Seattle, May 13, 2005.
64. HE HAS NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF THIS WORLD. That which we receive in Christ is not the nature and character of this world. 1 Cor. 2:12 As always, we are given a measuring rod whereby we may measure ourselves and others, as to whether or not we are, of a truth, in Christ. There is a positive distinction made between those that are the Lords and those who are not. The things that we value in life demonstrate the spirit and desire of a person. Mt. 6:21 There are two arenas into which the world is divided. Every person is in one or the other. If we seek to solely satisfy the desires of the flesh then we are carnal and most unfortunately, the outcome is death. That is, in spiritually being separated from the presence of the Lord, now and eternally. If, on the other hand, we emphasize the things of the Spirit we will find life and peace in Jesus. The choice is ours. Rom. 8:5-6
WE RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. That presents an immediate summons for all those who are in Christ to begin to emulate that wonderful love and spirit that is found in Him. If we really have His Spirit then we will naturally act like Him. From the very beginning of our spiritual walk we are born of His Spirit. According to the words of the Lord Jesus we are called, sons of God. John 1:13 Being sons there is a new pattern of life that will be followed. More and more, as we learn of Him, what He is will be manifest in us. If you know a senior Pastor and are aquatinted with his mannerisms, you can tell those who have been trained under his ministry by their words and actions. It was noted that Peter and John, had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 One cannot fellowship with Jesus without picking up on His attitudes and mode of life. His life is catching. His life IS SPIRITUAL LIFE. In that LIFE there is LIGHT. That light is the light of the world and that light is Jesus. John 1:5 Light illuminates. It gives to the ability to see our surroundings and rightly evaluate them. Light produces knowledge. His light causes us to know the things that He has so freely provided for us. 1 Cor. 2:12 A portion of those things which He has given us is to understand the mystery which has been kept secret since the foundation of the world. Now is the time for its revelation. Through the scriptures He is making known the mystery of His will. Rom. 16:25-26 The great mystery is the marriage of Christ to His church. Eph. 5:32 This is not an event that is to be put off into the sweet bye and bye. It is an occurrence, that in the schedule of the Lord, is in the not too distant future and will take place here on earth. If we are members of His body and of His bones, then there must be a process of spiritual growth taking place in our lives in preparation for that day. In the midst of all the chaff that is
called church today there is a grain that is ripening and will be harvested by the Lord. The chaff is a necessary part of the protection and ripening of the crop. There will be a separation and the chaff will be loosened from the true church and blown away of the breath of the Spirit. He will cleanse His church. Jer. 23:28