August 27, 2002
CONTRASTING AREAS OF WALK OR MANNER OF LIVING. The past was lived after the pattern of the world. Following the example of parents, friends or persons admired. Doing the works of the heathen or godless. Walking in all manner of unrighteousness, which some do, not realizing that the life lived in the flesh is contrary to the Lord or even that there is another style of life available. 1 Pet. 4:3 The contrasting life is that lived in and with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The true life of the Spirit is one of detachment from the works of the flesh. When the walk is in the Spirit the works of the flesh will not prevail. Gal. 5:16 There will not be any difference between walking and living in the Spirit. Either action will enable the workings of the Spirit to prevail. Gal. 5:25 It is the ordained will of the Lord that all who are born of the Spirit, walk in good works. Making known to the world that there is a God who dwells within us and is capable of helping us to live His life. Eph. 2:10 Here is the key to the force that gives us the capability of living in the Spirit. It is love, the love of God that He has poured forth upon us. When we walk in His love we can face every situation that comes our way, and conquer it. His love in us will prevail. Eph. 5:2
FOR WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD. A strong statement proclaiming the temple of the Lord to be totally His possession. He WILL live in them and walk among them. He WILL be their God and they WILL be His people. That which the Lord has designed to do, He will complete. This is His intent and divine design. The members that compose His temple cannot bear the likeness of a world of sin but must be isolated unto Him. Therefore the call is to come out from among them. Being set free from things that are unclean and impure. In so doing, acceptance is assured. We must understand that the Lord has a standard that He has established for His Bride. 2 Cor. 6:17 As every husband has certain qualities and characteristics that he seeks in a bride. So the Lord will find a Bride that meets His divine requirements. She will be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. There are impurities of the spirit, manifestations and habits that are manifest that originate, not from the Spirit of the Lord but the spirit of man. They often imitate the functions of the Spirit but are not motivated by the Holy Spirit. Holiness is to reach its perfection in the Bride of Christ. 2 Cor. 7:1 We are serving a God with whom nothing is impossible. Let us not limit Him in His capabilities to fulfill His designs. He will manifest His mighty works in His people and is preparing for Himself a bride that will be blameless and holy before Him. He has proclaimed and there is no doubt that He can execute His own divine aim and goal. 1 Thes.3:13 The call of the Spirit and the instructions of the Word are designed to lead His church to complete purity and righteousness. 1 Thes. 4:7 His church will be holy and without a single blemish. We dare believe the Lord to affirm His Word in many areas of our Christian walk, why do we doubt His ability to perfect a people for Himself. Eph. 5:27 Oh ye of little faith.