THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRIST'S INDWELLING

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Devotion 16 of 16

CONCLUSION

This is the grand objective of the Spirit's work, that we might become "partakers of the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4). No amount of religious activity can compensate for lack in this matter. If we are not filled with all the fulness of God, it is because we have not known the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. If we do not know the love of Christ, it is because we do not comprehend the height, and depth, and length, and breadth. If we do not comprehend the height, and depth, and length, and breadth, it is because we are not rooted and grounded in love. If we are not rooted and grounded in love, it is because Christ does not dwell in our hearts by faith. If Christ does not dwell in our hearts by faith, it is because we have not been strengthened in the inner man. If we are not strengthened with might in the inner man, it is because the Spirit has not done so. If He has not done so, it is because He has been quenched, grieved, or resisted.

Let the saints of God occupy themselves with possessing their inheritance. They are well able to possess it, and must be encouraged to do so. Every conscientious effort will be supported by omnipotence. Seek the things that are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God (Col 3:1-3). Strive to enter the strait gate (Lk 13:24). Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12-13). Run the race that is set before you with patience, looking to Jesus (Heb 12:1-2).

If you are a preacher or a teacher, give yourself to making these things known to the people of God. Do not assume they are aware of them. Do not count on them stumbling across them in a casual reading of the Scriptures, or exposure to the Christian literature of the day. Faith still comes by hearing. Give the people something to hear! Tell them what the Lord has promised!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You in Jesus for setting such a noble and challenging goal before us, then assuring us it is attainable!

-- Tomorrow: New Series: CHILDREN OF PROMISE, Introduction --