Life in the Spirit

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."--John 14:6

Our text speaks of the drawing power of Christ and of the opportunity to know something concerning the "high calling." This thought is further emphasized in John 6:44: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."

When we first recognized that we could possibly have a standing before Christ, even before we entered into a covenant relationship with our Lord, we accepted the fact of our position as sinners. To establish the only life-giving energy in our minds, it is essential that we first understand where the begetting of the Lord’s spirit originates (2Peter 1:4). It certainly cannot be something we do on our own. In 1Peter 1:3-5 we read that it is by divine power. We are "begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." We are "begotten by the word of truth" (James 1:18). We must first accept Christ as our Redeemer and make a full consecration to God. After we have made a full consecration we are assured that "all things that pertain unto life and godliness," all we need for our continued service to our Lord as new creatures in Christ Jesus, will be provided (2 Peter 1:3).

After we endure the tests of discipleship for a while in the service of the Lord, we not only recognize the difficulties but we also increasingly realize our own weaknesses. Forgiveness is always available to those who possess a submissive character in their service to God. We are assured in James 1:5 that divine guidance will be ours along the narrow way—the assurance that we can ask for the wisdom of God and that we can receive it liberally.

Spiritual Influences

The influence of the spirit and the precious promises of God nourish, develop, and strengthen the new mind. We must continually partake of these divine promises freely so that we can grow in the Lord. The growth process in the developmental stages of the new creature helps us to achieve new levels in Christian maturity (1 Cor. 3:1, 2). We must desire to make these steps in our consecration, especially when many others look upon the Christian way as not being a happy existence.

In Philippians 3:13 Paul refers to the "apprehending" or obtaining of the prize. He says, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended." Paul realized his inability to stand alone before Christ. His sin was something of which he was constantly reminded. Since he knew that he was far from perfect, he stresses the point of endurance in the next verse. "I press toward the mark for the prize of God in Christ Jesus." The future was before him. He must forget those things which were behind.

The Greek word for "press" in verse fourteen is the same as that translated "follow after" in verse twelve. This word indicates a continuous effort: "I keep pressing on toward the mark." Paul indicates that there is a prize, if one is found faithful, at the end of the race. We know the race is difficult. We always face so many besetments. What corrections can we individually make as we run this race?

The holy influence of Christ and that of our heavenly Father is always there. Using the avenue of prayer has always been one of the best ways to find direction for our thinking and guidance in our decisions. To keep the proper perspective is not always easy since our opposition is constantly battling against us. Prayer, with the help of the holy spirit, should and will kindle our heart and mind to once again focus on the race that is set before us.

Paul did not include himself in this race as one who had already won but as a candidate for disqualification (1 Cor. 9:27). His point was one of self-discipline. He always had in mind the goal set before him. This race course becomes a test of endurance, fortitude, and ambition or desire. We must endure all things so that we will never hinder or dishonor the plan of God in any way (1 Cor. 9:12). Paul tried to make the Corinthians aware that they could be disqualified. They appear to have been lacking in personal discipline. When self gets in the way all prospects of achieving the goal can be lost. The goal should include our attempt to win as many as possible to Christ and, thereby, maintaining our own personal self sacrifice.