Bible Study - Why Church (6) - We Stand Together in Spiritual Battle - Ephesians 6:10-20 - August 30, 2020

 

Bible Study – Why Church (6) – We Stand Together in Spiritual Battle – August 30, 2020

This is lesson sixth (6) and final lesson in our series entitled “Why Do I Need the Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 6:10-20.

We stand strong with GOD’S armor and the support of others.

In this day of electronics and modern technology, it is hard for many people to think or consider that the world is in a spiritual battle. Surely modern people do not think medieval? That is exactly what Satan wants us to think.

Where do you think the COVID-19 virus came from? What has this virus done? Our schools, work, churches, social life, relationships, commerce have all been impacted. Christians must pray that GOD will annihilate it and HE is annihilating it and will. In times like these to whom do we turn? We as Christians are to pray and seek our LORD.

There is another evil lurking and that is out for the soul of America and that is our upcoming Presidential election. America has piled up enormous debt and who is best to deal with getting America up and running? Not voting is the worst thing one can do. Each person of age has one vote, cast it wisely.

What is the goal of Satan? It is to deceive and to destroy. His goal is to be GOD. What put Satan into his place in the universal/heavenly system? JESUS/GOD came to earth in the flesh, tempted as all are tempted, yet without sin. JESUS willing gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay in full for sin and its consequence which is eternal death. JESUS died upon the cross. HE was physically dead but on the third day, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to be eternally alive. JESUS did that just for you, personally. If you had been the only person upon earth to accept JESUS as your Savior, HE would have died just for you. That is personal. That is how much HE loves you. Accept JESUS as your Savior now by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. If you did that, the Holy Spirit came into your life confirming that you are now a Child of GOD. You are HIS Son or Daughter and have eternal life and will live with HIM in Heaven when you leave your earth-suit in what we call death. But as a Christian you will never experience the death of your physical body. The Bible tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.

Pray as you read the scripture for our today’s lesson. As a Christian, ask our LORD to reveal truth to you as you read and study. The future of America for you and your children rests in you. May the veil or blinders Satan places over our minds and Spiritual eyes be lifted and may each of us see clearly because the days are evil. Let’s explore our scripture!

First, what do we know about Satan? He was created by GOD. He was made beautiful. He is a deceiver at war with GOD for the souls of people, is like a hungry (roaring) lion roaming earth seeking whom he can devour and the list goes on.

In Ephesians chapter 6, the Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Ephesus to give them a head’s up how they should prepare each day to fight Satan and his onslaughts.

In the first nine verses of Ephesians 6, Paul addressed human relationships. In our focus scripture, verses 10-20, he addressed the human battle with the spirit world. Do not let Satan dupe you into thinking that Satan or the spirit world does not exist. JESUS spoke of the spirit world and Satan. We know from scripture that Satan confronted JESUS directly.

Satan has an army of spirit forces to do his havoc in human lives upon earth. Christians must keep in their minds 1 John 4:4: ⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you (JESUS) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan). The shed blood of JESUS protects Spirit-born Christians. If you encounter what you think is an evil spirit, rebuke it in the name of JESUS and claim the blood of JESUS. The power is in the blood of JESUS.

In Acts 15:13-16, we read an interesting account:

¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-13:

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 

The Apostle Paul was ending his letter to the Christians then and Christians everywhere. In essence, Paul was saying: “Finally, I have saved the best to last. You Christians know that when you place your faith in JESUS, you are Spiritually born into GOD’S Family. HIS power is your power, you are infused with HIS power. You are under HIS protection, therefore live/walk knowing when you start each day you must put on your fighting clothes because you will encounter spirit forces.

You know I have told you about taking off your old clothes and putting on your new clothes. Now, I want you to know that since you know the truth and you are the salt and light, you must suit up with fighting clothes and equipment. Why? It is because you have become a target of the spirit world. I want you to know about the spirit world that you will encounter as you do life upon earth. The spirit world will attempt to entrap and ensnare you but greater is GOD WHO is in you than Satan or any of his forces you may encounter. You must not be distracted and look or dwell upon their distractions because you will encounter forces that you cannot see because they are Spiritually discerned.”

Who are these spirit forces? The Apostle reveals them. They are:

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 

Do you recall 1 Corinthians 2:8 - ⁸ None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

GOD is in control and keeps some things a mystery until it or they are fulfilled.

Paul makes it clear our battle is “NOT against flesh and blood.”

Our battle is against the hierarchy in the spirit world e.g. rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 

Who is our strength in this spirit battle? It is GOD. What is our connection to GOD? It is our faith in JESUS. Therefore, as a Spirit born (Christian) you are GOD’S Child and under HIS protection. Sin can remove you from HIS canopy of protection. Unconfessed sin becomes a shackle that binds you as you live/walk through life.

When you sin, do you lose your salvation? NO! Once you become GOD’S Child, you are always GOD’S Child. So, what does sin do? It can open you up to attacks from the spirit world and all sorts of evil can influence our lives. It can compromise our witness and rob us of the rewards GOD desires for us. 

But as HIS Child you can always call out to HIM and ask for HIS protection. Whatever circumstance you may be in, GOD is right there with you. HE never leaves or forsakes you as HIS Child or potential Child. But as GOD’S Child, through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth, you are a target of Satan. Satan does all he can to keep you from becoming a Christian. When you become a Christian, then Satan will do all he can to defeat you. That is why all Christians must put on their Spiritual warfare battle dress every day. So, what are Christians to put on?

¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 

Christians must put on their full armor that GOD provides. We are to not leave off anything because one little omission can result in us being vulnerable. Paul’s list of fighting equipment is in our next scripture -----

Let’s read Ephesians 6:14-17:

¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 

Truth is vital – confess any and all sin. Ask GOD to have the Holy Spirit search your heart to reveal any sin that you have not confessed. Truth is essential. Truth is the belt that goes around your waist to hold implements needed for battle.

Righteousness – comes from knowing JESUS is in you and you are in JESUS. (2 Corinthians 5:21) GOD made you righteous when you placed your faith in JESUS. Righteousness is vital because it covers your heart and vital organs. It is like armor on your chest. Why chest? It is because GOD expects you to advance forward.

Your feet are important. I understand that the footwear of the Roman soldier had nails in the sole of the sandal to give them grip. The nails were slanted to grip in the forward direction. The Roman soldier was trained to advance and not retreat. That is the idea Paul was telling Christians. We are to stand firm and march forward because GOD is our Commander in Chief. We must keep in mind, “we do not fight against flesh and blood but the spirit world.”

¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

The Roman soldier had two shields. A small shield he could use to ward off the flaming arrows the enemy was shooting toward him. He had a larger shield which was large enough to shield his body. These shields were covered with leather to prevent their wooden shields from burning. For shields to be effective you have to be alert and watch for flaming arrows.

¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 

The helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit/The Word of GOD is vital. Satan and his minions try to confuse people by tricking them to follow strange teachings. Truth is truth and is always truth. Truth was truth when it was written and is truth today. Know the truth of GOD’S Word and its application as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Do we go into battle alone? NO! That is why the church is vital when we are facing spiritual battles. Fellow Christians come together and pray, minister and support each other. If one becomes a target, all respond. Paul gives us an idea how we can respond as we read on -----

Let’s read Ephesians 6:18-20:

¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Prayer is an essential part of the church. Christians are to stay alert to the needs of the church and its members. The church and its members are a target of Satan. All who have a leading role in church also have a target on their backs. We must pray for one another. We must pray for each other that we will have the boldness to tell others about JESUS and the mystery surrounding HIS life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and return to earth.

We are all ambassadors for JESUS/GOD. Is this a self-appointed position? NO!

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:20:

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

We who know the truth must share the truth as GOD provides the opportunity. All Christians are in a battle, not with flesh and blood but the spirit world.

Christians stand firm because GOD’S power is in us and flows through us.

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Why Church (5) - We Strengthen One Another - Ephesians 5:8-21 - August 23, 2020

 

Bible Study – Why Church (5) – We Strengthen One Another – August 23, 2020

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Why Do I Need Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 5:8-21.

We strengthen one another to live as GOD desires.

As we live life upon earth, it is good to have someone to walk along with us. Someone we can trust to give us good counsel, encourage us, guide us and so much more.

I recall a very wise pastor, many of you may know, Dr. Kirk Neely spoke to the young people. He asked them to choose a friend who would partner with him or her to stand together when they faced the issues the teen years brought their way. Why? It is easier for two to face the issues of life than for a person to stand alone. Wise counsel.

As Christians, we read in GOD’S Word that the Holy Spirit referred to as a paraclete. The Holy Spirit comes along every Christian to provide strength, comfort and direction when he or she faces the issues of life.

The old saying of “Together we stand, divided we fall” captures the consequence of not being united in purpose. The Church is a body of believers who are united for one purpose and that is to present and represent JESUS to a world of people who are lost in sin and are bound to spend eternity in Hell unless they place their faith in JESUS CHRIST.

That is why Satan and those who do not know the truth attack Christians and the Church. Look around today. What is happening? Christians are not gathering to physically worship together. When we do not gather often giving slacks off and that in turn compromises that church. But I will quickly praise the people of our church because their giving has been great, needed and used wisely.

Please pray for all of our pastors, teachers and church staff who serve our LORD. The church is where JESUS is lifted up and is a beacon to those who are seeking eternal truth and that is faith in JESUS which results in eternally changed lives through the miracle of Spiritual birth. Placing one’s faith in JESUS will change lives instantly and eternally. CHRIST in a person is what results in a person being a Christian and not what organization he or she becomes a member.

So, once you become a Christian, do you still need to go to church? You need to go where the Bible is taught and lived. Just as a new born baby requires physical food, the new Spiritually born person must have Spiritual food. Ask GOD to lead and guide you to the place of worship HE desires for you to go to be fed Spiritual food.

In Paul’s day and especially in Ephesus, people had many choices of where to go e.g. plenty of pagan temples offering all sorts of physical pleasures, the Jewish Synagogue and the Christian church. Today, we have many choices of what we will do on Sunday or what day we have set aside to worship GOD. Spend time to focus on our LORD JESUS. HE came to earth in the flesh to live as 100% human among us to be tempted as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE gave HIS sinless physical life to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM to be set free from sin and its consequence, eternal death. What does faith in JESUS do for you? At the instant you ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your heart, HE does. And you are Spiritually changed from being on the path to Hell to instantly being a Child of GOD and a citizen of Heaven. Your past, present and future sins are forgiven. Now, that is Good News but it takes a choice. How do you choose? No one can choose for you. Make the choice to choose eternity with GOD by placing your faith in JESUS, NOW. No, you do not have to dial all 2’s. Simply say “LORD JESUS, here I am as I am, I ask YOU to take my life as it is and make me into the Christian YOU desire for me to be. Thank you.” Did you mean it? Yes, then tell JESUS that you are reporting for duty. AWESOME!!! Ask HIM to guide you to the place HE would have you to go to grow Spiritually.

This leads us into the message the Apostle Paul was teaching the Ephesians Christians. That same message is preached today. Let’s explore!

First John 5:12 ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Whoever has the SON, JESUS, has the light and the person without JESUS lives in darkness.

The Apostle John states a profound, unchangeable truth in 1 John 5:12: – If a person has JESUS, he or she has the light that comes from GOD, which is confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:4-7:

⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a]

Light versus Darkness

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient^[b] because of these things. ⁷ Therefore, do not become their partners. 

What are these things? Read verses 4-5 above.

There are people who will tell you that GOD’S wrath is a myth but do not believe it. There will be “pay day someday.”

Let’s read Ephesians 5:8-14:

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[c] consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— ¹⁰ testing what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made visible, ¹⁴ for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore, it is said:

Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

All humans are or were in the darkness of sin but those who have asked JESUS to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives have gone from darkness into the light. Now, Christians walk in the light. How do Christians know they are walking in the light? Their lives produce fruit.

Let’s consider fruit. Fruit has been connected to a rooted source e.g. a tree, vine, plant, etc.. Most fruits are good for us, some have to be eaten in moderation and there are some we must avoid. Most fruits are good, tasty, nutritious and help supply the body its needs. Fruits have seeds to reproduce the source of its origin.

What does the fruit of Christians look like? What does our scripture reveal to us - Walk as children of light— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[c] consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— ¹⁰ testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 

The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives as we read in Galatians 5:22 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.^[g]

Notice the word “fruit” is singular. The fruit of the Holy Spirit produces fruit that has these stated characteristics and attributes. The fruit of the Holy Spirit has a seed that can be planted into the lives of others for the purpose of Spiritual reproduction.

What does a plant need? It needs light, water, air, soil or a way to develop a root system, nutrients and care.

Paul stated in verse ¹⁰ testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Christians are to run a test on their lives as measured against GOD’S Word/The Bible and critical review of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Are we, as Christians, still on target or have we drifted off course?

I recall the story of a flight instructor. When teaching the young cadets, he stressed to his students the importance of keeping a check on the instruments in their air plane when flying and especially when flying in bad weather. A young cadet asked him why he was so emphatic about checking the instruments when flying in bad weather. The instructor told the cadets that he was flying in zero weather conditions, he kept feeling like his plane was leaning to the right and he would make the correction. He continued to make corrections without checking his instruments until his shoulder harness was digging into his shoulders. He decided to check his instruments to discover that he was flying upside down and in the wrong direction.

Paul told Christians then and it applies to Christians today to study GOD’S Word and ask the Holy Spirit to examine our lives to make certain we are not drifting from the truth of the Gospel of CHRIST.

Paul continued in verses 11-14: ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made visible, ¹⁴ for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore, it is said:

Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

Christians who remain silent in essence endorse the things that evil people are doing. Christians are to shine the light on the things that are done in secret that are contrary and could compromise Christian living.

It is easy to turn a blind eye to the things that go on in the world rather than exposing them to the light of GOD. Christians can ignore what is going on around them or take action to prevent them from taking hold. So, America, it is time for us to wake up to what is going on in America. It is time for us to wake up. What can you do? We have a Presidential election coming up that will shape America for years to come. Don’t not vote. Wake up from your sleep. Rise up from the dead and let the light of CHRIST shine. Take a stand!

Consistency in the Christian Life

Let’s read Ephesians 5:15-17: 

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[d] because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

Christians are to realize that they influence others. Their everyday should reflect their walk/life as a Christian. People who deny CHRIST are foolish and spend their time on things that are foolish. The unwise waste time which could be spent on the things that could make life more meaningful upon earth.

Christians are to use their time upon earth wisely. How can they do that? Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide their lives. Focus upon the things that please GOD as revealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians must focus upon the will of GOD for their lives.

Is what you are doing pleasing to GOD? I hope all who read this can say, YES!!! What can cause Christians to compromise their walk with JESUS?

Let’s read Ephesians 5:18-21:

¹⁸ And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

DO NOT ALLOW other things, attitude, strong drink, drugs, pornography, promiscuity, wild living and the list goes on to lead you into a life without JESUS. Christians are to set the example by the way they live/walk. Christians are to reflect CHRIST in their lives.

But what do we, as Christians do? We gossip, we do the things that the world does. We are sinners saved by grace but it is time for us to ask the Holy Spirit to give us a thorough Spiritual checkup. Submitting to one another by asking our brothers and sisters in CHRIST to critique us. WOW! That would be interesting. How do others see us? How does GOD see us against HIS plan and purpose for us?

We all have rough edges and “iron sharpens iron.” Do we need sharpening? YES, FATHER, sharpen me that I might serve YOU to the max. Time is running out and it is time for me to be serious about YOUR business. I must know that YOU will be with me and be my strength. Onward and upward!

When church is done right, going to church keeps Christians sharp.

Blessings!!!

                                                                                                                                            

Bible Study - Why Church (4) - We Encourage One Another - Ephesians 4:17-32 - August 16, 2020

 

Bible Study – Why Church (4) – We Encourage One Another – August 16, 2020

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Why Do I Need Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 4:17-32.

We need the encouragement of others – and they need ours. There is nothing better or more comforting than to have the love, prayers, ministry and encouragement of fellow brothers and sisters in JESUS when we encounter the issues of life. Is church a showcase for the saints or a hospital for those in need of Spiritual needs? The true saints do not pump their chests and say “look at me” but they quietly minister and serve as led by the Holy Spirit. The church is the place for Spiritual healing, growth, and application.

When we look around in our today’s world and compare it to Biblical truth it gets our attention. Are we approaching end times for earth? The answer is yes. How do I know that? We have been moving in that direction since JESUS gave HIS physical life upon the cross. The Apostles were looking for JESUS to return at any moment. But no one knows when that moment will be, except GOD. But while we wait, GOD desires for us to be about HIS work because there is a world of people going to Hell unless they receive the truth of the Gospel. Christians must work while there is still light because the harvest is plentiful.

GOD desires for HIS Children to be sharp and willing to be led by the indwelling Holy Spirit to those in need of salvation. Am I sharp and ready to serve as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit?

There is an appropriate scripture in Proverbs 27:17 which gives us insight into how GOD works in our lives. GOD desires for all people to know HIM personally through faith in JESUS. HE uses circumstances and issues in life upon earth to guide us to a saving knowledge of JESUS. Once we are Christians, HE leads us to a deeper walk with JESUS through circumstances in life.

In Proverbs 27:17: Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.^[c]

I recall growing up seeing a large round stone mounted in a wooden frame that had a foot pedal. When you pressed on the pedal the stone would turn and when you held a piece of metal against the stone, sparks would fly. I loved seeing the sparks fly. The rotating stone would be used to sharpen an ax or other farm equipment that needed to have a sharp edge to cut. My grandfather would also use an iron file to sharpen metal hand tools he would use to cut grass in the pasture. This was back in the day.

As Christians, there are times when we get Spiritually dull in our service or relationship with our LORD and HE must sharpen our relationship with HIM. Has that ever happened to you? “Iron sharpens iron, and a person, circumstance or issue we encounter in life, sharpens us.” Sometimes the sparks fly.

Why does GOD sharpen us? It is because HE loves us, has a plan for us and desires the best for us. When GOD brings out the grinding wheel, whetstone or iron file and applies it to our lives, rejoice because HE loves us and plans to use us in a mighty way. Is it pleasant? Most often, it is not pleasant.  Often, it is when we look back that we see the wisdom in why GOD took us through certain circumstances. It is when we get through the sharpening process that we see it was designed to bring us closer to GOD, strengthen us and build our trust in HIM.

Why does HE desire to build trust in HIM? Can anyone of us tell a mountain to jump into the sea? No! But WHO can? What does it take? It takes our faith in JESUS. It is faith in GOD through our faith in JESUS for miracles to take place upon earth. How do we build our faith? Trust and act by taking a step of faith as led by the Holy Spirit. With each step of faith, our faith and trust grow. Suppose I take a step of faith and nothing happens. Ask GOD to reveal to you why and to help you to remove that barrier. Keep in mind that Satan does not want you to walk in faith but in defeat. As a Christian, defeat is not an option. Why? It is because JESUS has defeated Satan and all his cohorts and so have we, as Spirit-born Children of GOD, through faith in JESUS. Embrace it and rejoice - the victory is won! Share the Good News with the Spiritually lost as the Holy Spirit gives us opportunity.  

The Bible is very clear as we read in Hebrews 4:12:

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

GOD can use many things in our lives to get our attention and knock off the rough edges. HIS Word is a powerful tool. GOD has many tools at HIS command to sharpen us to be the cutting edge HE desires for our lives as we serve HIM.

What does GOD desire for HIS Spirit-born Children? It is to know and trust HIM intimately and to serve HIM. Some may think or say, “I am not as young as I used to be and cannot get around like I use to.” You can still pray. You can support your church, missions or missionary efforts that spread the Gospel both at home and abroad. The church where we are members can be the conduit through whom we work or send our resources.

There are many other Christian organizations you can support as led by the Holy Spirit to name a few: Billy Graham, Samaritan’s Purse, Justice and Mercy, Cru, Wycliff Bible Translators, and the list goes on. As a Spirit-born Christian, pray and ask GOD to lead you according to HIS plan and purpose for you. Where does GOD desire for you to serve and use your resources?

Spirit-born Christians are to walk according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So, is that simple? It could be or it could not be. A lot depends upon our human nature. We may need to take off our old life and put on our new life in CHRIST. We may be hanging onto some of the old things in our life. We need to be sharpened to cut them loose. Are we the type that sees what needs to be done and does it? Or do we plan and work our plan? Or? Often GOD allows us to move ahead of HIM to teach us. It will be a positive lesson HE teaches us whether good or not so good. How do I know? I have been there and know. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Ephesians 4:17-22:

Living the New Life

¹⁷ Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because^[e] of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.^[f]

²⁰ But that is not how you came to know Christ, ²¹ assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²² to take off^[g] your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 

The Apostle Paul brings his readers around to examine their everyday life. Why? Others see Christians as they walk or live their lives. There is another dimension Christians must keep in their minds and that is, their/our walk is a testimony that reflects their/our relationship to GOD. Paul included thought life as being a critical matter for all Christians to consider. What we dwell upon in our minds is a picture of our true selves. It is our most secret place.

As Christians, are we willing to take off our old life, including our thought life and put on our new life in JESUS, including our thought life? Doing so requires a decision. It will likely require a different lifestyle.

What are some of the things Paul brings to our minds in this rehabilitation process from our old life without JESUS to our new life in JESUS?

What is important as a Spirit-born Christian:

-         How we walk or live our daily lives

-         Our thought life

-         Our secret life

-         Examine our thought life e.g. do we dwell on the dark side or do we seek the light as GOD is the light.

-         Seek truth and enlightenment through the study and application of GOD’S Word.

-         Dispel ignorance of GOD and ask GOD to reveal and to make real to you the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

-         Confess any unconfessed sin.

-         Ask GOD to dispel any ignorance or false notions about the Gospel of JESUS or HIS relationship with you and replace it with Spiritual truth.

-         Ask GOD to search your heart and reveal things that are barriers to serving HIM and to remove them from your life.

-         Are you stubborn or callous about hanging onto something in your old life that you do not want to let go of? Grudges?

-         What is in the most secret part of your heart which Paul describes in Ephesians 1:18 as “the eyes of your heart.” This is where the real you and truth meet and only you know what that truth is.

Christians are to take off their old way of life and put on their new life as Spirit-born Christians. As Christians, there is an action we must take as Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 - ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Are you willing to allow GOD to renew your way of thinking? What can block the working of the Holy Spirit? Stubbornness. Why stubbornness?

First Samuel 15:23a:

“For rebellion is as the sin of ^[a]witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

So, what is a person to do to become a Spirit-born Christian? First, we are sinners and in need of salvation from our sins. GOD has provided the way for salvation by sending JESUS, HIS only SON, to live upon earth in the flesh. JESUS was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted but without sin.  JESUS gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, for sin. JESUS gave HIS life just for you to atone for your sins. Dear JESUS, I am a sinner and I believe YOU gave YOUR sinless life for me and I ask YOU to come into my heart. It is not the words uttered but the attitude of your heart by recognizing and acknowledging that you are a sinner and you need salvation from sin and its consequence, which is eternal death. It is CHRIST in you that results in you being a Christian.

As a Christian you have been Spiritually born into GOD’S Family. Next, understand and acknowledge that as a Spirit-born Christian, you are already indwelled and equipped by the Holy Spirit. Since this is true, what is the issue in your life? Paul brings to light, are we hanging onto our old way of life e.g. grudges, habits, things we know that a Christian should not do but we enjoy doing them and the list goes on. Christians must take off their old clothes and put on their new clothes.

As Christians read, study, and apply GOD’S Word to our lives, it is like our lives have been placed in a big washing machine. When the dirt and grime of our old life is removed, we can see with Spiritual eyes that we have been wearing filthy rags compared to the new clothes GOD has for us to put on. They have been washed in the blood of JESUS.

This may sound gory, but it is precious that JESUS gave HIS life to set you and me free from sin and its consequence.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:23-28:

²³ to be renewed^[h] in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Where is central control located in the human body? It is in our minds. That is why the Apostle Paul told the Christians then and Christians today that it is vital that we change our way of thinking from our old life without CHRIST to our new Spirit controlled life with CHRIST.

What is GOD’S goal? GOD never takes away a Christian’s right to choose. Each day of our lives, we choose what we will wear. We make that choice in our mind, often based upon our activity for that day. The Apostle Paul gives Christians a clue in Ephesian 6 what we should put on every day. Why does GOD desire for us to put on our new Spirit-born self? It is because, it is the “one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” As A Spirit-born Christian do you desire to walk in the Spirit? If so, then ask GOD to help you renew your mind such that you will choose to put on your “new self” every day.

The renewing of our minds is a daily activity.

Paul gives us some hints about some of the things that run though our minds as we read on ----

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,^[j] because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[k] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the devil an opportunity. ²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 

Paul reveals the many ways Satan tries to derail our day. When stumbling blocks come across our path, immediately know you are going in the right direction and you must keep a sharp eye out for the “roaring lion”/Satan. Just because we have on our new clothes does not mean we will not face issues along our life’s journey. But rejoice as a Spirit-born Christian, GOD has equipped you for “greater is HE that is in you than he/Satan that is in the world (1 John 4:4)

What are some of the tools Satan uses to trip you up? Lying, anger, stealing, cheating, drugs, alcohol, adultery, various addictions, and the list goes on.

Paul identifies more as we read on-----

Let’s read Ephesians 4:29-32:

²⁹ No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[l] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him^[m] for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you^[n] in Christ.

What are some of the things Paul brings to our mind?

-         No Foul language but only good language that builds up and ushers in grace to all who hear.

-         Our actions either bring Glory to GOD or grieve the Holy Spirit. Christians must keep in mind who they are. They are GOD’S Ambassadors and represent HIM.

-         Paul points out others issues that Satan uses to damage a Christians witness e.g. all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 

-         What is a Christian’s alternatives - And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you^[n] in Christ.

How is this possible? The world we live in is the iron file or the sharpening stone that keeps us with a keen cutting edge as we live life upon earth as Christians.

FATHER, all who have asked JESUS to forgive them for their sins and asked JESUS to come into their lives to know that they have been Spirit-born. For those who have been Christians and may need sharpening, I ask that the indwelling Holy Spirit cause a stirring in their hearts to put on their new Spiritual clothes every day. And build an intimate faith/trust relationship with YOU. As Christians, we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

Blessings!!!