THE HOLY SPIRIT and SONSHIP Devotion 1 of 30 In some Christian circles, the subject of the Holy Spirit has been hotly debated. These contentions involve theological positions of extreme opposition. On one side of the theological pendulum, some choose to make the Holy Spirit and His work their emphasis. On the other side, some affirm the Spirit is strictly confined to the text of Scripture, never working directly with the believer. Additionally, all sorts of claims are being made concerning the work of the Holy Spirit upon the individual. Key expressions like "slain in the Spirit," "the baptism of the Holy Ghost," and "the Spirit works only through the Word," though never used a single time in Scripture, are treated as though they came from God, and are used to divide the body of Christ. It appears as though many believers are very rarely subjected to the Apostolic doctrine of the Holy Spirit. AN AREA WHERE WE ARE POWERLESS In summary, we are in a situation over which we have no personal power; that is, we have not natural resources with which our dilemma can be addressed. The flesh inserts itself into our thoughts, and we are unable to stop it from doing so. We are forced to do battle with a nature we desire was not even there. How the words ring, so to speak, in my ears: "For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do . . . For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find . . . For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice . . . I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good . . . But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (7:15,18,19,21,23). Tomorrow:
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17, NKJV)
It is tragic that the Christian community has chosen to debate the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, rather than availing themselves of His indispensable ministry.
The text before us affirms the role of the Spirit in readying us to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He effectively leads us in this preparation, which consists of subduing the flesh and culturing our spirit. The need for His ministry was introduced in the seventh chapter and the first part of the eighth chapter. We need help!
Where is the believer who cannot identify with these words? What soul is there who is joined to the Lord who has not felt the tug of the flesh, and engaged in a hearty effort to neutralize its power? And where is the individual in this world who can boast of final and complete victory in these areas?
While we do not have to give in to that nature, we do have to confront it. Divine power is required in this effort. That is where the blessed ministry of the Holy Spirit comes in. This series of devotions will endeavor to identify the nature and intensity of the inner battle the believer faces. It will also proclaim the indispensable and effective ministry of the Holy Spirit in addressing that battle.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I confess that I do have struggles within. In the name of Jesus, I also acknowledge my thankfulness for Your effective provision for this struggle.