From the Series:
“Rediscovering the Holy Spirit”
not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works n our pursuit of holiness, how in you both to will and to work for do we obtain it? What is our role His good pleasure.” and what is God’s role? If I can reduce that important Since the Holy Spirit is key to our teaching to one easy line, I would sanctification, this should lead us to state it this way: an obvious question: do we simply wait for the Holy Spirit to bring Fear God enough to make your about holiness in our lives – or is holiness a top priority, and you can there something we must do? Some be assured you will succeed in this people will argue that all you need to enterprise because God has taken do is “let go and let God.” Others will the initiative in your holiness. He counter with Hebrews 12:14, which creates in you a desire for holiness, commands us to strive for holiness and He gives you the power to strive – that is, to make every effort to towards it. become more Christ like. From that, we can come to a very So, when it comes to our important conclusion: we cooperate sanctification, is it ultimately our with God in our sanctification! Now it work, or is it God’s work? is true that we do not have an equal role with God. It is not as if we are The answer, I think, is found in both “doing our part.” But, rather, it’s Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul on the basis of what He has done writes, “Therefore, my beloved, as that we also “do”! you have always obeyed, so now, “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
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CONFIDENT LIVING
Numerous scripture verses indicate that you must expend effort to be holy: “Strive for holiness” (Heb. 12:14); “Abstain from immorality” (1 Thess. 4:3); “Let us cleanse ourselves!” (2 Cor. 7:1); “Make every effort” (2 Pet. 1:5). But how do we do this? The simple answer is that God provides means of grace in reading the Bible, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. There is nothing new here. But here is the warning: if you neglect these timeless, biblical practices, you do this to your peril. Neglect these – and I promise you – sin will come back with a vengeance. Remember Psalm 119:11. It says, “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” There is a means of grace. Do you see it? You need to read, memorize and meditate on scripture to win the battle against sin. God has provided you with weapons to win the fight. July – October | 2019