God’s Spirit Inspires Obedience

How to Walk in the Spirit

Ken

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). If we are fulfilling the lust of the flesh, then we are NOT walking in the Spirit. What does it mean to “fulfil the lust [Greek, epithumia, desires, longings] of the flesh” (5:16)? To pursue the desires and longings of the flesh is to “fulfill the lust of the flesh” (5:16). There is no mystery about walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is simply conducting ourselves consistent with the supreme heart choice of continually choosing Christ Jesus. The goal we seek is also the means to attain it. This is a virtuous cycle of “I sought the LORD, because He sought me first, so I seek Him, because He continually chooses me to be conformed to the image of His Son.” This virtuous cycle is walking in the Spirit. A scriptural example. The Holy Spirit is “given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32), and God’s Spirit inspires us “to walk in [His] statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Think on these things.  

“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). Whenever we are actively seeking God’s Kingdom first, then we are walking in the Spirit. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Since we cannot serve or seek two masters at the same time, then either we will walk in the Spirit or we will fulfill the lust of the flesh. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon [Greek, mammōnas, riches, wealth]” (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). 

How can anyone change their mind and their heart about the desirability of the Spirit and not the flesh to be the ultimate goal of their existence? Quite simply, 

Allow the Holy Spirit to Persuade and Teach You: 

First, crucifying the flesh spiritually is walking in the Spirit. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). 

Second, the Spirit of God alone is capable of changing your heart and mind about sin (what is wrong), righteousness (what is right), and judgment (what God must judge, if we do not judge ourselves). “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11). 

Third, though God rightly holds you responsible for obeying  Him, since He created you with the capacity for obedience, we thoughtfully realize we will never obey Him without His Spirit working in us “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). 

Fourth, when we do repent, for which we have no excuse for resisting Him, it is God granting us repentance. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2Timothy 2:25). 

Fifth, when we do believe, for which we have no good reason for not trusting Him, it is God’s gracious gift of faith, which makes our salvation possible. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Sixth, God has always blessed us with obedience, when we wholeheartedly sought Him. “With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

Seventh, God’s Spirit, though always present among His people has been especially covenanted to dwell within the individual members of His Church, who have been grafted into the New Covenant promised to Israel. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). 

Father, cause us not to be in confusion about walking in the Spirit. Help us to realize and claim our promised condition of abiding in truth, love, and obedience. Grant us new understanding of You that we would not go to sleep in traditions. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Inspired to Obey

Ken

One of the main things that should attract us to being baptized is not just the forgiveness of sins, but the receiving of the Holy Spirit. 

Let me explain. 

The very first sermon of the NT Church taught us: 

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38 KJV). 

Repentance and baptism bringing about the reception of the Holy Spirit — should intrigue us. 

Our sins are taken away and replaced with God’s Indwelling Spirit. 

Now, people can see when you have been baptized, because you just got wet. But, how can they tell, if you have received the Holy Spirit? 

Obedience is how you can tell if someone has the Holy Spirit. 

That is what the LORD told the prophet Ezekiel.  

“I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 

That to me is one of the most significant verses in the OT, which puts into perspective Acts 2:38. 

Perhaps you have already heard about the Promise of the Spirit? 

“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14). 

But, did you know something as simple as water baptism could be so significant? 

Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). 

Notice the Loyalty Oath taken and given at baptism, in the presence of others baptizing and witnessing the event, declares Jesus as Lord. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus [confession with the mouth implies the presence of others baptizing and witnessing the event], and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). 

But still, it isn’t a debate whether water or grace through faith saves us. 

It is Jesus that saves us. 

What should become clear is that the Gift of the Holy Spirit preached by Peter at Pentecost 

Isn’t you possessing the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit possessing you.

By our obedience to something as basic as water baptism, we were given the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Just listen to how Peter and the other apostles put it in the Book of Acts: 

“And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). 

Did you notice that?

Obeying the command to be baptized gave the Gift of the Indwelling Holy Spirit.  

But, Jehovah’s promise of Ezekiel 36:27 was: 

“I’ll put My Spirit in you” 

 and 

“Cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” 

What dawned upon me (over long years) is the Holy Spirit causes us to walk in His Statutes, keep His judgments, and do them.  It meant

The Holy Spirit inspires us to obey God. 

Praise God! 

When the OT prophets and NT apostles were inspired to pen the words of Scripture, they were not taking rote dictation. 

I have come to the conclusion that

The giving of the Holy Spirit is for the express purpose of God securing and guaranteeing our obedience. 

Hallelujah! 

Not just securing our obedience to be baptized, but guaranteeing our obedience for everything! 

Paul expressed his heart to the Thessalonian disciples, as I do to you:

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 5:23).

May you be inspired to obey God! 

Heavenly Father, if we being evil know how to give good gifts unto our children, how much more are You willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask You. Pour out Your Spirit upon us. Teach us to do Your will. Your Spirit is good. Lead us into the land of uprightness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Return quickly. Amen and amen.

Receiving the Holy Spirit

Ken

Three passages come to mind addressing the reception of the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit of God impress their significance upon you — Ezekiel 36:27, Acts 2:38, and Ephesians 1:13. 

Future Relationship With God’s Spirit Predicted. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV). Under the Old Covenant, God’s people were promised a future, abiding relationship with Yahweh, which was typical only of prophets or specially called servants of God. In the OT, the Spirit of Jehovah Himself would come upon His servants to accomplish appointed tasks, such as the recording of Holy Scripture. Joshua was called to lead Israel into the Promised Land and to judge Israel (Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9). “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21). But, the new relationship would not be limited to the prophets, but to inspire all of God’s people to obey Him. 

Present Relationship With God’s Spirit Promised to All Who Repent and Are Baptized. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). In the first sermon of the NT Church, Peter promised the same Holy Spirit, which had just been poured out upon the initial 120 disciples, to all who repent and are baptized. The question raised by the Jews at Jerusalem was not how to obtain the supernatural gift of diverse tongues spoken and understood by all, but how to rectify their sin of crucifying Jesus, whom God has made “both Lord and Christ” (2:36). God ‘s Indwelling Spirit was promised in exchange for the obedience of repenting and submitting to water baptism, whereby they covenanted their loyalty to Christ Jesus as Lord. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Again, obedience is both the result and the requirement of those who receive the Holy Spirit. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32).

Past Relationship With God’s Spirit Established Through Faith. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). No mention of anything but faith in establishing the sealing of the Holy Spirit of Promise. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2Timothy 2:19). Though the argument of faith without works is dead (James 2:17) is still true, the Holy Spirit commands departure from iniquity for those sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise. 

Father, thank You for Your love in sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Thank You for the Gift of your Spirit to inspire us to obedience and good works. May we never consider our obedience as any indication of our goodness, but only of Your goodness working within us. “Hereby know we that we dwell in [You], and [You] in us, because [You have] given us of [Your] Spirit” (1John 4:13). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

What Angers God?

Ken

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11 KJV). It is only fair to warn, God is a just God and does become angry with the wicked so that He will execute irreparable judgment, if He must. We have been rightly taught, “God is love” (1John 4:8, 16), but He is also a holy God. 

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). 

UCRT Cross Reference note on Hebrews 12:14:

“Holiness is an absolute requirement for salvation in this life.” The Greek verb underlying ‘holy’ does not occur in the future tense in the New Testament. Therefore, complete sanctification or holiness is a requirement in this life, not the other side of the grave (cf., Malcolm L. Lavender, The Fallacy of the ‘Sinning Christian,’ p. 95, and Lavender’s New Testament: A Literal Translation).

God’s anger is completely justifiable against wickedness, but humanity’s frustration about holiness is also recognizable. 

If we have been taught humankind is inescapably sinful, then only the grave would cure sin. However, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). Cleansing from all unrighteousness is then present holiness. 

If we have been taught that flesh is sinful, then again, only the grave can cure that. However, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 3:21). Baptism does not represent taking a bath for our flesh, but a good conscience toward God, which saves us. 

If we have been taught that obedience to God is a good work, then we are not saved by good works. However, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Dead works and the works of faith must be carefully distinguished to walk in complete sanctification and holiness. 

After the Cross, the greatest discovery is to find the Promised Spirit of the New Covenant is for the express purpose of inspiring us to walk in obedience to the Living God. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Now, Peter’s inaugural sermon for the Church becomes more apparent. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The Spirit of Christ inspires — not forces — us to obey God. Once forgiven, we again can walk with God. 

Father, we are so desirous not to make You angry. We understand our obedience is not a tribute to us, but homage to You that You work in us to will and to do of Your good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). May we learn to walk in Your Spirit to Your glory and to put to flight the enemy. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. In Your name, we pray. Amen. 

earth

Deal Bountifully With Thy Servant (Psalm 119:17)

Ken

“GIMEL. Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live, and keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:17 KJV). The prayer request of the Psalmist is for bountifulness to result from service to the LORD: 

1- “That I may live” (119:17), i.e., not just barely survive, but with a greater liberty or freedom to pursue the worship of Jehovah. “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family” (Leviticus 25:10). 

2- “And keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:17), i.e., Of what good is bountifulness, which is not devoted to the obedience to God’s Word and the worship of Jehovah? 

There is no aspect of pursuing God, which is redirected or devoted just to me, because I have earned or deserved it. We do not siphon away from God our part and leave Him His “little half acre.” It is all His, including the part we retain for our sustenance. Our survival is His survival. His prosperity is our prosperity. “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:28). 

Once we begin to see our life wrapped up in the obedience of God’s Word, we become one with Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). No longer is it Him versus us, just both us together. Father, may the understanding of our bounty be so integrated with our obedience to Your Word that we would cease to look at Your interests compared to our interests, but may we see all as both “our” interests. Cause Your Spirit to inspire within us an appreciation of You motivating us to obedience. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Christ’s Return

Ken

Almighty God, You are the creator of all possible worlds (Genesis 1:1), yet You seek a relationship with me (17:1). I am humbled to seek the highest good of Your being knowing You have sought that for me (John 3:16). I have offended in not loving and obeying You as I ought (Isaiah 53:6), and I am grateful for Your merciful loving kindness in sending Your Son to suffer in my place for my sins (1Peter 2:21; 4:1). I pray that the gift of Your Spirit (Acts 2:38) would inspire me to walk in obedience (Ezekiel 36:27) and that Jesus would return soon (Revelation 22:20). I know I must occupy myself with Your business in the meantime (Luke 19:13). And, I realize You may take me by means of death (James 4:14) before You would rapture Your Church and Jesus would return (1Thessalonians 4:17). Make me to be as the Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:10) and to abide in watchfulness for Your soon coming. Cause me to be a faithful watchman (Luke 21:36). Amen.

My Best Friend Is God

Ken

“Abraham believed God, and it was imputed [Greek, logizomai, credited, reckoned, counted] unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23 KJV). What greater title can we have than to be identified as a friend of the Greatest Being In Existence [G.B.I.E.]? Without surprise, Lucifer demands worship for himself as the Great Architect of the Universe (G.A.O.T.U.). May the LORD rebuke him! “They perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance” (Psalm 80:16). Friendship with the Almighty starts with faith from the heart and is perfected in our obedience. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13-15). In the beginning, obedience was possible for Adam, or God would not have required it. Old Covenant saints were obedient. “The fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20 NIV). In this New Covenant age, even better than the fear of the LORD, the obedient disciples of Yeshua possess God’s indwelling Spirit. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV). And, the crowning action of God, in addition to our fearing Him and He dwelling in us, Yahweh will secure our eternal obedience, where no rebellion will ever again touch, when the Greatest Being in Existence will forever dwell and walk among us. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). Father, You are the Great I Am, who loved us so much You sent Your Son to die to restore us from our sinning self, and resurrected Your Son, who sent us the gift of Your Spirit. May Your kingdom come and may Jesus return quickly to fulfill all righteousness and deliver His people. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.