Living in the Spirit of God
Living in the Spirit of God
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)</p>
Did you ever wonder on what basis there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus?
Actually there are two bases. The first basis is that those who are in Christ Jesus have asked for the forgiveness of their sins because of the atonement made on the cross of Calvary.
The second basis is that those who truly are "in Christ Jesus" have counted that they have died on the cross with Christ. They have not merely "accepted Christ." They have been baptized in water to demonstrate that they no longer are alive in the adamic creation but have become one with the Lord Jesus in His resurrection.
Because they count themselves dead with Christ, the Law of Moses no longer can condemn them when they break any part of the Law. The Law has authority over only the living.
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Romans 7:4)
These two factors, the atonement made on the cross, and our death with Christ on the cross, are what "grace" is.
What is the purpose for this twofold Divine grace?
The Divine grace makes it possible for us to forsake the guilt of our sins and the accusations directed at us by the Law of Moses, and to look to Christ continually without being condemned.
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:4)
It is at this point that current Christian teaching is in error. The current error maintains that "grace" forgives our sins so we can live pretty much as we please. If we succumb to the temptation to commit adultery it is unfortunate. But it will not prevent our going to Heaven when we die because "grace" has covered our sin.
As a result of this incorrect teaching the Christian churches in America are filled with spiritual babies. They have not grown in Christ. Why not? Because they do not know how to live in the Spirit of God.
Romans 8:5-14 tell us how to live in the Spirit of God. Living in the Spirit of God will keep us without condemnation. Also, we will grow in Christ which means growing in the ability to distinguish between good and evil, to embrace the good and renounce the evil.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
Living in the Spirit of God is the same as living in victory over sin.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)
"Living after the flesh means that we think, plan, imagine, scheme, in our fleshly mind. Instead we should be acknowledging the Lord Jesus in all we are thinking, speaking, and doing. This means praying without ceasing.
We simply cannot live in the Spirit of God unless we are talking to the Lord Jesus throughout every day and night about what we are thinking, speaking, and acting. There is no part whatever of our daily life that is to be conducted apart from Jesus.
The local football team where we live is projected to play in a few days against a historic rival. The newspaper gives the impression that our city is in a ferment concerning this significant game. It is spoken of on the front page of the paper every day.
This is nonsensical. There are tragic events taking place in Africa at this time, as well as in Syria and Egypt. In comparison, a football game is of no importance. I think numerous Christians as well as pastors are occupied with the outcome of this athletic event. This is spiritual death!
We are supposed to be looking continually to Jesus at all times to understand what we are to be doing to please Him. If we are not, we certainly are not living in the Spirit!
For most of us, Jesus is not speaking to us concerning a football game!
You can be certain that while our minds are on the things of the world, Satan is setting traps designed to lead us into sin.
Do you know who is given the Spirit of God by the Lord Jesus? Those who are obeying God!
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. (Acts 5:32)
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead, just as is true of the Lord Jesus. He----the Spirit—gives gifts to each member of the Body of Christ, just as Eliezer of Damascus gave gifts to Rebekah's family. The purpose of the gifts was to facilitate the removal of Rebekah from her family so she could be brought to Isaac.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (I Corinthians 12:7)
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:11)
I wonder if we of today understand why the Spirit gives gifts to the churches. It is to draw out and perfect those who finally are to be a bride for the Lamb without blemish of any kind.
Notice the authority of the Spirit in the task of preparing the Bride of the Lamb:
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. (Acts 13:2)
Next Part Set apart for Me"!