Douglas Frank Photograph
A Theology of Power Source
What is your power source? Is it your: a. education, b.
wealth, c. talent d. connections or
e. Your church?
Wrong, it is not a-e. Then what is it?
It is God in Jesus Christ through the power of His indwelling Holy
Spirit? It is somewhat of a mystery for most, but clearly articulated in many biblical
passages and Paul’s New Testament teaching: “To them God has
chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). He
goes on to say that he teaches this so that we may all be presented as perfect in
Christ. I sure know that I have not yet been made anywhere near perfect even
though His righteousness has been imputed or given to me, leading to holiness
(Romans 6:19). So I am heading to Romans 6 where there is more teaching on this
concept of changing from being servants to the law to servants of Christ.
The
Apostle Paul teaches the Ephesian Church, “That it is by grace you are saved, through
faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God-not of works, so
that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to
do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians
2:8-10). In other words, as we trust in God, as His creation we are designed to
do good works through His originative power.
I am
talking about Christ in you and the life in the Holy Spirit. As Romans 5:5
says, He has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has
given us. He demonstrated His love for us while we were yet sinners. He died
for us therefore allowing us to escape God’s wrath through His life, death and
resurrection. He wants His gift of righteousness to overflow into many for an
abundant life. Once saved, we are absolutely not to go on sinning as we have
been united with His righteousness. We are to count ourselves dead to sin and
alive in Christ. We have been set free from sin and have become servants of
God, reaping us holiness and eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans
6:22-23).
Even the
Apostle Paul in Romans 7 rants about his inability to do what he wants or
should do. He sees the law binding him while the Spirit of Christ rescues him
from sin. The Spirit of life sets us free, “un-condemned” (Romans 8:1). We are
delivered from death into life by God’s abundant provision through the Holy
Spirit. It is no longer us who live, but our life is in the Spirit through
Jesus Christ who died for us (Galatians 2:20).
As Paul
explains in 2 Corinthians 4:6, for God who said, “‘Let the light shine out of the
darkness made His light shine in our hearts, to give us light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Christ.’” We have this treasure (the
gospel) in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God, and not
from us. No matter what troubles come your way you are not overcome for “life
is at work in you” (v.12). So as we “fix our eyes not on what is seen
but what is unseen which is eternal” (v.17), to achieve everlasting
glory through Him.
Change is
also a process requiring perseverance, so “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1
Thessalonians 5:19) for God Himself is sanctifying you through and through, as your
bodies are being kept blameless and being transformed as a living sacrifice
holy and pleasing to God by the renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). How?
Offer and submit yourselves to God because “The One who calls us is faithful
and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
We must
submit and offer ourselves to God, as His gifts and calling are irrevocable
(Romans 11:29). He gives us all things we need for godliness. Paul tells us, “And God is able to bless you
abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every
good work” (2 Corinthians
9:8). And even more so Peter reflects, “His divine power has given us everything we
need for life and godliness through our knowledge of the Him who called us by
His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and
precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine
nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2
Peter 1:3-4). His 7,500 promises will be
accomplished through Him in us. So He wants us to add to this knowledge,
self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. If we
possess these in increasing measure we will be more effective and productive,
cleansed from past sins and becoming more like Him. For if we do these things
in His calling to us we will not fall and be welcomed richly into the kingdom
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:6-11 paraphrase).
God is
telling us that He is actively working in our lives, yet we need to
intentionally clothe ourselves or put on His power. As we put on the “armor
of light” (Romans 13:12) we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus who
does the work in us and through us. We are not doing it; He is through His
Spirit. When we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:8). Therefore, give thanks to the Lord for He is
good, His love endures forever. Submit,
praise, pray and rejoice continually and He will accomplish His righteous
purposes through us.
Author Major
Ian Thomas tells us in The Saving Life of
Christ, “This is the divine genius
that saves a man from futility of self-effort and the burden to pull himself up
by his own bootstraps.” Become totally dependent on the life of Christ
within you. Abide, dwell, and graft yourself into the vine as His branch and
you will bear much fruit, because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Yes, indeed, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians
4:13). He provides for all our needs so
that we can do His will and overcome sins and challenges through Him. He alone
is our Power Source- Plug In!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.