Women in Discipleship (sm)
Weekly Devotionals 2006
Week 45
"And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (6)This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that bear witness, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement." 1 John 1:5-8
In verse 6 John describes Jesus for us. We are born of God through Him, postionally. God has given us a "never ending position! (Ephesians 1:13) We are sealed in this new position by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Conditionally (our action) we now have His power to overcome sinful desire of the selfish will. This obedience to our Lord's command (v.3) is to be exercised daily. Faith is not for the weak willed! Doing what we see as impossible is possible with God in us!
Jesus Came! Flesh and blood! Jesus did not need to be baptized. He is God, perfect and holy yet the choice to humble Himself in the act of surrender demonstrates His Servant heart toward us.
The blood is representative of His Crucifixion. Our sins, His blood, payment in full for our wickedness and willful disobedience.
The Holy Spirit bore witness of Him (Jesus) at His baptism. The same Holy Spirit bears witness to us when we sin. Confession is a result of recognizing our sin and walking in repentance and holiness.
John write in His Gospel (John 15:26) "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father. He will bear witness of Me." He did that at Pentecost for the 1st Christians and has been doing this every since when salvation enters a person. The promise continues for every person who is called by God and receives Jesus in Confession and faith. Amazing!
Questions to Ponder:
A Christian has a permanent Position with Christ and the Father and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Are you Positional?
If you are Positional how is your Condition? Actions speak louder than words. The proof of belief is "obedience" to the Father and His Son!
The Holy Spirit is active in the believers life. I know He is in my life. How about yours? May we each be witnesses to Christ in practice of our "condition" today.
Blessings to each of you,
Sandy for all of us at the ministry center
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