Four Critical Questions

Four Critical Questions

Life in the Spirit. Walking in the yoke. Abiding in Christ. They are different facets of the same biblical truth: God designed us for relationship with Him. That relationship develops through the indwelling, transforming ministry of the Holy Spirit-the third person of the Trinity.

We aren't complete or satisfied as long as we live outside that God-designed relationship. I wonder why so many of us choose to live apart from or distanced from God and His ministry in our lives. Are we afraid of what God might want to do with us? Do we have things in our lives we don't want to give up that create the distance? Is laziness a factor? Do we just choose not to discipline ourselves in ways that cooperate with the Spirit's work?

Answers aren't always easy to find that explain the lack of surrender and dependence upon God's Spirit. I know I don't have all the answers. What I do know, though, is how desperately we need God's Spirit-driven work. I need that work. I believe you need that work. Our churches needs that work. Individually and corporately we will not be complete or satisfied without the free flow of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.

That leads us to think about four critical questions. The answers to these questions will determine whether or not we live in the Spirit. 1) Will we believe what God says? He says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) God's Spirit dwells in us! 2) Will we trust what God provides? He says "I will send you a helper." (John 15:26) God's Spirit comes to our lives to help us live as God designed us to live. 3) Will we obey what God commands? He says "Be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) To live as God designed requires the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. 4) Will we avoid what God warns against? He says that we're not to "quench" the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Nothing in our lives should hinder God's Spirit from doing His work in us.

God designed us for lives marked by power, influence, joy and deep inner peace. That life isn't reserved for "super saints." It's the normal Christian life Jesus offers to every one of His followers, and it's available to you and me today. Will you join me in the pursuit of "Life in the Spirit?" If anyone chooses to pursue life in the Spirit, it should be those who fight for freedom in Christ! -- Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Tom's River

Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT FROM GEORGE. George would love to dialog with you as well, so be sure to leave a blog note: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; Ezekiel 11-13; James 1

Think About This: Down through the centuries in times of trouble and trial God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. You can look ahead with promise, hope, and joy. -- Billy Graham