THE HOLY SPIRIT and SONSHIP Devotion 15 of 30 EVIDENCE! EVIDENCE! If you are going to build the confidence of God's people, and destroy the confidence of pretenders, you must deal with evidences – evidences that have been revealed by God. By this, I mean proofs of affiliation with God that can be determined by spiritual perception and supported by a "Thus saith the Lord." MAN'S USE OF "EVIDENCES" In the theological world, the word "evidences" deals with the field of apologetics. It is an effort to substantiate the existence of God and the fact of His creation through visible and logical evidences. Let it be clear that no such approach is found in Scripture! There are no extended efforts by inspired men to prove the existence of God or the fact of His creation. That is not because they are inconsequential, or areas in which men are free to make up their own minds as to the truth of the matter. Rather, both are to be received by faith, and faith requires no other evidence than Divine declaration. In fact, faith itself "is the evidence," or assurance (Heb 11:1). If a person doubts the existence of God or the fact that He created the world, that individual does not need evidence from men, but faith from God. THE SPIRIT'S USE OF EVIDENCES When dealing with proofs, or evidences, the Spirit deals with our faith, our sonship, and our acceptance with God. One such expression is found in First John. "Now BY THIS we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:2, NKJV). And again, "But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. BY THIS we know that we are in Him" (1 John 2:5, NKJV). And again, "BY THIS we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments" (5:2). And again, "BY THIS we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit" (1 John 4:13, NKJV). And again, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, BECAUSE we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death" (1 John 4:14). – 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)
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."
Lest we be tempted to view this text in a cold and lifeless manner, the subject is related to BEING "the sons of God." There are great masses of church people who have never heard this Divine declaration, and even greater numbers who have never heard it expounded. There exists in the modern church a phenomenal number of people who never associate being the sons of God with being led by the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body. Some would consider such a view to be salvation by works. But salvation is NOT by works which we have done (Tit 3:5), yet only those who are led by the Spirit to subdue the flesh are the sons of God. Both affirmations are from heaven!
This is the kind of evidence declared in our text. The proof of sonship is found in the effective mortification of the "deeds of the body." That will appear too strong for some, but no person can allow himself the luxury of competing with God in his thoughts. The Spirit is firm and precise in this pronouncement. "For ALL who are BEING LED by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Rom 8:14, NASB). Men may reason that God has some wayward sons who are NOT led by the Spirit but they cannot argue their case from this text! If, in fact, it is possible to be God's son, yet NOT be led by the Spirit, this text falls to the ground and must be declared spurious and worthless. That thought is so far fetched that even those fond of Biblical Criticism have not excluded this text from the Scriptures. It is in all of the translations, and is even without the infamous footnote, "not in the older and best manuscripts."
Further, the purpose of this text is not to produce endless wrangling, as the legalist is prone to do. The Spirit has no regard for the foolish prattling of men, and gives no honor to their carnally contrived doctrines. His purpose is to build up those into whom He has been sent (Gal 4:6). His aim is to confirm their salvation to them, and to convince them of their new life in Christ Jesus. That is why it is said of Him, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Rom 8:16). Our text is the spiritual environment in which that inner witness is accomplished: mortifying the deeds of the body. The more that takes place in your life, the louder the witness of the Holy Spirit will be to your spirit. Without that indispensable mortification it simply is not possible to have confidence that you are a child of God.
One of the fundamental ways through which He accomplishes this vital ministry – assuring us of our sonship – is effectively leading us to deal with the eruptions of the "law of sin" within. Paul has already told us we will have to contend with this unwanted law that is resident in our members. "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me . . . "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind" (Rom 7:21,23). Now the Spirit shines a ray of hope upon our hearts and minds, assuring us that inner contention does not mean we must be defeated, and war does not mean we must lose. He will assist us in gaining the victory over sin!
When we are able to perceive that victory, we will have in our hand the evidence that "we are the sons of God" (1 John 3:1-2). Forever remove from your mind the notion that confidence can be achieved while nurturing sin or pampering the flesh. If you do not mortify the flesh, it will mortify you, diminishing hope, and eventually causing you to "depart from the faith."
PRAYER POINT: Father, I have struggled with thoughts and inclinations I hate. Often I have felt so powerless that hope began to dissipate. I thank You through Jesus for the leading of the Spirit to put to death those thoughts and inclinations, and the effects they produce.