May 18, 2020-Chapter 7: "Having Begun in the Spirit"- Question: 5

QUESTION: 5

The “perfecting in the flesh”, which runs deep within us, far more that we know, can only be overcome by us doing what before our God? What must we come to recognize in our life that is so deep within us? (Page 74)

ANSWER To Question 5 (As stated by the Author)

I have often been asked by young Christians: "Why is it that I fail so? I did so solemnly vow with my whole heart, and did desire to serve God; why have I failed?"

To such I always give the one answer: "My dear friend, you are trying to do in your own strength what Christ can do in you." And when they tell me: "I am sure I knew Christ alone could do it, I was not trusting in myself," my answer always is:

"You were trusting in yourself or you could not have failed. If you had trusted Christ, He could not fail."

Oh, this perfecting in the flesh what was begun in the Spirit runs far deeper through us than we know. Let us ask God to reveal to us that it is only when we are brought to utter shame and emptiness that we shall be prepared to receive the blessing that comes from on high.

Personal Comment:

I constantly hear from many Christians sharing how they continually struggle with the flesh and sin in their lives. It wasn't until I came to utter shame and disgust with my life that I began to find the power of the Holy Spirit and rest in my life. Now I'm not saying that I don't sin anymore, not at all, but I don't struggle with it as I use to.

When I find myself struggling in an area in my life, I have to re-examine myself and ask God what area in my life did I take back away from Him and surrender that area of my life back to Him again. It is a constant surrendering of "moment-by-moment" of "every room" in our lives. You see we constantly "compartmentalize" everything in our life. We can't say to God that we'll give him this area of our life and then hold on to other parts of our life. God is saying to us: "All of Me, or nothing!" We can't be holding on to some areas of our lives and expect God to fully help us through the power of His Holy Spirit in our life when we're still holding onto those other areas.

Proverb 3: 5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.