B – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 2

Ps.14:1   This thought might not be considered a “gem” except for the fact that we can believe that God exists, act upon that belief, and be rewarded for it.  The word “fool” is only used when speaking of humanity.  It describes a person who hates knowledge.  Prov.1:22   A fool is described as one who takes no pleasure in understanding.  Ps.92:6   What he thinks and has to say is the only thing of importance to him.  Prov.18:2   Doing acts of wickedness are like a game to the fool.  Prov.10:23   The fool will receive no honor for the life he lives.  Prov.3:35   A good description is given in Jer.4:22.

Today, many say there is no God.  Too often this belief is found in circles that are considered “intelligent”.  However, many in all circles of culture have this belief.  Could it be that inwardly they don’t want to be accountable to anyone for their actions?  Rom.14:12   What a blessing to truly believe and have faith in the Creator and giver of all good things including our salvation through His Son.  Heb.11:1; Eph.1:7

If a man thinks there is no God, his life will be acted out in an ungodly way.  Prov.23:7   Affliction will become a way of life as a result.  Ps.107:17   Even though affliction may follow fools, yet they will not turn from their evil ways.  Prov.13:19   They proceed in their own way and hence to their own destruction.  Ps.10:4   in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  The rich man had his thoughts and plans all on his riches and could not let go.  Jesus had words for him.  Lk.12:20

All of our lives we make choices.  God is evident in the world surrounding us.  Rom.1:19,20  … so they are without excuse.  Yet, even though they knew God, they did not  honor Him or give Him thanks.  (Do we fail in this respect?)  They had no room in their heart for God so they became fools.  Rom.1:21,22   Just as in the days of Noah, God finally gives up and lets us go our way.  Rom.1:24  

A description of an evil man is given in Job 15:16. …who drinks up evil like water!  We may have salvation through Christ; however, we are not sinless.  Rom.3:23; Ps.14:3   The Pharisees thought they had it made.  Matt.12:34   We may look good on the outside but what is on the inside will eventually show.  Lk.11:42; Matt.15:19   Warnings are rampant throughout the Scripture about what we show on the outside but how evil can lurk in our hearts.  Titus 1:16   They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.

A warning was given to those in Jerusalem.  Zeph.1:12   They were warned that God would punish those who are complacent.  Those were the ones who would think, The Lord will do nothing either good or bad.   Those that are complacent do not need to worry.  Everything is fine.  Whatever will be, will be.  We are satisfied one way or the other.  Complacency is a dangerous ground to walk upon.  The slide is down.  No effort need to be made to follow or please the Lord.  It will all work out just fine.  (for Satan’s wished)  Complacency is not good.

Pro.1:7   Both wisdom and knowledge are connected to the fear of the Lord.  …fools despise wisdom…  It is important that we don’t just know about God but that we know God in a personal way.  God is omnipotent (all powerful).  God’s power threatens the wicked or fool; but God’s power is a source of comfort to the Christian.  We know that He is in control.  Job 42:2  I know that you can do everything and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.  Remember that God cannot do something apart from His purpose and God cannot lie.  Heb.6:18

God is fully present everywhere.  This is called His omnipresence.  This is also a comfort to a Christian for He is with us all of the time and at our call when we need Him.  The fool wants to run and hide from God. A fool is separated from God.  Isa.59:2   God’s infinite Spirit is everywhere at all times.  Ps.139:7-10; Heb.4:13  

God knows everything—His omniscience.  His judgment is fair and true.  Rom.11:33; Ezek.11:5   God even knows the secrets of our heart.  Ps.44:21; Lk.16:15   The fool does not want Light to shine into his heart; therefore, he resists it and refuses to believe.  We can rest assured that the Lord knows those who are His.  2 Tim.2:19  

The Lord is ready to come to the rescue of those that know and love Him.  2 Pet.2:9   The Lord know how to rescue godly men from trials…Jesus prayed that God would keep us from the evil one.  Jhn.17:15   The Thessalonians were given the same encouragement in 2 Thess.3:3   May we never say in our heart that there is no God but forever love and serve Him with thankfulness.  1 Jhn.5:10,13      

A-GEMS FROM PSALMS-1

A – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 1

A majority of the psalms were written by David, a man after God’s heart.  Acts 13:22   Although he committed sin, he sincerely repented and mourned over his sin.  He tried to do what God wanted him to do.  David was not afraid to pour his heart out to God in times of trouble, times of repentance, and also times of joy and thankfulness.  We want to look at some of these great Scriptures in the book of Psalms that will help us as we want to pour our hearts out to God and learn of Him.

Psalm 1 is a great contrast of good and evil. Ps.1:1  Blessed begins this chapter.  Sometime this word is used with regard to some favor that has been given.  This Hebrew word is used to indicate “Oh, the happiness that man experiences”.  Then follows what is not experienced by a man that does not follow God.

Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (or ungodly as some versions say).  Our lives are guided by some one or some goal.  Who do we follow?  A little boy wants to walk in the shoes of his father.  We grow up but we still attempt to be like someone we admire.  Too often it is someone popular in the media.  Then we find they are living a life of complete unhappiness and maybe eventually take their life.  Prov.4:14,15   What a contrast of light and darkness when we follow our Lord.  Jhn.8:12

When we are constantly with ungodly people, the tendency put into our heart by Satan, is to do as they do.  This is why Jesus prayed for us in Jhn.17:15-17   When we are walking alongside one who does not have God is his life, then his example and advice will be a downfall for us.

Stand in the way of sinners  It is dangerous enough to walk with ungodly, but when we stop and stand in their way, we become closer to absorbing their ways.  We are not to stand in their way but stand firm in God’s way.  Standing takes determination.  Sinners are not just those that have nothing to do with God.  Sinner is a term used for those that commit specific sins of any kind in the sight of God.  They have no regard for changing.  They are set in their way of sin and we are willing to stand with them?  No!  We put on the armor of the Christian and stand firmly.  Eph.6:11  

Sit in the seat of scoffers   A scoffer mocks God and anything associated with Him.  This would include an atheist and anyone who scorns immortality and God’s law.  When we sit with such, the danger is that our minds and hearts can be turned completely away from God.  This is Satan’s plan and desire.  Eph.6:12,13

Sin is progressive.  If we get our advice from the ungodly.  Then we stand in the way of those that think nothing of committing sin and continue to do so.  At last we are hardened into sitting with those that even deny God.  Jam.1:14,15

True happiness is not fulfilled in disregard of God and His will.   The man of God finds his pleasure, his affection, his goals, and every desire of his heart in law of the Lord.  Ps.1:2   The joy of the Lord is in the Truth.  Neh.8:10   Jesus is the Truth.  Jhn.14:6   Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim.3:16) the gospel is Truth.  Col.1:5; Heb.1:1,2   As we meditate on His Word, we apply it to our lives and our hearts are made full of love and desire to follow Jesus.  We can talk to Him day and night.  Lk.11:28

Ps.1:3   A tree that has had the proper care will bring forth good fruit.  Jer.17:7,8; Matt.7:17-19   The man of God wants to be filled with the proper spiritual food from the Word of God.  Paul speaks to the Colossians about bearing good fruit.  Col.1:10  We need to grow in knowledge and bear fruit in every good work to live a life worthy of the Lord.  This will take proper care as the good tree had.

Ps.1:4   There is nothing substantial in the ungodly.  They are like dust that blows away into nothingness.  John the Baptist speaks of separating the chaff from the good grain. Matt.3:12   Another similar description is given in Hos.13:3. 

Ps.1:5   Therefore because of their worthlessness, they will not be able to stand up to the revealing of wickedness when judged.  Rom.14:11,12; Mal.3:2    Even though they will eventually confess Jesus, it will be too late.  Phil.2:10,11   They will try to hide and even wish rocks would fall on them but to no avail.  Rev.6:16

Ps.1:6   Here is the last contrast statement of the psalm—the righteous verses the wicked.  A temporary success and a shallow happiness may occur during the lifetime of the wicked; however, the comparison of the two is obvious.  Prov.14:12   This should thrill our souls that godliness will bring everlasting joy.  Never should we want to walk with the wicked or stand with the sinner or sit with the scoffer.  2 Tim.2:19   The Lord is aware of the path we follow.  Jhn.10:14   He takes care of us and loves us as we love His Son.  1 Jhn.5:1

May our love and obedience have its final fruit in eternity.  1 Jhn.4:16,17        

   

C - Fellowship - 3

C – FELLOWSHIP – 3

Fellowship with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and with our fellow Christians has been considered in the past lessons.  1 Jhn.1:3; 1 Cor.3:23; Phil.2:1   This brings us into a greater fellowship within the body of Christ; however, just how deeply spiritual is our life?  We can know the facts but how deeply does it dwell within us?  Do we have a deep longing to be more involved in a spiritual way?  Ps.42:1,2; Jhn.6:35  This is the bread and butter of our spiritual life.  We need that longing!

Three things are often mentioned with regard to spirituality.  One is Bible study.  Without Bible study we would be without fellowship with God for this is how He speaks to us.  Ps.119:11   The Word of God shows us how to live to please our Lord.  Col.1:10   We must have prayer in our life for this is the way we talk to God.  1 Thess.5:17;  Matt.21:22   Attendance to the times Christians gather together is not only a commandment but necessary for fellowship.  Heb.10:24,25   This is more than “How are you” and “Have a good day”.  All three of these are of utmost importance and completely necessary; but each one may become ritualistic and herein lies the danger.  We just skim the surface.  The Pharisees were very careful to tithe but they were neglecting important graces necessary to please God.  Matt.23:23  

Several phrases or words from the Scripture come to mind as we think of depth in our spiritual life.  One of these words is all.  To walk in the Spirit we must give our all.  Lk.10:27   What are we holding back for self?  We want.  We worry.  It is difficult to trust that if we give our all, God will take care of us.  1 Pet.5:7; Matt.6:25   The word whole becomes important as Paul uses it in terms of his whole heart.  Rom.1:9   The completeness of our life in Christ involves our soul, spirit, and body.  1 Thess.5:23   If we are seeking to be more spiritual we must realize that we are not our own for we have been purchased with the blood of Christ.  We know that, but do we really consider it to the point of tears of thankfulness.  1 Cor.6:19,20

Focus is important as we cause our minds to slow down.  How often we begin prayer or Bible study and our mind begins to wander.  We have things to do so we race through this time with God without really concentrating and meditating on the truths of Scripture or on the needs for which we are praying.  How we need to apply these truths to our own lives!  Ps.139:23,24   We don’t stop long enough to consider and by rushing through, the Word is choked from sinking into our heart.  Mk.4:19

The Bible speaks to us with examples, commandments, and principles.  If we are reading about an event, it might be well to read it through to completion.  Then stop.  What character traits were shown?  Does this reveal something to me that I need to work on?  Does it contain principles of conduct and thought or perhaps even commandments that I need to observe as well?  We are told in 2 Tim.2:15 to rightly divide the Word of Truth.  Although the New Testament is for us today, the Old Testament still has many precepts that apply to us and from which we can grow.  Ps.51:10-12

Is our fellowship with the Lord confined to a particular slot in the day?  We may leave the Lord at the study table and we are done for the day as our minds begin racing toward the tasks ahead.  We may need to hurry on the outside but we need to always remember that the Holy Spirit dwells on the inside.  We can’t ignore that Spirit within us.  How many times a day do we tell the Lord that we love Him and then give Him thanks.  This is for very small things as well as the large things, for our life is guided and protected by Him.  Eph.5:20   Even when things may not seem to go right, if we are handing our lives over to the Lord, He knows what He is doing unless we mess it up.  Rom.8:28  

We all need guidance in many kinds of decisions.  God is there for your requests.  If we want fellowship with our Lord, we can’t ignore His presence with us at all times.  Phil.4:6,7   Fellowship is sharing and mutual participation.  That applies to our brothers and sisters in Christ but it also applies to our heavenly Father, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit.  We can pray any place and any time.  We can talk to God all day.  If someone comes to mind that needs help in some way, pray for them right then and there. We walk and talk in the Spirit.  We live with the Spirit in us.  Gal.5:25

Sometimes you might feel that you have no one to whom you can pour your heart out.  But you do!  Jhn.14:1,27   David poured his heart out to God and we can as well.  The Holy Spirit helps us do that.  Rom.8:26,27   Jesus is concerned for us.  Jhn.17:15-17   He will be with us to the end.  Matt.28:20

Keeping verses of Scripture in front of you helps keep our spiritual life to the front.  Jhn.15:7   My words abide in you!  Your words have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You.  Verses that mean a lot to you could be put on cards where they would be visible in your everyday schedule.  Eventually your memory might kick in with some of them to be a real blessing to your spiritual life.

Titles or lines from songs sometimes bring spiritual thoughts to our mind as well as listening to gospel music of your choice.  Do we love the Lord?  We need to tell Him in thankfulness for what He has done and is doing for us.  Tell Him often.  Jesus wants us to have an abundant life.  Jhn.10:10   So let us move on to a deeper spiritual life.  Col.3:1-3

Greater by Steven Furtick

Greater by Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick offers a challenge to believers in his statement, “Most believers aren’t in imminent danger of ruining their lives.  They’re facing a danger that’s far greater:  wasting them.”  We cannot be just “good enough”.  On the other hand, we don’t aim for greatness.  God can do greater things as we have confidence to know that anything is possible with God; as we have clarity to realize the next step God is asking you to take; and the courage to do anything God asks.

Furtick uses several examples from the life of Elisha to illustrate his point:  Burn the plough because we cannot hold on to the former things of life; Dig the ditches as we have faith to dig before we can see the rain; and from the illustration of the widow—God needs all we have.

“Greater isn’t automatic or permanent.  It is a daily, intentional decision.”  Furtick also mentions the fact that the greater we become in God, the less about us we become so obedience is the starting line of humility.  “God’s power within you is only potential until you convert it into strength—by faith and action.”

The points Furtick makes are backed with about 24 Scriptures.  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

B - FELLOWSHIP - 2

B – FELLOWSHIP – 2

In considering the importance of fellowship with God, Christ, Holy Spirit, and each other, the thought comes to mind that we cannot fellowship with just anyone.  Remember, fellowship is not just being together at times; it is sharing and participating in a common interest or goal.  Therein lies the difference of fellowship with a Christian brother or sister and befriending a neighbor in the sense of anyone outside of Christ.  Otherwise, we could not spread the gospel to win souls to Christ or sense needs to minister to others.  The common expression, “We are in the world but not of the world” is very true.  Jhn.17:15,16  

What are some of the dangers of fellowship with the wrong people?  We cannot share and participate with unbelievers.  It is important that we befriend them, pray for them, minister unto their needs; however, we cannot share and participate in a common interest that is spiritual or with a spiritual goal.  2 Cor.6:14,15   This Scripture is often used with regard to marriage but it is also true of intimate friendships.  A common interest may be experienced in something of the world that is not objectionable in the sight of the Lord.  A common interest might be in sports, crafts, etc.  This common interest could be used to become a trustworthy friend and so be able to be a testimony for the gospel.  Not to be forgotten is the fact that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit and of God.  2 Cor.6:16,17   Our belief and standards of living that would please our Lord must forever come first.  It doesn’t take much leaven of Satan to encompass the whole loaf or life.  1 Cor.5:6

To fellowship with the immoral would indeed be dangerous.  This could easily lead us back into our past life of sin.  Eph.5:3,4   We can be deceived and led astray.  Eph.6:11   Although speaking of anger, the idea brought forth in Eph.4:27 is important to remember.  We can give the devil a foothold in our associations if we aren’t careful.  We may think we are strong but here is a warning to us.  1 Cor.10:12   Perhaps this is the reason many go two by two.  One Christian strengthens the other for we know that bad company can change us with constant association.  1 Cor.15:33  If we befriend an immoral person to win them, we cannot be partakers with them.  Eph.5:5-7   The following poem is so true.  “Sin is a monster of frightful mein;/ To be hated, needs only to be seen,/ But seen too often, familiar with its face,/ Is first to pity, then endure, then embrace.”

Another person or group that is dangerous to fellowship would be those that are following a man-made religion.  A lot of very good people have been deceived by man-made religions that have departed from the Bible plan, both of salvation and organization of the church which is the body of Christ.  Gal.1:6-8   Through the centuries man had considered his own ideas as good as God’s commandments.  Consequently, many groups of worship have been and still are being formed without consideration of the plan of Christ for His church.   Matt.16:18   What if you hired contractors to build a house and they followed their own plan instead of yours?  You would not be happy.  1 Cor.3:11   We may have friends in these groups but our sharing and participation is with those in the church that Christ built.  Eph.4:14   In making an altar for God the Israelites were to use no tool in building it or it would profane that altar.  Ex.20:25   Human ideas are used to profane the church which belongs to Christ.  It is His body and He is the head.  Col.1:24; Eph.1:22,23

As we fellowship with the family of God, many hindrances occur.  One of these is the lack of forbearance.  We look at others and find so many faults in them.  We grumble and complain that it should be done this way or that way.  Could we do better?  We must think so. What are we doing?  Could it be that we are sitting by to watch.  We always have our binoculars at hand ready to find some fault.  Eph.4:2,3   We want others to look over our faults and help us.  We are all imperfect.  How sincere and deep is our love and tolerance for our brother in Christ?  Do we really love one another and want that bond of peace?  Jhn.13:35   Our love and togetherness is a witness to the world.

Too often our pride gets in the way of true fellowship.  We set ourselves on a pedestal and look down at others.  We are all equal in the sight of God.  Rom.2:11   We have nothing that we were not given.  1 Cor.4:6,7   Pride is not a virtue.  We may have the ability to do something that someone else can’t do.  They may have gifts that we do not possess.  Pride is sin.  We can be deceived that we do not have pride.  That is a deception of Satan.  Ps.31:18   Pride causes us to find fault and complain.  We are not to quarrel in our fellowship with one another.  2 Tim.2:23   Proverbs tell us that pride produces quarrels.  Prov.13:10  

Another hindrance to fellowship is the lack of forgiveness.  We all make mistakes as we are all sinners.  Rom.3:23   Our salvation is not based on what we have done but on the forgiveness we received as we were born again and continue to receive as Christians.  Our forgiveness continues as we forgive others.  Matt.6:14,15; Col.3:13   “I’ll forgive them but I won’t forget.”  Is that real forgiveness?  If we keep remembering, our fellowship is wrecked.  This is not the way of God.  Here are some Scriptures that relate the full forgiveness of God.  Mic.7:19   hurled into the sea  Jer.31:34   remember no more  Ps.103:12  as far as east is from west...removed sins. 

Gossip, covetousness, envy and many more hindrances could be named.  May our fellowship remain sweet and deep as we remember these things.  Our fellowship affects the work for the Lord which is of first importance.  As we love one another, may we follow 1 Cor.15:58.  

  

A - FELLOWSHIP - 1

A – FELLOWSHIP – 1

The word, “fellow”, is used in various ways.  If one speaks of a fellow-soldier, it means that both are soldiers.  In the case of a fellow-laborer both would labor together.  Fellowship is a mutual sharing or a mutual participation.  One person cannot do it alone.  It involves holding a connection with another through something held in common.  It also involves companionship.  With Christians, fellowship is a circle of sharing and participation through spiritual things held in common.  It begins and ends with God.  God has fellowship with His Son.  Jesus has fellowship with Christians.  Christians have fellowship with one another.  Then Christians have fellowship with God.  It goes forward and backward.  God – Jesus – Holy Spirit - Christians – One Another – God   So we begin the circle again.

As a Christian our new life is hidden with Christ but it is in God thus forming a fellowship with God.  Col.3:3   We are God’s fellow-workers.  1 Cor.3:9   As we have been given gifts, they all fit together for the growth of God’s people in winning more souls for Him.  God is still the ultimate factor in giving the increase.  1 Cor.3:6   If the gifts we receive are not used for God’s glory, then His grace has been given in vain.  We work with God but it is through Him we receive what we need to accomplish His purpose.  2 Cor.6:1   In this circle of fellowship, we work together for the Truth.  3 Jhn.8   This is a sharing for a common purpose with participation together.

The above is so true in many aspects.  God sheds His love to us as we in turn love Him.  Thus, we have fellowship with God in love.  1 Jhn.4:19   Fellowship with God is possible because we have access to Him.  Eph.2:18  If we had no access to Him, there could be no fellowship.  In our fellowship with God, we also have salvation, peace, and hope through our faith.  Rom.5:1,2

As we get to know the love of Christ, we can be filled  to all the fullness of God.  This develops our fellowship with both God and Christ.  1 Cor.3:19,20,23   If Christ dwells in our hearts, there will be fellowship.  Eph.3:17   Just imagine Jesus knocking at your door in order to come in and eat with you!  Rev.3:20   We must open the door for that fellowship to happen.  The circle of fellowship with both God and Christ is expressed in Jhn.14:21,23  

As God and Christ make their home in us from the above Scripture, it brings to mind that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit.  1 Cor.6:19,20   With the Holy Spirit inside of us, we share and participate in a common purpose for we are given help to be pleasing to the Lord in every phase of our life.  Paul mentions fellowship of the Holy Spirit in Phil.2:1.   The term “communion of the Holy Spirit” is used in 2 Cor.13:14.  Communion and fellowship come from the same Greek word.  Corporately as the church together becomes a temple for the Lord in which God lives in us by the Holy Spirit.  Eph.2:21,22  

Mention of the corporate church brings in another section of our circle of fellowship—our Christian brother.  Certainly in communion we have fellowship with our Lord and our brother as well for we are sharing and participating in something common and important to us.  1 Cor.10:16,17   John wanted to have fellowship with other Christians as he expressed in 1 Jhn.1:3.  This was an important topic to John through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  1 Jhn.1:7   Peter gives us a brief but important command.  1 Pet.2:17  

The fact that the term “Brother” is often used indicates the fellowship of family—the family of God.  Rom.12:1; Gal.6:1   Christians are not just brother and sister by name but in their response to the needs of their Christian family.  Heb.13:1 

 Brotherly love is important to remain in fellowship.  Jesus gave brotherly love as a command.  Jhn.13:34   Christians are to serve one another in love.  Gal.5:13   Even though the Thessalonians were known for their love for one another, they were encouraged to do so more and more.  This is applicable for us as well.  1 Thess.4:9,10  We are not to just like one another.  We are to love one another deeply and from the heart.  1 Pet.1:22    Our love for our brother is an indicator of whether we really are a child of God.  1 Jhn.3:10   We would never expect to deny Jesus for we believe Him to be the Son of God, yet this is tied to our love of one another.  We must search our hearts to be sure that we love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  1 Jhn.3:23

As we love our Christian family, we sense their needs as we fellowship with them.  If we never spend time with them, how will we know their needs?  We can read a bulletin but that is not knowing their needs as we love them.  We are emotionally involved with them.  We fellowship or share in suffering and in joy.  1 Cor.12:25,26  

One way of helping our brother is as an example.  Never do we want to become a stumbling block as we fellowship.  1 Cor.8:9,12   We need to be careful of ourselves for too often we become slack with our armor.  1 Cor.10:12   Our fellowship must be helpful to our brother. We may think no one sees or cares but this is not true. Rom.12:3,16

As we complete our circle of fellowship with God, Christ, Holy Spirit, may we remember the importance of our fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters.  Rom.12:15

F-THE EMPOWERED CHRISTIAN-6

F – THE EMPOWERED CHRISTIAN – 6

Do we realize the power that we possess?  It isn’t our power.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in us as a Christian.  This power is beyond what we can imagine.  It is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead that will some day give life to our mortal bodies…if Christ is in you.  Rom.8:10,11   If the Spirit of God is in us, then we are no longer controlled by sin but by the Spirit.  If we don’t have the Spirit, then we don’t belong to Christ.  Rom.8:9   We can have a great assurance if we have the Son.  Some say “I hope I get to heaven.”  1 Jhn.5:11-13   If we really believe, then we will obey.  We may be citizens of a certain state or country, but our real citizenship is in heaven.  Phil.3:20,21   Here we are strangers and pilgrims passing through.  Heb.11:13

The Holy Spirit strengthens a Christian in our new life in Christ.  Eph.3:16   Paul had learned from Epaphras of the love in the Spirit of the Colossians.  Paul prayed that they would walk in such a way to please the Lord in all respects and be strengthened with all power.  Col.1:8,10,11  

There are times when we bemoan our weakness but Paul used it as a time to show the power of God as he was weak.  2 Cor.12:9   Paul also said he could do anything—not by his own power but by the strength that comes from God.  Phil.4:13   We are told to be strong in the power of the Lord.  Eph.6:10   Too often we are fearful.  That is because we are trusting in ourselves.  2 Tim.1:7  The Holy Spirit is within us to strengthen and uphold us as we follow our Lord.

The Holy Spirit helps us accomplish things for God.  He is a treasure in jars of clay.  We are just common earthly beings as jars of clay, yet we hold a great treasure in us.  That treasure shows that the power is from God and not from us.  2 Cor.4:7   We are to bear fruit.  We are to do good works as the result of this power given us as we were saved.  Eph.2:10   The Holy Spirit was not given for nothing. 

Our will to do and to act in such a way as to please our Lord is prompted by the Holy Spirit.  Phil.2:13   The Holy Spirit lives in us.  That fact has been established.  God also lives in us.  1 Jhn.4:12,15   Christ lives in us as well.  Gal.2:20; Eph.3:17   How careful we must be with our lives but what help to do His will is there for us. 

One part of that help comes from the Word written by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration that must dwell in our hearts (our mind).  Col.3:16   As the Word dwells in our hearts, praise and thanksgiving pour forth.  One way is through song.  Sometimes we can’t say what we can sing.  Our thoughts follow with the song in ways we could not express.

Conviction comes through the Word but also as the Holy Spirit is working with power to convict.  1 Thess.1:5   The example of those that brought the gospel also had an effect on these people as they became Christians.  Paul prayed that the purposes and acts that were prompted by their faith would be fulfilled through His power.  2 Thess.1:11   We are not left with just our own power.  Jhn.15:5

An essential part of the Christian life is prayer.  God talks to us through His Word but He wants to hear from us just as we want to hear from our children.  Many times our hearts are so full that we do not know how to put our emotions into words.  The Holy Spirit does this for us.  What an interceder!  Rom.8:26,27   We are to pray in the Spirit.  Eph.6:18   We need to be alert for the needs of others and be persistent (keep at it) in our prayers for the saints as we pray in the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit helps us have access to God.  Eph.2:18   Since we have gained this access, we rejoice in hope.  We are not disappointed because the Holy Spirit has been given us because God loved us.  Rom.5:2,5  

When Moses came from the mountain, his face shone so bright that the people could not look upon his face.  The Holy Spirit will be even more glorious.  2 Cor.3:7,8   Those who were trying to be saved by the law had fallen from grace but through the Holy Spirit we wait for that hope of righteousness through faith.  Gal.5:4,5

Several times the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is mentioned.  What is fellowship?  It is a sharing, communication with what is in fellowship.  That is what we enjoy with the Holy Spirit.  2 Cor.13:14; Phil.2:1,2   Things were very different with the first tabernacle.  Heb.9:8   Now Christ has offered  Himself through the eternal Spirit.  This needed to be done only one time, not yearly, so we can be cleansed to serve God.  Heb.9:14

The provision of the Holy Spirit was expressed by Paul as he was imprisoned in Rome.  He knew that Christ would be exalted through their prayers and the provision of the Holy Spirit whether he lived or died.  Phil.1:19,20   So may we always remember the power of the Holy Spirit within us for He is able to do far more than we ask or think.  Eph.3:20