How to access divine guidance (IV)

 

5. Be in the spirit. John said: I was in the Spirit on the LORD's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write what you see in a book…” (Rev 1:10) Do you remember the verse that triggered this series of messages? It was Isaiah 30:21, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

John was IN the Spirit when he received GOD’s direction. Indeed, GOD delivers instructions (guidance) from His Spirit to ours. We are called to live and to worship GOD in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23). Paul says exhorts us to walk in the Spirit and we will not fulfil the lusts (desires) of the flesh. He is right, because nobody can be in the Spirit and in the flesh at the same time. There can only be one driver, and it has better be the Spirit. This is why he adds that if we are led by the Spirit, we are not under the law (Gal 5:16, 18). And this law, which he is referring to, is not the Law of Moses. It is the law of sin that dwells in his members/ works in his body, and wages war against the law of his mind, making him do what his conscience reproves (Rom 7:23).

When we are IN the spirit, we can be led BY the Spirit, and only thence, walk and live BY the Spirit. Therefore, to be IN the Spirit, we must:

a. Avoid the things listed in Gal 5:19-21 (sexual immorality, impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of anger, quarrels, conflicts, factions, envy, murder, drunkenness, wild partying etc.), for it is written that, those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

b. Meditate on the Word of GOD like cows ruminate their food. We should constantly go over it because one cannot do this and have ungodly thoughts or desires (i.e. live in the flesh).

c. Keep godly companies – remember that you can be unevenly yoked even with Christians. We are not all at the same spiritual level and everyone is not necessarily striving to achieve godliness. Many Christians are perfectly at ease with all sorts of compromise. They don’t really care about heavenly rewards. All they want is to escape hell and go to heaven, even as if through fire. If you are radically for Christ, then you’d better be friends with those who are equally hot for HIM in the church; if not, you will get cold and fall…

Have a great week IN the Spirit and let’s meet next week for the concluding part of this series. Cheers!