Day 76

How can believers live a powerful life in Christ? Jesus answers this question in todays reading.

In John chapter seven Jesus tells of the Spirit who will come and dwell inside of his believers saying, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

He is teaching us about the Holy Spirit of God who would come at some time in the future to dwell in and among his people. The Spirit of God would give those who believe in him the power to overcome sin and live a righteous holy life. Paul writes about the work of the Spirit in the life of the believer in Galatians 5:22-23. He goes on to encourages us that, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

But there is a slight problem. God had not yet sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with men because Jesus had not accomplished his mission first: He must be crucified, buried  resurrected and glorified. Lets skip ahead to John 16:7-11.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."

Here Jesus tells us quite explicitly that he must leave us - that is, he must die, be resurrected, and ascend to heaven. Once Jesus was departed from us, then he would send the Spirit of God to guide us, comfort us, and teach us. In this passage he highlights three things the Spirit will do: He convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement.

So the Spirit of God is not some mystic power that enables us to throw lightning from our finger tips, but rather a supernatural being who enables us to overcome sin, live righteously, and have faith in God's unmatched mercy and grace. Living and walking in the Spirit means to live daily wholly dependent on the power and strength of God. We are encouraged to lay down our broken flesh, our fractured works, and tired hands and simply trust God. God sent his Holy Spirit to live within you and manifest the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

I pray you would find true rest in the Trinity!