To Whom Are You Yielding?
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God. Romans 6:13
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7
…For it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Matthew 10:20
How does the Spirit operate in our lives?
- The Holy Spirit is our teacher guiding us into truth– John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:10-11
- The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf – Romans 8:26-27
- The Holy Spirit gives us joy and peace– Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7
- The Spirit gives us gifts for ministry – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7(Ephesians 2:8)
- The Spirit gives us boldness to witness – Acts 4:31(I Tim. 3:13)
- The Spirit gives us power– Ephesians 1:19-20; Ephesians 3:16 (Zechariah 4:6)
- The Spirit gives us the power to live godly lives– Ezekiel 36:27
- The Spirit helps us to pray– Ephesians 6:18
- The Spirit gives us wisdom and revelation– Ephesians 1:17-18
Can lack of faith prevent God’s Spirit?
Yes! We believe God for many things, and we believe in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. But many have not the faith to believe in the work of the Holy Spirit. That may be the case because many do not understand the work of the Holy Spirit. We read the scriptures but when it comes to allowing the spirit to work in us, we think it is by our own power.
As with the fruit of the spirit, many believe Christians cannot have “all of the fruit”. However this is erroneous thinking, because the Spirit produces the fruit. The Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God lives in us. If that be the case, then He can operate as he wills, however the host (you and I) must yield to Him. We must allow the Spirit to have control of these physical bodies. If we are dead, and we (Christians) are, then the life we live is by the Spirit of Christ. (Galatians 2:20-21) Why are you trying to give life to your flesh by walking according to the old man? (Ephesians 4:22)
Our understanding of certain scriptures can help or hinder what we believe the Spirit does. If we have faith for the Spirit to use us in a word of wisdom, then we will find the word of wisdom operating in our lives to benefit the body. If we do not have faith enough to believe in speaking in tongues, guess what, the Holy Spirit will not be able to operate like that because you will not allow Him to work that through you. You do not believe; there is no faith in that area.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19
And when He (the Holy Spirit) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8
The Holy Spirit is not an option in the life of the believer, without the Holy Spirit, there is no salvation. “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Romans 8:9b To be born again means to be born of the Spirit, where the Spirit of God dwells in the believer. God Himself takes up residence inside our earthly body, His Spirit is guiding our spirit (Romans 8:26-27). So if God is dwelling inside us, why do we struggle?
Lack of faith prevents God from working in our lives to the fullest. Hebrews chapter 11 notes the heroes of the faith. What made them special? They believed God. Do we really believe God’s promises? But without faith it is impossible to please Him, “for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We believe that and received it and now we are children of God. Faith and belief are action words. Meaning if you believe, then you are acting on what you say you believe. It is much more than mental agreement.
What is the result of having God’s Spirit in us? We now have the power, literally the “Dynamite” to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Do we have enough faith to obey?
How can we increase our faith?
One way is to examine our areas of doubt, and do something about it. Where do you lack in faith? Whatever our issues, God provides the answer, 1 Corinthians 12:7, we just need to ask Him to help us increase our faith. We should not rest in unbelief. Lord help my unbelief!
For many of us the potential, which dwells within us, is never realized because we will not take God at His word in so many areas.
I believe, so I receive,
Pastor Rosita
