Category Archives: Oscar Leske / Understanding the Signs of Our Times

If We Live By The Spirit -Let Us Also Walk By The Spirit

IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT – LET US ALSO WALK BY THE SPIRIT

 QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO CHRISTIAN LIVING 

We can learn a lot by asking questions and I hope that these questions and answers will give you a better understanding of God’s eternal Word.

 WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SANCTIFICATION?

The word “sanctify,” as used in the Bible, means to set apart for God’s service. For example, Genesis 2:3 says: Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it….” We read in Leviticus 27:15-16 that houses and fields were sanctified. Exodus 13:2 tells us that the firstborn of the Jews were sanctified. These are but examples, yet they show conclusively that sanctification means to be set apart for God’s service. However, sanctification does not mean that our old, sinful natures are removed. Our old nature remains with us as long as we live. No one ever gets rid of it (Romans 7:17, 20; John 11:8-10).

We know that sanctification does not mean to make sinless or perfect when we read in John 7:19 the words of Jesus: And for their sakes I sanctify Myself….” Certainly, Jesus did not mean that He made Himself sinless, for He was already sinless. Jesus simply meant that He set Himself apart for the service of God in order to finish the work of redemption.”

The three phases of salvation are positional sanctification, progressive sanctification, and final sanctification. At the moment of salvation, we are sanctified or set apart positionally; that is, we are saved from the ultimate penalty of sin. Then begins progressive sanctification, the process whereby we are saved from the practice and power of sin. Then after our physical life is over and we go to heaven, we will be sanctified finally; that is, we will be saved from the presence of sin.

IS “SINLESS PERFECTION” TAUGHT IN THE BIBLE?

The Bible teaches that, while we are in the flesh, we will always struggle with a sin nature (see Romans 7:14-24). No one will be “perfect” (sinless) until we reach heaven. As human beings we are bound under Adam’s nature in this world. No matter how hard we try not to, we will still sin against God, and this holds true for everyone.

Nowhere does the Bible teach such a doctrine as sinless perfection. Rather, the Scriptures clearly denounced as false doctrine. First, there is the positive statement made in James 3:2: For we all stumble in many things.” Then, in the model prayer Jesus counsels us to pray: Forgive us our trespasses.” Why ask for forgiveness if one has reached the place where one commits no trespasses?

Also, we are told in Hebrews 12:8 that if one be without chastising, “… of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” This verse teaches that all believers are chastised by the Lord and of course, since He does not chasten any child for perfect obedience, it must be for disobedience.

If all are disobedient, then all are sinful, and the so-called doctrine of sinlessness is refuted. Furthermore, the Bible says that if a person declares that he has no sin, he deceives himself (1 John 1:8). The apostle Paul said that his flesh was sinful – even after he had been saved for 30 years: For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells…. (Rom.7:18).” Look, Peter, James, John, and Paul all admitted that they were imperfect. How could you or I claim anything different?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “WALK IN (OR AFTER) THE SPIRIT” (Gal.6:16; Rom.8:4)

A “walk” in the Bible is often a metaphor for practical daily living. The Christian life is a journey, and we are to walk it – we are to make constant forward progress. The biblical norm for all believers is that they walk in the Spirit: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal.5:25).” In other words, the Spirit gave us life in the new birth (John 3:6), and we must continue to live, day by day, in the Spirit.

To walk in the Spirit means that we yield to His control, we follow His lead, and we allow Him to exert His influence over us. Just as we walk only one step at a time, we should never make a move to make plans without the Lord’s leading. Those who walk in the Spirit rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in thought, word, and deed (Rom. 6:11-14).

To “walk in the flesh” is the very opposite. A person walking in the flesh leaves God out of all his plans and follows his own desires. When the flesh is in charge, the results are obvious. You just have to read Galatians 5:19-21 to see where Paul lists 17 evil practices such as adultery, fornication, murder, hatred, heresies, selfish ambitions, etc., etc. and that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

HOW CAN WE GET VICTORY OVER THE FLESH?

God’s Words says, “… Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16.)” We must depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to give us daily victory over the flesh. Whenever temptation comes, send up an SOS of prayer and read your Bible.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are told, Pray without ceasing.” We can pray at any time or any place. Also, we are exhorted to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…. (Col.3:16).”  Yield everything – soul, spirit, and body – to the Holy Spirit, and you will be victorious, joyous, and truthful.

 HOW CAN I TELL WHETHER SOMETHING IS FROM THE WORLD OR OF GOD?

This is a good question, and there are two verses of Scripture which gives us the answer: And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col.3:17).” Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).”

In contrast, “the world is defined for us in 1 John 2: 15-16: “Do not love the world or the things in the world… For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.” The world” consists of the carnal and the selfish things which attract man and in which we participate for our pleasure, without regard for God’s glory.

Think about this: can you get drunk, gamble at cards, attend exotic or violent movies, dance lustful dances, or run with unsaved companions to the glory of God and in the name of Christ? Certainly not. Anything you cannot do for the glory of God is therefore of the world. Any place where you cannot take the Lord Jesus Christ is of the world.

Even “religious” things can be worldly, if they are done to promote self-righteousness. Note the words of Paul: “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourself to regulations – touch not; case not; handle not; which all concern things which perish with the using – according to the commandments and doctrines of men (Colossians 2:20-22).”  If you are doing your religious activity to make yourself look righteous before men, and not out of love for Christ, it is worldly – and it will profit you nothing (1 Cor. 13:3).

WILL ALL OUR SINS, WHICH WE HAVE COMMITED SINCE WE BECAME BELIEVERS, BE REVEALED AT THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST?

When we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, the Lord will put a searchlight on all the phases of our life (2 Cor. 5:10). He will examine the motive behind everything we have done since we have become a child of God.

Many believers will be ashamed when they think of the time, they have spent in the service of the world that could have been spent in the service of the Lord. Their works will be completely burned up, but they will be saved “so as by fire (1 Cor. 3:15).”  Even though many will not have any rewards, God will still find something to praise in every one of His children (1 Cor. 4:5).

SHOULD BELIEVERS BE AFRAID WHEN THEY THINK OF DYING

 Even the most secure, devote believer can have occasions when they fear death. It is hardwired into our systems to avoid death. Death was not an original part of God’s plan for His creation. We were made to be whole and holy, living in paradise in communion with God. The introduction of death was a necessary response to the admittance of sin into the world.

So, yes, it is not uncommon to be afraid of death, but may I suggest that you meditate upon the following Scriptures which should bring comfort and cheer to your heart. Paul wrote this in 2 Corinthians 5:11: For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

 Our Lord Himself said Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3).” The fact that we will be with Jesus brings peace to the troubled heart.

When the apostle Paul faced death he explained, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21).” Death for every child of God is a gain, not a loss – because we go to be with Christ. There are so many promises that we can cling to – even in the hour of death.

Here’s something I might suggest to those who are anxious when this thought hits them. First, we have to remember this type of thought does not come from God but comes from the dark demonic side trying to instill fear into a believer’s life. So, when the thought of dying comes into your head here is what you say to Death: “Go ahead, Death – make my day. If you let me live, Christ will be honored on earth in my life but if you take away my life, I get to be with Christ in heavenYou see, Death, I can’t lose – it’s a win-win situation for me. Go ahead, Death – make my day.”  Then get on with your work and go about your daily life knowing that Christ has conquered Satan, hell, and death.

Oscar

> Oscar Leske

F/B – The Signs Of Our Times

www.UnderstandingTheSignsOfOurTimes.com

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