This post answers the questions from the Newspaper ad: Feb. 14-20.
The answers to the following questions are formulated from our weekly Bible study series; click here to learn more about it.
How do I prepare for the 2nd coming of Jesus?
This is a broad question that involves way more time and space than we have right here in this post. But let's cover some basic concepts to get you started.
The answer to this question, also answers the questions:
- Can we have power to overcome sin and temptation?
- How can I have a stronger faith?
Do we always have the ability to do that which is right?
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
In today’s rhetoric, this sounds self-defeating and condemning, but it is not intended to be taken that way. Sometimes the truth about ourselves that is the hardest to swallow, is the best thing we need to hear. Especially if it comes from the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus did not speak to His disciples about these difficult truths to hurt them, but to save them and that is the same for us today. The truth is that we do not have within ourselves the ability to endure intense tribulation and trial, let alone live holy lives on a daily basis.
What did Jesus tell His disciples about the flesh?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
In other words, the disciples of Jesus desired to do what is right, but their flesh was weak. Though they boasted of loyalty and devotion, when the time came to act on those words, they fled (verse 56). Peter even denied being associated with Jesus – three times! (verse 58, 69-75) Words are cheap, but actions speak volumes. Let’s be honest, the Bible reveals that our flesh tends to be self serving and self preserving. We desire comfort and ease over hardship and struggle. If trials demand us to lay our lives, livelihood, or reputation on the line in order to live up to our convictions, our flesh naturally resists such requests.
What is the Bible’s solution to this problem?
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Let’s take time to briefly understand what it means to “walk in the Spirit.”
Regardless of when Jesus comes, there is a lot of work that needs to be done in our lives and in the world. Philippians 1:6 tells us that God has begun a good work in us and He has plans to continue that work throughout the days of our lives. This “good work” is preparing us for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The Christian life can be described as a journey of growth and maturity – it is God working in us, through His Holy Spirit, to bring us into perfection of character. This is called the process of Sanctification in the life of a believer.
Important
The role of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives is the most important principle we need to understand.
What does 2 Peter 1:3-4 say we are to partake of?
3) For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4) For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature.
Our bodies were created to house the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
The Holy Spirit is given to believers, sealing the deal that God will accomplish our full and complete redemption and fulfill every promise to us. [ Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5.]
God has given us the power (the Holy Spirit/divine nature) to become the people we are meant to be in Christ Jesus. He has given us everything we need to achieve godliness in a sinful world. He promises to set us free from sin and selfishness and corruption.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
It is by God dwelling in us that we are recreated and transformed into a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Bible explains that when we yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, our sinful nature is put to death (Romans 6:12-14; Romans 8:2). In other words, it has no power over us because God is in control. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God lives in and through us, producing good works and fruit (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:22-23).
Knowledge about who Jesus is and what the Bible teaches is not enough to be saved. Believers need to be in an abiding, thriving relationship with God marked by the rich presence of His indwelling Spirit.
Conclusion
When we choose to partake of the divine nature (the Holy Spirit) and yield ourselves to Him, we will have power to live a fruitful and faithful life for Christ. When we choose to let God be in control, we are being obedient to Him and fulfilling His perfect will in our lives.
For us today, the recipe for success is humility, repentance, surrender, and a sincere cry for a full, unhindered outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives.