INTRODUCTION
The previous messages of this series presented the ‘strength of evil’ as Satan’s world of sin and death that rules in mankind through fleshly lusts which manifests in ungodly traits like lies, jealousy, envy, hatred, strife, greed, pride, deceit etc; (John 8:44; Galatians 5:19-21). The messages also revealed God’s strength in His “POWER” to redeem and deliver mankind from evil to yield godly passions, such as faith, love, patience, humility etc. These traits are sacrificial by nature and require the “Spirit of Truth” to constrain fleshly lusts. (John 1:13; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18).
This message explains how one may receive the ‘Spirit of Truth’ through knowledge of the spiritual truth of Christ in whom is sealed the power over all flesh. It also shows how one could be “born again” unto salvation by the Spirit of God to overcome sin and fleshly passions.
1. DISCERNING GOD’S ‘SPIRIT OF TRUTH’
Brethren it is important to recognize first that there is a way unto sin, flesh and death, which is of Satan the Devil, the Spirit of lies and lusts, who is not of God and abodes not in the truth. (John 8:44; 10:9-10).
Then one must know and understand that there is the way of truth and of life that is Jesus Christ, by whom God’s “Grace and Truth” came to the world (John 1:17; 14:6). He is the WAY unto God’s salvation and his TRUE Spirit. To discern God’s “Spirit of Truth”, one must believe that Jesus came from God and was sent on the earth to redeem mankind from sin. (John 8:24, 29, 42 & 17:3).
a) Knowledge of the Spiritual Truth of Christ
Knowledge of the spiritual truth of Jesus Christ is key to discerning “God’s Spirit of Truth”. The spiritual truth of Christ is that He was conceived of Mary, by the “Holy Ghost”, the “power of the highest”, as a “Holy Thing”, and called the “son of the Highest”, or the “Son of God” (Luke 1:30-35). By this mystery, Jesus was fully human (physical being) and fully the Spirit of God (Spiritually); and by his (physical) blood God offered Himself (in Spirit) for the atonement of the sins of the world, to give “eternal life” to those who would believe in the Christ. (John 10:30; 3:16).
This Spiritual Truth of Christ can only be comprehended by revelation through “the “Spirit of Knowledge”, which is “the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ…”. (Colossians 2:2-3; Isaiah 11:2; Proverbs 8:20:). By belief in this mysterious “work of God” through Jesus, He can purge our conscience from dead works of flesh, or the law, so that we may serve the living God in Spirit and in truth. (Hebrews 9:14; Leviticus 22:20).
The sinful “world” cannot “know” the “Spirit of Truth” in Christ because it cannot see Him or know him. (John 14:6-8). But believers in Jesus can know the “Spirit of Truth” because it can dwell “with” them and can “be in” them. Also, He is the “comforter” which Jesus promises believers “that He may abide with you for ever”. (John 14:16-17; 16:8 &13).
b) Christ obtained Power over all Flesh
“[God] has given [Jesus] power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as [God] has given him”. And “Life Eternal” is knowing THE ONLY TRUE GOD and Jesus Christ whom God has sent. (John 17:2-3; 10:28-29). In other words, no one “comes to the father” (or could truly know God Spiritually) but by believing in God’s purpose of salvation wrought in Jesus Christ for mankind – to deliver us from spiritual death, sin and flesh. (John 14:6; 3.16).
Brethren, consider that “…the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made [us] free from the law of sin and death… God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh”: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. (Romans 8-2-4)
2. BE “BORN AGAIN” OF THE SPIRIT
To be “born again” is essential to transform one from the power of Satan, which is the dominion of sin in our flesh, unto the Spiritual kingdom of God where the “Spirit of Truth” rules in us. This is not physical but a spiritual process that is directed solely by the ‘Power of God’, beyond human rationality.
a) God’s Salvation is By His Spirit
For one to know God and Jesus Christ spiritually, YOU MUST BE “BORN AGAIN” IN THE SPIRIT UNTO SALVATION. (John 3:3-5). As no one can truly claim to know “the only True God” but by conviction of His SPIRIT, so also, “no man can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost”. (1 Corinthians 12:3). Brethren, “Salvation cannot be obtained in any other and there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” than the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12).
Thus the “Spirit of Truth” can only be comprehended by revelation through “the “Spirit of Knowledge”. which is to acknowledge the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. (John 16:14; Colossians 2:2-3; Isaiah 11:2; Proverbs 8:20). How then can one acknowledge the mystery of God and be “born again” in His Spirit?
b) Receiving Christ and The Power of God
To become “born again” in God’s Spirit, one must receive and confess Jesus Christ. God has prescribed this as the standard for “righteousness” unto salvation and it is not conditioned upon our deeds, but “by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe”. (Romans 3:22). Therefore, in order to be saved, one must confess with your mouth the Lord JESUS and should believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8-10; John 17:8; Deuteronomy 30:14-15).
When you “receive him” and “believe on his name” and are saved, He will give you power to become children of God. (John 1:12; Romans 8:3, 14-16). This power confers on you a spiritual personality that is not born of “blood” or of “the will of the flesh”, or of “the will of man”, ( i.e. by natural means); but is born of God” (i.e. by spiritual means) (John: 1.12-13; 3:3-6).
Brethren, the only way to access the Power of God – the Spirit of truth- and reign as children of God in His Spiritual Kingdom where flesh cannot overcome you is to receive Christ. Consider that, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 1: 12; 3:3-6; Rev. 5:10).
3. THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OVERCOMES THE FLESH
While the Eternal Spirit lives in your body, spiritually, you are no longer in flesh but in the Spirit. The Spirit will empower you “to mortify the deeds of the body” to overcome the flesh (Romans 8:13-14). And you shall know the truth which shall set you free from the bondage of sin; and shall enable you to live by His Spirit. You shall be “filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God”. (Romans 6:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:1).
The next message (Part V) will identify the basic principles of how to rely on the Lord as your Strength to guide one’s heart and conduct in the face of opposition, temptation or distress.
PRAYER
Almighty father, thank you for your word.
We praise you God for choosing us in Christ, to be holy and blameless before you in Love.
We thank you for granting us all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
Dear Lord, grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of your “Spirit of Truth”.
Help us to believe and receive your power to overcome the flesh; and restore us into Spirit peace.
I make this prayer in Jesus name.
Have a blessed week!
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG), 28/07/2019
