Some cry out for the freedom of the Spirit to prevail in the churches; nevertheless, they themselves do not give Him the freedom to reign in their hearts. They want to churches operate the way they interpret “freedom of the Spirit.” Essentially, they’re saying, “I want the churches to accommodate me.” That’s not to say they don’t desire Holy Spirit to have His way, but they haven’t relinquished control to Him. They let Him rule in the areas they’re conformable with, but fail to yield those other areas. How can you honestly criticize others for not allowing Holy Spirit to have His way, when you don’t do it yourself?
So many want to see signs, wonders and miracles, but they don’t want to give up those areas of their lives that are contrary to the nature that brings them.
Holy Spirit is holy. After all, He is God! Can you fully expect Him to have His way if you refuse His holiness? By the way, those signs, wonders and miracles are not necessarily God’s stamp of approval of someone through whom they may have operated. Consider Matthew 7:21-23 if you’re not sure. They are a manifestation of His glory and they confirm His Word. This may sound a bit harsh, but it’s grounded in love. God doesn’t want people destroyed by their ignorance. All these things are designed to follow those who believe (see Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). None of it is based on works that we do, but what Jesus did. Don’t chase after signs and wonders; chase Him!
To whom or what are you a slave? Whom or what do you serve? Scripture tells us, “That when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness” (Romans 6:16). If you submit to (the) Holy Spirit, His holiness will prevail in your life. Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. We are exhorted to put on the new man which, according to Ephesians 4:24, after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Again, because He is holy, we are to be holy. The Bible also says that without holiness we cannot see God (see Hebrews 12:14). If you want God to have His way,then do not resist His will.
So, how do we walk in holiness, and thereby allow the freedom of the Spirit? Walk in love. What is the greatest commandment? Love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. Do you want to walk by faith, and do it well? Galatians 5:6 says “Faith works by love.” Obedience flows out of love.
Our ways are vital to our works of faith. You cannot put works of faith ahead of love. That’s backwards. Everything God does for us is based on His love. At the same time His throne is established in holiness, and He reigns with righteousness. These all work together. Your value is not based on what you do; it’s based on His love for you. You have value because you are His son or daughter. Those who are His, are led by (the) Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:14).
It really gets down to this: love God and love people, then all these other things will manifest the way He intended.
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Special Announcement: “The Unity of the Spirit Conference” is coming to the Cincinnati area on March 11th, 2017. There will be more information made available in the upcoming weeks. Please be in prayer over this event, as we desire to see God’s perfect will accomplished. It’s primary objective is the unity of the Spirit; therefore, it will not promote any particular ministry, including this one. God’s agenda is all that matters.
