You Can Find God’s Best!
By
Pastor
EricCMaddison
E-mail
the author
Contents 1
Foreword 2
Acknowledgments 3
Preface 4
Chapter
One Are You Missing God's Best? 7
Chapter
Two The Missing Dimension 10
Chapter
Three Believers In
Lead Boots 14
Chapter
Four Full Of The
Spirit But Blocked 18
Chapter
Five Control Those Emotional
Swings 21
Chapter
Six Difficulties,
Dangers And Delights 24
Chapter
Seven Rejection
Holocaust 29
Chapter
Eight Further
Insights Into Rejection Damage 32
Chapter
Nine Another
Gospel 38
Chapter
Ten Buried With
Him In Baptism 41
Chapter
Eleven Identity
Crisis! Resolved! 45
Chapter
Twelve The Search Of
The Centuries 48
Chapter
Thirteen The Facts Of
Life 51
Chapter
Fourteen Just A Memory? 54
Chapter
Fifteen Divine Health 57
Chapter
Sixteen Don't Hurt
Yourself 60
Chapter
Seventeen You Will Find God's Best! 62
Foreword
Wise
Solomon said long ago, "By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in
the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Prov 24:6).
Solomon would feel very safe today
with the multitude of Christian counsellors that are readily available.
I have
sampled a great many of the books that are available on Christian counselling and to be fair
1 must say that in nearly all of them I have found some valuable help. The
virtue of this book is that there is a great deal of practical wisdom packed
into comparatively few words.
The
weakness of many such books lies in the fact that counsellors have increasingly
isolated themselves by working almost exclusively in counselling clinics. The
consequence is that in all too many cases the theory is fine but the practice less
so. The strength of this book stems from the author,
EricMaddison, being a long-standing part
of a strong ministry team in a successful local church at Nottingham.
Its
strength comes also from the fact that all the teaching is local church
founded. Further, Eric firmly believes that the Bible is the inspired word of the living
God, and all his teaching is therefore Bible based. Above all,
Eric is a devoted disciple of
the Lord Jesus Christ, and his life and teaching are Christ-centred.
ColinWhittaker
Editor
of Redemption Magazine.
At 81
years of age senior minister EricMaddison has released this treasury
of wisdom proven throughout a lifetime of pastoral counselling.
Pastor Eric has been a blessing to our
lives for over 25 years and this book is not to be missed at any price - but
for free . . what a blessing !
Dr
LesNorman and Mrs Pilar
Norman
The
World ChristianNetwork
http://www.worldchristians.org
Acknowledgments
As you
read this book you will become aware that it is a series of different subjects
loosely joined together. This is because they were first published as separate
articles in a monthly magazine, and if it had not been for the persistent
pressure from so many friends they might never have been released in book form.
Amongst
the many that have helped and encouraged this venture I must mention Mike Wells
of Abiding Life Ministries, Denver Colorado; David Shearman of the Christian
Centre, Nottingham; also Colin Whittaker, Editor of Redemption magazine. Their
constructive criticisms, constant encouragement and wise counsel have been a
source of great encouragement.
Another
link in the chain has been the patience and untiring labour of love that God
has provided me with in Mrs.ChristineThompson. Only with her help,
secretarial skill and availability could this book have been ready for its
original deadline. Now as this second edition is released, I must further add
my appreciation for the computing skills and help of Mike and
SharonBlackburn.
If you
should find any of the insights helpful, if you feel that they ought to be
published within your particular circle of God's work, even if it means
translating them and publishing them in another country, please do not hesitate
to contact the publishers who will guide you in this matter. God has promised
that his Word will become a mighty river. Perhaps you could help by becoming
one of its tributaries!
Pastor Eric.
C.Maddison.
Preface
This book contains a series of topics that could
touch some areas of your Christian life that might need to be brought into
sharper focus.
Theological issues, even controversial ones have
been reduced to their most simple terms, and the application of such principles
and the appropriation of such truths could soon bring about a radical change in
your Christian life.
The emphasis is always to present Christ centred counselling and to
keep to the simple gospel that Paul received by direct revelation from Jesus
Christ himself (Gal6:11).
The gospel that he so jealously guarded is always sublime in its simplicity,
supernatural in its outworking, and is always centred in the finished work of
the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ (2 Cor 11:1-4).
The faith that will help you to find God's best
is not one of positive thinking or that which is involved in a positive mental
attitude. It is a childlike faith, that after receiving the revelation of a
truth, asks the Father in Jesus name and then quietly waits for the Holy Spirit
to make it real (Jn 16:13-16).
There is no way human endeavour can bring about this
transfer of doctrine (knowing in your mind) into reality (knowing in your
spirit). Only the Holy Spirit can make real the mighty promises of God. Our
only "work" in appropriating God and sharing his eternal secrets is
to believe. Jesus said "This is the work of God that you believe on him whom he
has sent" (Jn 6:29). You "buy" the truth by using God's currency - by
believing (Rom 3:23).
Wherever Jesus
Christ has accomplished a work on our behalf
we must first believe it, then step out in faith and live it. This principle of
identification is biblical wisdom, by which we can freely claim righteousness,
sanctification, redemption and many more aspects of our salvation (1 Cor 1:30).
For example, the forgiveness of your sins is
free, it is a grace gift "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourself: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should
boast (Eph 2:8-10). If you do not receive it on God's terms you do not get it!
But it is important to remember that after receiving forgiveness by faith, it
must be maintained by works, i.e. the forgiving of others. "For if ye
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but
if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive ye your
trespasses (Mt 6:14-15).
Another example is claiming deliverance from the
old self. It can only become reality by believing it, "Knowing this, that
our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed
(rendered powerless) that henceforth we should not serve sin (Rom 6:6). And
again: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life
which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me" (Gal2:20). But once the Holy Spirit has brought about God's death sentence
upon it, you must maintain it by keeping it in death.
You "believe" to obtain the reality of
God's promises, then after receiving you "obey" to maintain that
reality. If you reverse this divine order or only do part of it you will never
find - GOD'S BEST!
So, what is God’s best? It is the amazing
privilege of living in an intimate, loving relationship with God the Father and
His Son, Jesus. Christ said “If anyone loves me, and obeys my word, my Father will love
him, and we will come and make our home with him.” (Jn 14:23
- NIV). This astonishing honour is within the grasp of even those with limited
education and learning capabilities, but missed by many with brilliant
intellect and academic achievements. Jesus also said “I praise you Father, because you have hidden these
things from the wise and learned, and revealed them unto little children; yes
Father, or this was Your good pleasure.” (Matt 11:25-26 - NIV).
You must learn, as He had to learn, to be
“switched-on”, alert for any communication from the Father. He learned to
listen amidst all the noise of Joseph’s workshop, even in the hustle and bustle of His home life. He
would also slip away in times of crisis to quietly enjoy uninterrupted
fellowship with His Father.
In John 5:30, Jesus says “I am able to do nothing from myself – independently, of my
own accord; but as I am taught by God and as I get His orders. [I decide as I
am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to me, so I give a decision]. Even as I
hear, I judge, and my judgement is right (just, righteous), because I do not
seek or consult my own will – I have no desire to do what is pleasing to
myself, my own aim, my own purpose – but only the will and pleasure of the
Father who sent me.” (Amplified version).
Then in John 8:28, ‘So Jesus added “When you
have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know,
understand) that I am He [for whom you look]; and that I do nothing from myself
– of my own accord, or on my own authority – but I say [exactly] what my father
has taught me.”’ (Amplified version). This is the secret of how
Jesus lived and worked, and
this is what He prayed that we, too, might have. Just before He went to the
cross, He prayed “that they may be one in us” (Jn 17:21). This is
an individual oneness, and out of this will come true unity with other
believers.
Never forget that, foundational to learning this
secret, there must be the daily knowing and living-by biblical principles and
promises; because Jesus was able to say “I do always those things that please
Him” (Jn 8:29), He also knew that His prayers would be heard and answered (Jn
11:41-42). He was also well able to recognise and resist Satan’s efforts, not only in
distorting the scriptures, but also in attempting to deflect Him from His
destiny.
From the moment that Jesus said “I must be about
my Father’s business” (Luke2:49) to the moment He bowed His head and said “It is finished.” (Jn
19:30) He lived from the oneness, the awareness of His Father within Him.
Everything He said was at His Father’s direction, and with His Father’s
permission. He never once acted independently of His Father’s authorization and
power (Jn 5:30 – also Jn 5:43, Jn 10:32, Jn 10:25 Amplified Version).
How sad that this incredible secret of His life
and ministry has not only been ignored, but ingeniously replaced by a subtle
distortion called ecumenicalism! Oneness is the text, abundantly supported by
the context (Jn 17:20-23)! Real unity amongst God’s people, regardless of the many
denominations, is only possible when it is the outworking of this glorious
truth.
God’s best in eternity is for those who will be
prepared and ready to be a bride for His Son (Rev 21:2), but God’s best here
and now is the initiation and preparation of those to whom this revelation has
come. May this book, with all its limitations, its series of different subjects
loosely joined together, help to create the loving unity of the incredible
mystery that Jesus prayed for.
Chapter One
Are You Missing God's Best ?
This book is written for born-again Christians
who know their sins are forgiven and forgotten, but who also know that they
have not found the freedom to live their Christian life without stress or
strain. They know that they possess Christ as their life but in no way could it be called abundant life (Jn 10:10).
Sometimes the cause for their wretchedness is
obvious such as living in a wrong relationship either with God or with men.
This can range from secret resentment to open rebellion, in fact any thing that
offends the royal law of God that we should love him and our neighbour as we
would love ourselves.
The problem can be much more subtle, such as
trying to live the Christian life in their own strength, and very often in
spite of so many inbuilt weaknesses that are caused by childhood hurts.
So, contrary to all accepted wisdom this book is
going to start with one of the most difficult facts to face in our search for
God's best, and it will become easier as we progress. The fact that in trying
to do good in our own strength will very often end in failure and despair -
even condemnation!
If ever there was a case of "good being the
enemy of the best", it is to be found in Paul's dilemma in Romans 7.
He says, "I do not understand what I do, for what I want to do I do not
do, but what I hate I do" (Rom 7:15 NIV).
Firstly, it is very important to realise that
his condemnation and wretchedness did not come from being a hopeless sinner. He
had already found the answer to that problem in Romans 5:1. He knew that he was
justified by faith and he enjoyed PEACE WITH GOD; but this new condemnation was
that of being a helpless saint walking in the flesh, and he knew that until he
discovered how to walk in the Spirit he would not be at PEACE WITH HIMSELF.
There is no doubt that Paul had found a measure of
victory over sin. He knew what it meant to appropriate by faith the wonderful
fact that on the cross, in Christ, God had put to death his old self (Rom 6:6).
In Romans 7:15-24 however it seems that something was still sadly wrong, for in
spite of setting his will to do good, he found himself doing evil.
It was not until he had learned the very painful
lesson "that in his flesh (self-effort) dwelt no good thing" (Rom 7:18
AV). What he realised was that even in trying to do good, he was only
succeeding in keeping his old self very much alive. Worse still, he discovered
that when the old self was not reckoned dead and kept in death, sin was able to
manifest itself!
If we are going to find God's best, we too will
have to face the awful fact that our old self is not only capable of all kinds
of evil, but that it is also incapable of any good! Daily we must accept God's
death sentence not only upon our ugly old self, but even upon our good old self.
Both are manifestations of the independent self we inherited from
Adam, and we were never
created to live independent of our Creator.
If we will reckon on the fact that our old self
was crucified, with Christ and if we keep it crucified (Col 3:5), we shall then
not only break free from its control, but we shall be able to open up our whole
being to be possessed by the Spirit of Christ, and we will be able to break
free from "the law of sin and death" (Rom 8:2) and find the dynamic
life force of Jesus doing what the law could not do (Rom 8:3). Then we shall be
able to say "there is therefore NOW no condemnation to them that are in
ChristJesus"
because we no longer walk after the flesh (self-effort) (Rom 8:1 AV).
Sin is a powerful destructive force that lies
deep even within the born- again believer. It will never be eradicated, but by
living in the Spirit it can be rendered powerless (Rom 6:6).
Holiness is not the inability to sin - but the
glorious ability to choose not to sin! Holiness in all its spontaneity and
splendour is simply allowing Christ to release his life both into you and through you to others.
Holiness is easier once you claim this supernatural deliverance from the old
self and allow him to be your new self. Holiness does not eliminate your unique
self, but enhances it! Listen to Paul's description of the dynamic secret of an exchanged life "I am
crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me" (Gal2:20
AV).
The same simple faith that first reconciled you
to God and opened your life to Christ allowing Him to save you must continue. Simple faith must
appropriate the saving power of Jesus every day of your life (Rom 5:10). Normal Christianity is
Jesus Christ living out his life
through human beings.
Now in case you think God's death sentence upon
our old self is too severe, the same principle is established by the teaching
of Jesus when He said "without me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). In
the allegory of the true vine the main object is not to teach us about eternal
life, but how to produce eternal fruit! Before we can ever produce the luscious
fruit of his life we must be prepared to acknowledge that our old root system
of self-effort has been cut off so that we could be grafted into him.
If we try to obey his commandment to love one
another in our own strength we will continually fail. Human love cannot obey
this commandment, it might be pure in its intentions but it is pathetically
inadequate in its actions. All human love is tainted with self-love and although
this is not always apparent, any pressure from an uncongenial circumstance will
soon expose how fragile it is.
When we know these truths, we must realise that
to know them in our minds is not enough. We must ask the Holy Spirit to make
them real in our Spirit. Biblical knowing is not just intellectual, it is
experiential! Jesus said "This is eternal life, to know God" (Jn 17:3).
Eternal life is knowing God, not knowing about God. It is sadly true that you
can be a Doctor of Divinity and yet live like a devil! You can be full of
religious knowledge but rotten to the core!
So follow this simple pattern of appropriating
Jesus Christ. First, agree that
without him you can do nothing, then pray. Daily I must receive your life so
that daily I will be able to release your love (Jn 15:9-16). The result will be
both delightful and dynamic! It will be delightful, because there is no greater
joy in life than knowing that you are a branch by which others will both see
and taste the goodness of God - pure goodness!
It will be dynamic because, in conveying to
others the pure selfless love of God, you yourself will win untold benefits.
Love is the greatest therapeutic force in the universe. Love heals not only the
one who receives it, but also the one who releases it! Disturbed and distressed
minds can find calmness, emotional hurts will gradually heal, and even
psychosomatic sicknesses will disappear as the body loses its stress and learns
to relax.
Finally, as you become increasingly conscious
that his love is flowing through you to others, the Holy Spirit will then make
you aware that you can "ask anything in His name and it will be granted
you" (Jn 15:7-8).
Jesus must have smiled when he made this incredible promise because he
knew the subtle secret of his words. He knew that when his people live daily in
this love union with him, they don't pray selfish prayers - only his desires!
So, make a total commitment of your life to the
Lordship of Jesus Christ, then trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into this
wonderful secret of the exchanged life. Make it your daily priority that you
will give him no rest until self-effort is cut off and the superlative life of
Jesus is a spontaneous
reality.
This is God's best. Anything else, even though
it is good, will be living by self-effort - flesh! Only as you come into this
glorious experience of Christ in you will the "hope of glory" (Col1:27)
become a glowing reality!
Then, and not till then, will you be able to
rise up from your wretchedness, shake off all condemnation and shout,
"there is therefore NOW no condemnation" (Rom 8:1). Not only am I in
ChristJesus, but also
because I have discovered this secret, I no longer walk in the flesh but after
the Spirit. Living in and by the Spirit of Jesus you have replaced trying to be
good, with the BEST!
May the following chapters bring revelation that
will lead you into this dynamic secret.
Chapter Two
The Missing Dimension
So often the great central truth of
Paul's teaching is lost,
not only under the pressure of modern living, but shamefully in the midst of
many theological arguments. The sad lack in so many lives, even ministers, the
missing source of completeness in so many Christians is oneness - or union
life! Jesus spoke about this intimate oneness when he said, "I and my Father
are one" (Jn 10:30). This experience was never intended to be his alone, for He said
"If any man loves me he will keep my word and my Father will love him and
we will come and make our home with him" (Jn 14:23 NKJV). In his last
prayer the main burden of his heart is seen when he cries "I do not pray
for these alone but also for those who will believe on me through their word,
that they all may be one, as you Father are in me and I in you, so that they
may be one in us" (Jn 17:21). Whilst this includes corporate oneness that
is so vital to his disciples the main emphasis is "as you Father are in me
and I in you". This intimate oneness could almost be called the missing
doctrine - the unclaimed dimension!
In all the doctrines that Paul propounded and defended,
this major theme is so easily overlooked, ignored or forgotten. The great
truths of justification, sanctification, and election are but streams that
should feed this one superlative experience, this river of life - union with
Christ!
Paul was never content to present Christ just as the hope of glory, but by teaching them with all wisdom he
sought to bring them to a perfect relationship with Christ, so that hope might turn to
reality. Paul is quick to point out that even this work was accomplished in the
power of union life. "His energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Col1:27-29
NIV).
This sublime secret of strength is stated so
clearly in the statement "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet
not I but Christ liveth in me" (Gal2:20).
Paul daily accepted the death sentence upon his old self, so that he
might enjoy the dynamic life of Christ being released into his life and ministry (Rom 6:6-13). He
laboured, but from a position of rest (Heb 4:10-11). Christian service that
leaves you frustrated and exhausted is often due to working in your own
strength. It is not only wrong, but could prove to be worthless. It is far
better, much easier and more glorifying to God for your service to be the
result of union life; that is: Christ living in and working through you.
Drained, dehydrated Christians are often the
direct result of failing not only to know what union life is, but to see it as
the crowning glory of human experience: so let us seek to understand and
appropriate what God so earnestly longs to give.
Union life is not the baptism of the Holy
Spirit, for it is possible to be like the Corinthian church, crowned with every
spiritual gift - but carnal (1 Cor 3:1-4)! The baptism of the Holy Spirit gives
you power gifts for service, but union life gives additional power, to live and
love (1 Cor 13)!
This is not sinless perfection - this is a sad
distortion of this superlative experience. Union life is not the inability to
sin, but the ability to choose not to sin (Rom 6:12-13). A holy
life is allowing Christ to control the whole of your life.
This does not restrict the unique personhood of
the believer, it releases him from every restraint of the old self.
Christ can now be released and
revealed in all His radiance!
Union life is an expanded awareness of the
mystery Paul was called to pioneer and proclaim to the
church of
Jesus Christ.
The most humble believer has higher privileges and greater potential than any
Old Testament saint could ever know. It is not just the total release from the
"old self" but the overwhelming experience of Christ in you, bringing
into being an exciting "new self" (Rom 6:4)! Service, even suffering
and satanic opposition can now be faced with almost supernatural strength ( 2
Cor 4:8-18).
Throughout church history, the stark naked
testimony of successful saints has been "not I - but Christ in me".
JohnWesley knew union life, and was used of God to bring England
back from the brink of spiritual and social disaster. His whole being was made
available for the resurrected Christ to ride up and down the land, so establishing His church in every
city, town and hamlet. Listen to the eloquent and exquisite words of his
brother Charles’ testimony, as he bears witness to enjoying a similar experience:
' Me
with a quenchless thirst inspire,
A
longing, infinite desire,
And
fill my craving heart.
Less
than THYSELF, oh do not give:
In
might THYSELF within me live,
Come,
all thou hast and art! '
WilliamBooth knew union life and formed an army of Christian soldiers that
invaded the public houses to bring thousands to repentance. This army then
tackled some of the evils of the day and not the least was poverty.
C. T.Studd, in union
with Christ,
forsook fame and fortune. He left the playing field to pioneer on the mission
field. Many spiritual giants of church history were inspired and inflamed to
take Christ to
the multitude by his example.
Hudson Taylor laboured to establish the China
Inland Mission, but it was only after eighteen years of working in his own
strength that he discovered union life.
Many of God's mighty men and women, some known,
but many unknown, have triumphed in the far-flung corners of the earth. The
secret of their success is always the same, "not I but Christ in me"! Small wonder
that they will cast their crowns at his feet in the coming day of universal
recognition and restitution of all things (Rev 4:9-11)!
So if you have to drag your exhausted body and
drive your tired mind to face the demands of everyday duties it could be
because you have not discovered this superlative source of strength.
Paul said, "I can do
all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Phil4:13).
When we rightly see and fully understand God's
way we shall know yet another facet of his wisdom in the cross. Two vital
truths must be appropriated daily if we are to tap the vast resources of our
Lord. They must be brought together and kept together, for what God hath joined
let no man put asunder.
The objective facts of God's word must become
subjective experience. Faith must do more than admire the cross and acknowledge
the resurrection - it must appropriate their power daily!
If there is a lack of revelation, or refusal to
accept God's death sentence upon our old self (Rom 6:6) we shall not only be
severely hindered, but it will sadly restrict the release of his resurrection
life into our whole being.
The old self is every trait that we have
inherited from Adam. It is every negative thought, emotion, reaction, and intention -
yes, even in the born again Christian! As pointed out in chapter one the
condemnation that Paul rejoiced to be free from in Romans 8:1-4 was not the
condemnation of being a hopeless sinner, but that of being a helpless saint
(Rom 7:15-25).
To be born of the Spirit but to walk after the
flesh is the sad story of so many Christians. "Flesh is self" says
Watchman Nee. "Self" says WilliamLaw "is the
root branch and tree of all the evil nature of our fallen state".
There is nothing you can do about your old self until
by revelation you have recognised that God has already done it for you!
Yes, your old self WAS crucified. (The original Greek is in the aorist tense, a
once completed and final act). Now, as you see this first truth and daily
affirm it, the Holy Spirit will confirm it. Gradually the power of the cross
will demonstrate God's wisdom. It will weaken and wither the damaging and
debilitating power of the old self.
But you must add the second truth. Not only did
you die with Christ, but you were also raised with him to walk in newness of life. See
this truth, believe it and daily confess it until his resurrection life streams
into your life continually.
Once your life is rid of the old self and you
are re-energised by his life your new self will have no problem putting off the
old habit patterns that will still tend to cling for a while (Rom 8:13, Col
3:5, Eph 4:17-32, Eph 5:1-7).
How and when to start? Now of course! Right now
make a total commitment of your whole life to the Holy Spirit so that he can bring
you into union life. Ask him to strengthen your will and to sustain your desire
until the hope of this glory - becomes reality!
Don't allow discouragement to put you off, and
even if you fail don't believe the devils lie that it works for everyone else
but not for you!
Your continuing confession of the creative Word
will call it into being (Hebrew 11:3). Gradually and beautifully the old self
will lose its dreadful dominating grip. Gradually and beautifully
ChristJesus will
emerge in many new and exciting ways.
The new radiant you will surprise your family
and friends. They will notice that you are more relaxed. Your work and witness
for Jesus will be more spontaneous - it will be Jesus working through you!
You will not only be able to love the unlovable
but even laugh at your own mistakes. Union life is not just a luxury it is a
dire necessity.
Always remember that living in the flesh, the
old man, and the old self are synonymous terms that simply describe a life
lived by self-effort, independent of any help from God. Such was
Adam's plight when both he
and all his descendants forfeited the presence and the power of God within
their lives. In falling into sin they became men of flesh (Gen 6:3). Union life
is a life that is saturated with the Spirit of Christ.
Chapter Three
Believers
In Lead Boots
When the flesh is still active, uncrucified, you
can no more walk in the Spirit THAN RUN A FOUR MINUTE MILE IN LEAD BOOTS!
Many are born of the Spirit - but find
themselves unable to walk in the Spirit. The Corinthian church did not lack any
spiritual gift (1 Cor 1:5-7), but Paul reprimanded them for being carnal! They were also guilty of moral
laxity, schism and downright selfishness even at the Lord's table (1 Cor
3:1-4). These were but three obvious manifestations of flesh - that deadly
enemy of life in the Spirit (Gal5:16-21).
Even the Apostle Paul himself suffered from the same problem when trying, in the strength
of the flesh, to keep the Law (Rom 7). We do not know how long he wrestled to
find the answer, but when he did he became the apostle of deliverance. He
blazed a trail from the defeat of Romans chapter 7 into the glorious freedom of
chapter 8:1-4.
The permanent address of so many believers is
Romans 7 - and it is not unknown for ministers to live there. That sad
experience was meant to be only for a short time, just a passing phase in the
development of the believer. It was never intended to be more than a temporary
exposure to the weakness and ugliness of the old man, the old self.
Do you recognise when your life is not totally
dominated by the Spirit of Christ,
(Rom 8:2) or do you excuse the outworking of a nature that is anything but
Christ like? If it's a struggle to
manifest the fruits of the Spirit, YOU HAVEN'T YET DISCOVERED THE SECRET!
Often, in spite of your best efforts, "the
works of the flesh are manifest" (Gal5:19). It is not only given to lust, but also able to lie and
exaggerate. It can be arrogant, abrasive, aggressive, prone to moods, merciless
and power mad. It snaps, snarls and is easily soured at another's success.
The old self is conceited, quarrelsome, cold and
critical. Another evidence of the old self is that it is quick to blame others,
but slow to accept responsibility for its own faults. It is impatient,
impetuous and indifferent to hurting others; it sulks, sneers, and often
wallows in self-pity. It is suspicious, sly and easily resorts to sarcasm.
Unreasonable, unreliable, unforgiving, unrelenting in its fault finding even if
it needs a muckrake and microscope to do its dirty work. Ad infinitum - ad
nauseam!
Such are some of the outworking of the flesh.
Such are the un-Christ like attitudes that manifest themselves especially when
under pressure. No amount of discipline, dedication, or even sublimation will
restrain its breaking forth. Day after day, year after year you struggle on -
but only from one defeat to another.
If you have to drag yourself to church, very
often out of a sense of duty, if you have to struggle to manifest "love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self -
control" (Gal5:22). Even the slightest problem will expose the shallowness of your
experience, it will soon leave you so exhausted that you will have no strength
left to sing, or smile - let alone sympathise with someone in need!
FLESH - as Watchman Nee points out in The Normal
Christian Life - is seen to be what it really is if we remove the "H"
and reverse the letters - SELF!
Self conscious, self righteous, self important,
self centred, self contented, self opinionated, self pitying, self indulgent,
self exalting, self glorying - in other words - FLESH!
Some believers are in this sad condition, simply
because of their stubborn refusal to allow Jesus
Christ to be Lord of their lives. Like the
Children of Israel, they rebel, they murmur, they refuse to believe God's
promises. Their whole life is one of going round in circles until the day of
their death (Heb 3:7-19). Everyone and anyone is blamed. One day it is
Satan - the next day it is the
Minister! Some blame their parents, others even dare to blame God! Round and
round they go in ever decreasing circles of discontent until they die. Many a
church is haunted by them even before they are gone.
Sadly, the vast majority of God's people fail to
find deliverance simply BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW GOD'S WAY OUT OF THIS DILEMMA!
How can you "walk in the Spirit, so that
you do not fulfil the desires of the flesh" (Gal5:16)?
You must recognise that the old man, the 'Adam' nature, that causes
you to walk after the flesh, is so loathsome, so rotten, so wretched, that
there was only one thing God could do with it - PUT IT TO DEATH! This is just
what he did when Jesus was crucified, his death not only delivered us from our sins, but
also from our old selves. But do you KNOW this? Knowing this is the first step
to claiming deliverance! "For we know that our old self was crucified with
Him" (Rom 6:6, NIV).
Now faith must constantly accept this deathblow
to the sin-dominated self-life. Jesus not only took your sins to the Cross (1 Pet 2:24)
but he took your sinful self as well.
Knowing that CHRIST DIED FOR YOU is wonderful (1
Cor 15:1-3), but when the revelation comes to you that YOU DIED IN CHRIST (Col
3:3) it is even more wonderful!
Accept God's death sentence upon your
sin-dominated ego. Agree that all your self-effort is futile; it is not of
faith (Rom 6:6-11). Take this faith position daily. Apply God's Word
CONTINUALLY until the mighty dynamics of the cross destroy sin's power within
you: then the work of mortifying the flesh will be easier (Col 3:5). So also
will be your efforts to conform to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29).
Your initial baptism into his death and rising
to walk in newness of life MUST BE CONSTANTLY APPROPRIATED! (Rom 6:1-13).
Daily receive his resurrection life into your
yielded personality (Rom 6:12-13). You will discover that
HIS CROSS will destroy every negative thought, emotion, and reaction. Then HIS
LIFE will impart every positive thought, emotion and reaction. This will result
in power and peace to walk in continual victory! Life in the Spirit will never
bring you into a position where you are not able to sin, but it will give you
power to choose not to sin!
As you grasp this glorious secret, the life of
Jesus will gradually emerge
in many beautiful and exciting ways. Your flesh controlled ego is not the real
you. Only when ChristJesus dominates your whole personality will the unique you come forth to
amaze you, and even astonish your nearest and dearest friends!
The faith that claims this incredible life is
God's type of faith - SPEAKING FAITH! Jesus promised you quite clearly in Mark 11:20-35 that by speaking faith
you will remove mountains. Saturate yourself in these mighty promises, then
claim them by confessing them verbally!
Daily you must appropriate this great secret, so
that daily you "will be saved by
His life" (Rom 5:10). Jesus said that you must "eat of His flesh and drink of His
blood" (Jn 6:53). If you want his life to be in you CONTINUALLY you must
CONTINUALLY assimilate him who is the bread of life, not just one day a week,
BUT EVERY DAY!
Foolish - says the natural mind (1 Cor 2:1-8).
Illogical - cries the philosopher (Col 2:8). Heresy -
scream the Jewish Sanhedrin (1 Cor 1:23). "But unto us who are
being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18). "The
foolishness of God is wiser than men" (1 Cor 1:25).
The foolishness of God, the preaching of the
cross, contains the hidden wisdom of God. "None of the princes of this
world knew for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of
Glory" (1 Cor 2:7,8).
If you seek forgiveness of sins then you must GO
TO THE CROSS (1 Jn 1:9). If you need power to break the pull of this world's pleasures
and pursuits again you must GO TO THE CROSS (Gal6:14)!
If you need authority to silence the accusations of Satan, ability to withstand him,
your battle cry is, THE VICTORY OF HIS CROSS (Rev 12:11).
Likewise, when you long for deliverance from your old self, so that the nature
of Christ will
be released, again you must GO TO THE CROSS (Rom 6:6). By going to the cross we
mean trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us into the reality of all its benefits.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
they are mighty through God to the pulling down of spiritual strongholds (2 Cor
10:4). They are mighty to defeat "the world, the flesh and the
devil". Faith takes the Word, faith speaks the Word, which is the sword of
the Spirit (Eph 6:17) and the powers of sin, self and Satan are disarmed. Through the cross of Christ power is made available to save you in every situation. God in his
WISDOM has given you RIGHTEOUSNESS, in Jesus you are forgiven and accepted. SANCTIFICATION, in
Jesus you are qualified to
engage in holy activities, and REDEMPTION, in Jesus you are given total
freedom from Satan (1 Cor 1:29-31).
Never live another day of your life without
appropriating both THE POWER OF HIS CROSS, and THE POWER OF HIS LIFE! Do not
allow Satan to
distract you or discourage you, but set your face like flint to possess this
continual life of victory.
As his life starts to replace yours, you might
ask; will I still feel hurt when people insult me? Yes, but you will not
retaliate! Will I still feel the pull of temptation? Yes, but now you will have
power to overcome it! Will I still panic, get anxious, afraid? yes, but only
just briefly. Then as you quietly confess your faith in him to help you your
fears will soon subside and fade away! Will my damaged emotions, my strained
nerves, and all the physical hurt in my body begin to heal? Certainly! (Rom 8:11)
As your life is freed from all its negative
reactions, and flooded with Christ’s powerful and victorious life, health will stream into every part
of your being. The victory of his life will be transferred into yours (Isa
53:11). By his stripes you will be healed - even though time might be needed to
bring this about (Isa 53:5). There is no wound, no bruise, no hurt, that will
not heal and recover as you apply "the balm of Gilead" (Jer
8:22).
Release your faith, RECKON upon the fact that
your old self was crucified. RECEIVE Christ's resurrection life, and
finally RESIST Satan's efforts to thwart you from
walking in the Spirit.
Do not be put off if there is no immediate
awareness that the Holy Spirit is applying the death sentence to your old self
and releasing the resurrection life of Jesus into your spirit. Simply affirm your faith that he will lead you
into the reality of what God's word has promised. As surely as day follows
night, "spirit knowing" will replace all other "forms of
knowing". Do not allow your feelings, fears or failings to fool you into
forsaking your claim upon these eternal facts.
When this delightful miracle has taken place
your spirit will enjoy a beautiful sense of buoyancy, inner power and an
indescribable peace. Your labour to enter into this rest will have been well
rewarded - but now you must learn the secrets of how to release it to others.
Chapter Four
Full
Of The Spirit But Blocked
It is possible to be full of the Spirit but at
the same time be frustrated because we cannot release it to others. This is
because we fall foul of Satan's determined efforts to BLOCK OUR MINDS and so prevent the breaking
forth of the Holy Spirit. "Therefore be clear minded" (1 Pet 4:7
NIV).
Although our thought patterns can be influenced
from many sources and by a multiplicity of things, it will help to simplify our
understanding if we consider the three main areas that need our watchful
attention. Satan's main objective is to create confusion and distraction, so we must
not be "ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor 2:11). We must
also use spiritual weapons to defeat his tactics as carnal arguments are of no
avail in this warfare (2 Cor 10:4).
The first area that we must guard is that of
EVERYDAY MATTERS that demand our attention, the immediate tasks and
responsibilities that we get involved in, such as our work, our family and
spare time activities. The danger here is that of allowing these things to
TOTALLY DOMINATE OUR THOUGHTS. Jesus makes reference to the "cares of this world" that choke
the word, (Mk 4:15) so preventing fruit (Matt 13:22). Satan will seek to block our minds
even with legitimate and needful things. He will also provoke us in the
constant battle of relationships as we feel we must either assert or defend our
rights.
He is continually at work seeking to promote
those sordid squabbles in the home, at our place of work. Sadly even in the
church as we try to get our own way even if it brings bitter envying and
strife. This is spurious "wisdom" and the sad result is disorder and
every evil work (Ja 4:15-16 NIV). All this is in violent contrast to spiritual wisdom that
brings a harvest of peace (Ja 4:17-18 NIV). So how do we deal
with this problem?
There is no better way to begin a busy day than
by engaging in a quiet time with the Lord. Like Mary, we must sit at
Jesus feet, listen to his
words and look up into his face (Lk 10:42). Then as we face the
daily chores they are less likely to distract us. The encumbrances of the day
will be handled far more efficiently if we have not neglected our communion
with him. There is no doubt that we will radiate a beautiful calmness and
confidence as we emerge from our time in his presence. Incidentally, very often
a tune or a text that invades our mind can be the Holy Spirit trying to alert
us to a situation in the hours just ahead of us.
If it is possible we should seek to order our
activities for the day. To have a meaningful plan of action will not only save
time and conserve strength, but also avoid needless duplication of effort. This
first channel to the mind, though busy, MUST NOT BECOME BLOCKED! Then, as we
keep it clear, the life of Jesus will be able to flow out unhindered, enabling
us not only to carry our own burdens but also the burdens of others (Gal 6:2).
The second area is when Satan attempts to violently invade
our thoughts so that we become bewildered and confused. At times like this it
is not unknown for some believers to come very close to having a mental
breakdown. If we follow every so-called 'guidance' without carefully and
prayerfully checking it, we could be in danger of listening to THE VOICE OF THE
STRANGER! If we fail to exercise discernment in this area we are failing to
heed the warning of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:5). So how can we recognise our
enemy?
We can recognise him by the TONE of his voice,
the TACTICS he uses, and finally the effect that his words have upon our
spirits. The enemy will be AGGRESSIVE, seeking to drive you to do unreasonable
things, even quoting scripture out of context (Matt 4:6). He will ACCUSE
YOU - suggesting that you are such a failure that going to church, reading your
Bible, or even praying is sheer hypocrisy (Rev 12:11). He will CREATE ANXIETY
by continually harassing you, suggesting many doubtful things that leave you
unsettled, uneasy and under stress.
Yes, be on your guard against the bullying,
harassing, accusing voice of the stranger. Do not give heed to the voice that
is more like a butcher than a shepherd.
Whatever tactics Satan uses, even if you are not
sure. DO NOT BE PASSIVE! Like Jesus, you must actively resist him (Lk 4:8). Do not argue, but use the
word of God as a sword (Eph 6:17). Remind him he is a
defeated foe (1 Jn 3:8 ); that you are in Christ who conquered him (Col 3:3); and that nothing can ever separate you from his love (Rom 8:35-39).
Tell the enemy that God's love for you IS NOT BASED UPON YOUR PERFORMANCE - but
on the perfection of Christ's love for you (Eph 1:6). Remind him of his coming judgement and
final doom (Rev 20:10).
Speak out aloud your confession of faith. Say,
"I choose to hear only the voice of my Shepherd. I silence every
interference from the stranger, by all the power of Calvary - I resist
him!"; if you feel you need more help, get others to stand with you in
prayer, but remember, you must actively continue to resist - you must not
expect others to do all the fighting.
Now we come to the third area you must guard and
the reason for all this Satanic activity. It is to distract you and drown out
the still small voice of your Shepherd (Jn 10:3-4). In direct contrast to
Satan's harsh and demanding voice
Jesus is so gentle in his
approach, his voice so full of love, that the danger now, is THAT YOU CAN
EASILY IGNORE IT!
After you have aggressively silenced all
disturbing sounds, learn to respond to the gentle urging of the Shepherd. You
will be led into His green pastures, rested and refreshed by His still waters.
His presence will comfort you and guide you through every dark and difficult
circumstance. You will have no fear of need (Ps 23:1), "green
pastures" (v.2), "still waters (v.2), "restoration of
strength" (v.3), confidence in his guiding hand (v.3), and complete peace
of mind (v.4).
Then do we follow every thought that we think he
is trying to put into our minds obeying it without question or checking it with
the scriptures? Of course not! But if the communication fits our circumstances
as key fits a lock, and is in harmony with biblical principles, then faith
should gently turn the key and obey the word.
But a word of caution, be careful not to force
the key or push too hard, for when God opens a door of guidance it swings on
well-oiled hinges, and no man can slam it in your face (Rev 3:8).
This is how Jesus walked in daily
communion with his Father - always alert and listening to that inner voice. He
said "I am able to do nothing from myself - independently, of my own
accord but as I am taught by God and as I get my orders, I decide as I am
bidden to decide. As the voice comes to me so I give a decision. Even as I hear
I judge and my judgement is right" (Jn 5:30 Amplified
Version).
As we live in the Spirit we will be increasingly
"led by the Spirit" (Rom 8:14). Sons who have broken free
from the slavery of Satan to enjoy freedom and liberty to live for Jesus!
However, if your moving ahead brings a sense of
uneasiness and unrest in your spirit, then prayerfully re-check your position.
It is also advisable to share your insights with Spirit-filled praying brethren
who will also confirm and support you in your step of faith.
God will never upbraid you for making sure (Ja
1:5). Also never forget that Jesus has promised that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life" (Jn 8:12). God's word will always
bring LIGHT into your problem. Light will not only bring confidence, it will
also give you a LIFT in your spirit. Then as you obey the light and take
courage from the lift, you will come into amazing LIBERTY!
So walk in the Spirit, keeping your mind free
from any blockages of Satan and open to the prompting of Jesus and it will not be
long before you are pleasantly surprised at the beautiful ways in which he will
minister through you.
Now, to fullness of the Spirit, add freedom of
mind - but there is still another barrier that must be recognised and removed.
Chapter Five
Control
Those Emotional Swings
Full of the spirit, clear minded, there still
remains the final problem of keeping your emotions in equilibrium. God counsels
his people, "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isa
30:15) but if unguarded, your mood change can so fluctuate that your life is
like riding a roller coaster!
|
The Danger Of Down
|
Euphoria
|
The
Danger Of Up
|
|
“In Quietness And Confidence “
(Isa 30:15)
|
|
Depression
|
Satan's
first line of attack upon your emotions is to drive them down into depression!
He will use people, problems and pressures to create this further hindrance to
the release of the Holy Spirit. If you do not take immediate action to remedy
this situation it will not be long before you are wallowing in self-pity,
morbidly introspective, and physically drained. What action is necessary?
Open up your whole being to the Holy Spirit so
that any area where you might have grieved Him (Eph 4:30) can be
exposed and corrected (Ps 139:23-24). One of the most prolific causes of
depression is that of failing to deal with matters of offence - but remember,
the principle of correction plainly taught by Jesus is to localise
discord as much as possible. To publicise it in the church is the last resort,
NOT THE FIRST! (Matt 18:15-l7).
If after repentance, confession and
rectification of any wrong, there remains a feeling of uneasiness - it could be
FALSE GUILT. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cannot cleanse imaginary guilt (1 Jn 1:9), but it can
silence the accusations of Satan as you declare your faith in the victory of Jesus (Rev 12:10-11). So, seek the counsel and confirmation of senior and spiritual
brethren who will help you aggressively resist oppressing spirits that exploit
such feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
Now, whilst every act of obedience brings the
Holy Spirit's approval (Acts 5:32), you will still need to
take further steps to break free of depression.
PRAISE IS DYNAMITE! It demoralises all opposing
spirits and clears the atmosphere about you. It does your own soul good (Ps
149) and God delights to hear and respond to his praising people (2 Chr 20:22-25).
WORSHIP WORKS WONDERS! When you glorify God you
do yourself good. Worship is the human heart losing itself in love for God, but
unaware that all the glory given to him is then reflected back upon the giver
(2 Cor 3:7-18).
CONFESSING YOUR FAITH -
WILLMOVEMOUNTAINS!
Jesus said, "Have the
faith of God" (Mk 11:22). God's type of faith is SPEAKING FAITH! Jesus said on three
occasions in v.23 that we would POSSESS WHAT WE CONFESS!
Tell your soul, "Hope thou in God" (Ps
42), and then get up and get moving. Ignore your feelings and fight your way
back to quietness and confidence (Isa 30:15). But now you must be alert to
Satan's second line of attack! The
danger of up! Yes, I said danger, because as soon as Satan recognises that you are
succeeding he will quickly take all the pressure away from you, and with great
cunning will now seek to excite and elate you -UNTIL YOU BECOME EUPHORIC!
The warning signals are varied, but mainly
excessive laughter and foolish jesting (Eph 5:4) instead of gravity and
sincerity (Tit 2:6-8). Fun is good - but flippant, light-headed talking can be
dangerous and double-sided (Rom 26:18).
If this condition is not quickly corrected it
can lead to a veritable minefield of damaging experiences. When a believer is
euphoric he could easily feel "led to the mission field", or
"full-time evangelism", give up his employment and "live by
faith", discontinue medication without proper supervision, or even marry
in haste.
One could fill a book with such tragic mistakes
and painful memories made by sincere believers who have been deceived by
Satan, he is a specialist
increasing and exploiting this emotional high.
Once you recognise this mood swing, you must
take immediate steps to calm down, to act sensibly and soberly. Use the lift in
your emotions and harness them to positive ends. Learn how to be full of the
Spirit, but not drunk in the Spirit! Yes! We understand and can appreciate the
wonder of Acts 2:12-21. Work off the elation and excitement by tackling some of
the difficult and challenging tasks that you have avoided or neglected. Live in
the area of maximum strength and safety, where your emotions are calm and
controlled.
Power under control is real power - safe power.
To be full of the Spirit, to have a clear mind and your emotions in balance, is
to release the river of life that Jesus spoke about (Jn 7:38) into the thirsty desert of
human need.
Now working for God is without strain. We
labour, but from a position of rest (Heb 4:9-10). Acts of mercy, ministries of
love and care burst forth among God's people. They no longer need to be driven
- just directed! The years of famine are forgotten and the wilderness of want
becomes a garden of plenty (Isa 35). The
ransomed of the Lord return and come to Zion with songs and
everlasting joy upon their heads. They have obtained joy and gladness; sorrow
and sighing have fled away.
Attracted by the love of God, the unbeliever
enquires, and soon is enjoying the goodness of God. The old lovingly adapt to
the disturbances caused by happy excited youth. The young respect and care for
the elderly. Even the children are affected as the presence of
Jesus finds release among
his people.
The winter is passed, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of the birds is come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth
green figs, the vines with the tender grape give a goodly smell.
Jesus is among his people,
saying, "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" (Song of
Sol2:11-13).
Yes! It's worth it all, learning to walk in the
Spirit, keeping your mind free from blockages, and guarding your emotions from
crippling mood swings. The river of the Spirit is now able to flow out of your
innermost being to satisfy the desperate thirst of others (Jn 7:38).
Now a word of warning about some of the dangers,
difficulties and delights that might distract you!
Chapter Six
Difficulties,
Dangers And Delights
YES, there are difficulties to be faced and
dangers to be on your guard against, but when once you have pressed through,
THE DELIGHTS ARE TREMENDOUS!
Living in the Spirit has been likened to
energising a huge heavy flywheel. Initially it hardly seems to move, but as you
persist the momentum increases, generating power and ongoing movement requiring
only a minimal amount of effort to sustain its motion. So beware of initial
difficulties and don't get discouraged, and don't be fooled into thinking it
works for everyone else but you!
As you are increasingly filled with the Holy
Spirit, your life, your world, your work, your sport, your marriage all lose
their stress, because you are right with God. Your every moment becomes
spontaneous living for God; this is what the bible calls ‘rest’, and is what
Jesus offers to all who are “weary and heavy laden” with the pressures of life
(Matt 11:28).
As you DAILY, by faith, appropriate your death
with Christ, every negative thought, reaction and emotion will be overcome (Rom
6:1-10). As you continually open up the whole of your being and surrender your
faculties to Jesus, so every positive thought emotion and reaction of his
dynamic personality will be released in you (Rom 6:11-23). But a word of
warning!
If you are an objective person less affected by
emotion, it is most likely that the release of Christ's life into yours will be almost immediate, so overwhelming, that
there is a distinct danger of you becoming excited - even euphoric!
If you are a subjective person prone to
"thinking with your feelings", bearing the scars of rejection from
childhood and past painful circumstances, the possibility will be that of
becoming discouraged. The introspective monitoring of your slow progress will
only hinder the release of Christ's life and if you are not careful, you will become depressed!
Remember too, that Satan is reluctant to lose such a
foothold in your life. Those who walk in the flesh can easily be made to fall,
so he will put in overtime, distracting, discouraging and doing all the
mischief he can to, unsettle your faith!
So much for difficulties in getting started, but
now let us look at THE DANGERS of walking in the Spirit. Here are several
dangers.
As your life is progressively liberated from the
old self, and there is a growing consciousness of his life releasing your new
self, you must now be alert, for mistakes that will upset your spiritual
equilibrium!
BEWARE of using your newfound power and poise to
score an advantage over others who do not yet know or enjoy the secret you
possess.
To gain such an unfair advantage over another
will only resurrect the old nature - in spite of all your faith reckoning.
BEWARE of any up-rising of the old self. DON'T
PANIC! look the situation squarely in the face and declare your faith,
"That is part of my old self, I refuse to allow it to rise again -
Jesus, right now replace my
failure with your Life". Your death with Christ is FACT (Col 3:1-4), do not allow failure or feelings to undermine your faith,
even if you do fail, it remains an unalterable fact!
BEWARE of dropping your guard, for you are now
surrounded by subtle foes who will seek to gain a foothold. A Spirit-filled
believer can never be possessed, but powerful spirits can harass! They will
quickly exploit a careless or foolish action, "Do not allow the sun to go
down on your wrath, do not give the devil that sort of a foothold" (Eph 4:26J.B.Phillips). If
you RECOGNISE your mistake, REPENT, and quickly RETAKE the ground in
Jesus name!
BEWARE of touching the glory or taking credit
for any out flow of his life through your yielded members (Rom 6:13)
the only reason to rejoice is in the triumph of his cross (1 Cor 2:2). Your
only glory is in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31).
BEWARE of seeking to impress or impose your
experience on others. Before the full glory and revelation of walking in the
Spirit is enjoyed (Rom 8:1-4) the wretchedness of the flesh must be exposed
(Rom 7:23-24). Always be alert to help, but do not abort God's dealings with
that person.
BEWARE of getting involved with any form of
spiritual warfare unless you are "strong in the Lord and in the power of
his might" (Eph 6:10). The best armour in the world is useless if the morale of the man
inside the armour is suspect! The only one capable of conquering Satan and his hosts is not you -
but the Christ
who is in you!
BEWARE of abusing the assurance and authority of
His life within you to enhance your position or reputation. Now you can suffer
without squealing and squirming, so that the lamb like disposition of
Jesus will be manifested
(Isa 53:7). Now let us consider some very special delights.
Quietly confess your confidence in the power of
the cross. Quote the apostle Paul's superlative statement of faith "I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20). Then simply expect
your old self to die, and your new self to emerge!
Faith will make real the fact that you died with
Christ (Rom
6:6). Your false ego will disappear and the real you will come forth (Gal2:20). That you died in Christ will not only silence
all the claims of the law (Rom 7:4) but will render sin so powerless you will
be able to enjoy the luxury of choosing not to obey it (Rom 6:12-13). Putting
off the old man and putting on the new will be so much easier (Eph 4:20-24).
Not until your Christ dominated personality is released will your relatives, friends and
acquaintances KNOW THE REAL YOU!
A Christ anointed MINISTER never lacks revelation or inspiration to both
bless the saints and reach the sinners.
A Christ filled HUSBAND is quite a delightful surprise to a wife who is
struggling to be submissive and supportive (Eph 5.22).
A Christ energised WIFE is so breathtakingly beautiful and bright, the
husband finds it easy to love her as Christ loves His Church (Eph 5:25).
A Christ motivated TEENAGER is so respectful and obedient to parental
authority that restraint becomes unnecessary (Eph 6:1-3).
A Christ inspired WORKMAN is so diligent and dutiful, the employer no longer
needs to resort to pressure and pleading for higher productivity (Eph 6:5-8).
A Christ led EMPLOYER will be more caring and less profit motivated,
resulting in better working conditions and improved relationships and the
lessening of strife.
A Christ activated CHURCH MEMBER is now so faithful, seeking any and every
opportunity to love God's people, so that the church cannot fail to be edified.
The Christ IN THEM (Col1:27)
is no longer restricted and restrained. The hindering layers of the old self
have been removed. Jesus IN THEM is now released THROUGH THEM! The believer has
come to a perfected relationship with Christ, ready and able to manifest his glory (Col1:28).
Yes! There are starting difficulties, several
dangers to avoid, BUT THE DELIGHTS ARE TREMENDOUS! Now learn to walk in the
Spirit.
WALKING involves movement, action and purposeful
direction. All doctrinal teaching in the Word of God is intensely practical,
and like normal walking, at all times you have at least one foot firmly on the
ground - you don't float!
Many and varied are the weird concepts and crazy
notions of "walking in the Spirit" but the Word of God is very clear
about this point (Gal5:16). When you are motivated by the Holy Spirit your life is intensely
practical. You live responsibly and keep well in touch with reality.
Some believers remind you of gas-filled
balloons. They float in and out of churches, doing the rounds, doing their own
thing. Their activity is so unreal and unrelated to everyone else that they
spend all their time doing precisely nothing! If discipline is enforced, or
dedication required, there is a tremendous escape of gas, some rather rude
noises, and once again they have disappeared into isolation, but, sadly, only
to re-inflate themselves and return with more gas!
If your "theology" does not produce
"do-ology" it's just a lot of kidology! Some seem to imagine that
doing God's will is dodging responsibility. The blunt fact is, that if your
walk with God does not make you a better workman, a more diligent church
member, a loving and considerate husband, a faithful and supportive wife, its
time you asked yourself the question - who's kidding who?
Walking in the Spirit is not shambling in a
stupor, living in a dream world or retreating into the deceptive cosiness of a
passive mind. It is living and aligning your actions with clear spiritual
principles. It is cold-blooded discipleship that denies itself, takes up its
cross and follows the teachings of Jesus even in the minute details of everyday living (Matt 16:24).
From where do these weird and wonderful friends
get their unscriptural, unsound and often unsavoury ideas? If you ask them they
will smile at you with a far-away look in their eyes and answer, "I was
led by the Spirit" - NONSENSE!
Christians who live by impulse, carelessly
following "hunches" or "leadings" without checking them
with God's Word are easily duped by Satan. People who live like that lack stability, and have no sound
guidelines. They wander from one unreal experience to another. God wants sane,
sensible sons, not mindless zombies!
Sudden lunatic decisions are Satan's speciality, such as
resigning or giving up a responsible job, running away with someone else's
partner, emigrating without contemplating all the circumstances, changing your
church.
Major decisions like these are seldom right,
often rushed, and very often contrary to sound common sense. These moods of
madness must be blocked and checked by submitting them to the counter-signature
of the Holy Spirit. If any major plan in your life seems to be the slightest
bit suspect, submit it to the authority of the cross, God will then cause it to
die, or quietly to grow into a deep, settled conviction.
Walking is a steady, purposeful and progressive
striding out. It should be a beautifully, balanced action, with lightness of
step and consistency of pace.
In the early days of our Christian life, we seem
to go in fits and starts, pursuing a very erratic and unsteady course. How well
the hymn-writer describes this stop-start spirituality:
Once I thought I walked with
Jesus
But such changeful moods I had.
Sometimes trusting, sometimes doubting.
Sometimes joyful, sometimes sad.
But oh, the peace my Saviour gives.
Peace I never knew before,
For my way has brighter grown
Since I learned to trust Him more.
Walking in the Spirit is freedom from all those
sudden jolts and sickening jars that spoil our first efforts to follow
Jesus. Walking is two feet
in rhythmic motion. The life in the Spirit is similar. It requires an initial
effort to defy gravity and get to our feet, followed by faith and ACTION! It is
trusting and OBEYING! Knowing and DOING! Hearing and GOING!
Where do we get our energy to walk? How is it
possible to swing along effortlessly and easily? In our own strength? – Never:
If Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5), He meant
NOTHING!
The classic mistake of so many Christians is of
trying to copy Jesus with their own limited resources. Far better to know the secret of
how to be a continual channel of his life, then you release REALITY (Gal2:20)!
In sincere faith, count on the glorious fact
that every weakness in your personality that causes you to limp. Every
disability that you have sustained through childhood and the harsh
circumstances of your life can be replaced by the living energy of CHRIST IN
YOU! (Rom 6, Col 1:27-29).
Don't sing "He walks beside me". That
is true in one sense, but it can be misleading. Better to sing the hymn "Christ liveth in me, Oh what a
salvation this, that CHRIST LIVETH IN ME" (2 Cor 6:16).
"God has said, I will dwell in them and walk in them, and I will be their
God and they shall be My people".
Unaffected by hatred and hostility, you will
walk in love! Depressing conditions and discouraging circumstances will not
disturb your joy! In spite of chaos and confusion all about you, Christ in you will give you
incredible calm and perfect peace! Men might oppose you, and Satan seek to oppress you, but you
will remain unruffled, well able to manifest longsuffering!
In spite of the violent reactions of problem
people and people with problems, you will still manifest gentleness! Although
everyone around you is filled with gloom and despair, nothing will quench the
firmness of His faith! The one who walks in the Spirit has character, which
manifests itself in controlled strength. There is no weakness, just meekness!
The final crowning virtue of a balanced and beautiful life is its moderation,
consideration and care of others, evidenced by temperance!
So beware of floating, wandering aimlessly and
lurching all over the place - just keep walking! Walk the streets of your town
and release the Spirit of Christ wherever you go. Be a living revelation of the
Son of God, But never forget, although it's you, it's not you, - BUT HIM! (Gal 2:20).
Chapter Seven
Rejection
Holocaust
Sweeping through our society at hurricane
strength is a 20th century tornado called REJECTION. Lives are being lost,
homes destroyed and families torn apart as it gathers increasing momentum. The
damage done by this Satan-inspired scourge is deep within the personality,
striking at the roots of an individual's personhood.
To be rejected is to be refused the recognition
that makes you feel loved and appreciated. Any treatment, be it open hostility
or simply neglect, whether you are abused or just used for another's advantage,
is hurtful. The result is that you are made to feel worthless and unwanted.
Such loveless and inconsiderate action will sow seeds of inner sadness that
when fully grown will yield a bitter harvest of mental and emotional
instability.
Rejection damage is one of the main reasons for
a rebellious attitude to any authority figure, such as parents, police and even
God. Another sad consequence is the rising crime figures of murder, rape and
violence.
If a child is unwanted because it has been
conceived out of wedlock, the result of rape or just not desired, in some
inexplicable way the unborn foetus is able to "feel" rejection. The
divine order is that every tiny babe should be born of love, bathed in love and
brought into the loving environment of a stable home. Sadly, this is not the
case as Satan-inspired selfishness proliferates human suffering upon its
helpless victims.
Childhood and youth are often a continuing story
of destruction when exposed to neglect or not sheltered by love. To be
"s-mothered" and spoilt can be as equally damaging as not giving firm
guidelines and freedom to develop and discover their own identity. To inform a
child that he or she was never really wanted, or to tell them you would have
preferred them to be a different sex, is tantamount to thrusting them through
with a knife. If a child is "inconveniently" born to a business
couple whose only aim is material gain, or if it is just an unplanned pregnancy
in mid-life, the information, if communicated, could cause a chain-reaction of
real or imaginary rejection.
One of the most devastating forms of rejection
is that of sexual violation from which many never fully recover. The mental
shock and emotional scars often remain even after many years of marriage.
Marriage, too, can be a veritable minefield of continuing hurt as a partner is
denied such simple things like care and companionship, or even conjugal rights
(l Cor 7:3-5). Divorce is the ultimate form of rejection in the marriage situation.
Often the pain and hurt that so many think is to be avoided by such a course of
action turns out to be far more than that of honouring their covenant before
God. There is no easy answer to such sad circumstances except to seek the
sustaining grace of God (2 Cor 12:9), and to ensure that you are submitting to
the Lordship of Jesus (Eph 5:22-33).
God has made it abundantly clear that he has no
unplanned, unwanted and unloved children in his family, for we have "been
chosen in Him even before the foundations of the world" (Eph 1:4). His
sovereign and loving care even arranges both pleasures and problems so that
"all things [even evil] will work together for our good, making us and
moulding us to be like Jesus" (Rom 8:28-31). No longer do we have to struggle and strive for acceptance,
for we are unconditionally "accepted in the beloved" (Eph 1:6). His
love is constant, never anything less or more than 100% and never dependent
upon our success or failure.
We are given supplies of strength in such abundance
we are well able to "walk before Him in holiness without blame" (Eph
1:4). Because we have been redeemed (bought back) "by the blood of
Jesus" (Eph 1:7) we
are not only infinitely precious to God, but our sins are forgiven and
forgotten, buried in the sea of his superlative grace. Nothing, absolutely
nothing, will ever separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39). We can
rest assured that His abundant "wisdom and prudence" (Eph 1:8) is
well able to thwart all of Satan's plans and has even drawn the sting of death.
Paul said "What can we say then, if God be for us who can be
against us"(Rom 8:30). If God accepts us, what matter who rejects us? It is to God's
eternal credit - "the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:6,12 & 14),
that we are and ever will be surrounded by his breathtaking love. No longer do
we need to strive for his love, but the life of the Spirit becomes a river that
carries us along by its irresistible power and sustaining strength.
Hymn writers and poets have striven to express
God's eternal, unconditional, utterly selfless love, but human thought will
never be able to express fully its greatness and grandeur.
Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know
Spirit breathing from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so.
Oh tis full and perfect peace,
Oh this transport all divine,
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His and He is mine.
Heaven above is softer and blue,
Earth around is sweeter green,