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Applying the Sword of the Spirit

24 Jul
Applying the Sword of the Spirit

In my last post, I explained that the Sword of the Spirit is a special Word that you’ve received from God. You get it by spending quality time in His presence. The Holy Spirit trains you before giving you this gift.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

This truth is hard for us to accept sometimes. The true Word of God is alive and active. It has a life and will of its own. I can speak it, but I can’t control what it does.

We sometimes think that if God would speak through us, we’ll have such a great time. That’s not always the case.

Think about Elijah. He heard from God and then spoke to a king saying that it wouldn’t rain for a few years. Because of that Word, Elijah had to live by a brook for his water. Later, the brook dried up and he had to go to a widow for provision.

When God’s Word is invoked over a situation, that Word has its own plan. Scripture makes it clear that it will accomplish what God ordained it to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

Even more than that, once God’s Word goes forth, nothing can be protected from it. It can totally change every area of your life. The writer of Hebrews continues with this thought.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13

When this verse says that everything is laid bare, it uses a special Greek word. It literally means to expose the neck of a victim so that they can be killed. This is a powerful spiritual weapon.

This is why the Holy Spirit must train us to use it. God will never entrust it to an infant, the unapproved, or fools. It can totally destroy the work of the enemy in someone’s life, in a city, or in a region.

As believers, we should desire to enter the spiritual battle. Our goal should be to set the captives free from the influence and control of the enemy.

In speaking about those with God-given authority, Paul made an interesting observation.

For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:4

I know that in its context, this verse is talking about people in authority, such as the Police Department, who are authorized to keep the peace. But there’s a greater application.

Are you God’s servant? Do you desire to do good? If so, then this verse could be applied to you in a spiritual sense.

This verse tells me that there’s a reason why the police carry a gun. In the same way, the Lord doesn’t issue the Sword of the Spirit for no reason. If you have no reason to bear the sword, you will not be issued the sword.

What’s the reason that we’re given this sword? To explain it, I’m going to give a word by word translation of the last sentence of the above verse. In essence, God’s servant is a punisher, who repeatedly carries out justice against evil, while motivated by a violent passion.

Please remember – I’m ONLY talking about attacking the devil’s kingdom IN THE SPIRIT. I’m not talking about any physical attack.

With that in mind, if you have no intention of attacking the enemy’s kingdom with a violent passion, then you’ll have no reason to be given the Sword of the Spirit. To put it another way, God will have no reason to give you a special Word from Him.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to train us. Our generation needs more believers who can handle this sword.

Question: How passionate are you about seeing God’s will done on earth?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 24, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Let the Light Do Its Work

02 Jun
Let the Light Do Its Work

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In my last post, I started talking about how we are to walk in the light of the knowledge of God. There’s a reason that this is good for us.

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.

Ephesians 5:11-14a NIV

This is a very important aspect of our walk with the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, this translation doesn’t do justice to what’s being brought before us. We really need to understand what the apostle is teaching us here.

The first thing he says, is that we shouldn’t be participants in the unfruitful works of the darkness. These are the things that we don’t want anyone to know about. They don’t produce any good fruit. They are the weeds in our spiritual garden.

Jesus said that these cares and desires choke the Word that we’re trying to plant in our lives (Mark 4:18-19). They cause it to be unfruitful in us.

This verse tells us that we need to expose these things. But expose is not really the word that Paul is using. He’s literally telling us to rebuke these things that would bring unfruitfulness. That means that we need to call them out as wrong.

No, I’m not talking about calling out the wrongs that other people are doing. I mean that we need to see our actions through God’s eyes, and rebuke ourselves, if needed. This is an important part of our Christian journey.

Paul was clear about this when writing to the Roman church.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live..

Romans 8:12-13 NIV

This is how we come against the fruitless misdeeds of the flesh. We must put them to death by the spirit. But, how can this be accomplished if we never acknowledge them as works of darkness?

The above verse from Ephesians is all about us allowing the light of the Holy Spirit to bring these things to our attention. The way the above verse is translated makes it sound like it’s talking about other people.

In reality, the word, disobedient, is not in the original Greek text. What Paul actually said was that it’s shameful to even talk about these secret things. We would probably be embarrassed to talk about these faults with others. That means we need to deal with them in the power of the spirit.

The last sentence above, tells us that everything the light rebukes, becomes apparent. That’s the job of the light. Spending time in the presence of the Lord, causes us to see things the way He does. It causes sin to look sinful to us.

That’s why Paul exhorts us to come into the light of the Holy Spirit.

This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14b NIV

It’s very easy for us to become complacent in our sins and moral weaknesses. Time spent in the spirit changes all of that. If you want to see real change and a greater degree of fruitfulness, then apply this to your life. Allow the light of the Lord to expose, rebuke, and uproot these unfruitful works.

Question: How has the light of Christ exposed things in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 2, 2023 in Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Spiritual Relationships

29 May
Spiritual Relationships

Life as a believer should be very different from that of the world. Unfortunately, with so many people it’s hard to see the difference. Paul continues in Ephesians, talking about how we should act around one another.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Ephesians 5:3 NIV

Here the apostle reminds us that we are God’s set apart people. We’re called according to His purpose.

The fact is that there are many single men and women who think that the purpose of the church is find them dates. Their highest goal is to meet others for romantic connections.

Yes, I’m aware that many people have found their mates while attending church. However, that’s not the main reason for attending. We’re in the body to encourage and strengthen one another.

Along with that, he talks about greed. We need to understand that the church was not established just to give you prospects for your multi-level marketing schemes. Again, it might be that the Lord brings together some divine connections, but it should be orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4 NIV

This deals with how we interact with each other. We have to be careful with our joking. Sexual jokes or references shouldn’t be a part of our normal conversations. Neither should there be any colorful interjections based upon bodily functions.

I believe that all of those things are a part of foolish talk – the talk of fools. Foolishness is acting as if God is not a part of everything that we do (Psalm 53:1). How would you talk if you were speaking to Jesus Christ, Himself?

The phrase, coarse joking, seems to include sharp sarcasm. I say that, knowing that my humor can be very sarcastic at times. I’ve had to learn to let the Holy Spirit temper that to the extent that it’s no longer hurtful to those around me.

In the church, we have to be careful to keep our relationships pure before the Lord who searches our hearts.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 5:5-7 NIV

This verse clearly warns us not to act as the world does. It’s not saying that you’ll lose your salvation over it. However, your inheritance – the rewards and blessings of sonship – will be affected by your actions.

When we act and talk like the world, we’re behaving like those who are going to be judged. Our goal should be to please God. I don’t want to constantly be asking forgiveness. I want God to look upon me with joy for how His Holy Spirit is transforming me.

Allow the Spirit of Christ to make a difference in you. Walk in the purity that befits a child of God.

Question: How different is your life now than when you first came to Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 29, 2023 in Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Giving Grief to the Holy Spirit

24 May
Giving Grief to the Holy Spirit

We’re continuing our walk through the book of Ephesians. Paul is giving some instructions about the walk of maturity.

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Ephesians 4:28 NIV

I realize that there’s an obvious understanding of this verse. Don’t live as a thief. Be a contributing member of society and the church. But I want to take it a bit further.

In the church, down through the ages, there are many Christians who are “takers”. I’m sure you know the type of person I’m talking about. They’re the ones who always seem to need something.

From their attitudes, it looks like they believe the only reason for the church, is to take care of them. It could be money, encouragement, prayer, rides, or many other things.

I’m not saying that we as God’s people shouldn’t be helping those in need. However, if the only thing you do in the church is look for help, then there’s something wrong. All of us, no matter our situation, have something to offer.

If I never do anything for others, then I’m not fulfilling my callings in Christ. Don’t be a taker. Make sure that you’re doing your part as a member of the body of Christ.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV

If I’m going to be a giver, then I must be careful what I’m giving out. That’s especially true in the area of my speaking. My goal should be the building up of the body.

That’s why I need to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I want to build people up according to what they need, not my own agenda. The Spirit allows me to go beyond my own ability to help.

The word, benefit, in the above passage is important. It literally says that your words should be grace to those who hear you. That’s where the power of the Holy Spirit comes into the picture.

He wants to see the body of Christ built up. It grieves Him when we don’t walk according to His unity.

I know that many times we preach about grieving the Holy Spirit by our personal sins. But, in the context of Ephesians, this verse is in the middle of a section about how we’re supposed to treat each other. I believe that the Holy Spirit gets more grief over our treatment of others than our sin. The next couple of verses bears this out.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

When we don’t treat others the way God treated us, it grieves His heart. Many times, we, as church people, are guilty of one or all of the above problems. We can’t allow that to continue, as much as we’re able.

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you today. If there are any things that you’ve done, or been a part of, that grieves the Spirit, take care of it right now. If repentance is needed, then do so. Sometimes it will require us to humble ourselves before another Christian.

Whatever it takes, clear the path of God’s blessing to fill your life. Then, allow it to spill over into the lives of others around you.

Question: How do you keep your relationships pure before God?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 24, 2023 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Anger Without Sin

22 May
Anger Without Sin

We’re continuing to go through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. He’s explained that we’re now one body in Christ. Also, we’re working at putting on the new man. Because of this, there are some things that should be evident as a part of our Christian walk.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:25 NIV

First, Paul deals with deception. In the world, people are all looking out for their own betterment. Many times that involves being untrue to those around us.

That’s not to be the case in the body of Christ. We’re all members together. We need to learn the transparency and vulnerability that brings us closer together.

Yes, I know that there are those who would use this against us. Not all believers have pure motives. However, as for ourselves, we need to make sure that we’re walking correctly before God.

The next thing he talks about is anger. That’s something that always needs to be dealt with.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV

There are some important truths here in regard to anger. First of all, anger, in and of itself, is not a sin. Anger is a passionate part of our emotional make-up. Even God expresses His anger (Hebrews 3:10-11).

So the problem isn’t about stopping anger. What we need to do is learn to use it appropriately. There’s a right and wrong way to be angry.

What this passage tells us is to be angry, but don’t let that anger cause you to miss the mark. Anger itself can be a very useful tool. It can be a passion that drives you to change things for the better. It can force you seek God’s wisdom concerning a bad situation.

The key is that our anger needs to be submitted to the Holy Spirit working within us. What causes problems is when we let anger have free reign and we do or say things without thinking. That’s when hurts or bitterness can result.

One thing that this Scripture makes clear is that anger has to be resolved quickly. That doesn’t mean that the passionate emotion goes away. It just means that we are on the right path to a solution.

Paul tells us that we cannot let the sun go down on our unresolved anger. This is especially true in our relationships.

This is one area that my wife and I agreed together about from the start of our marriage. We committed to each other that we would never go to sleep with unresolved anger. Of course, there have been some long nights where we were up until 1 or 2 in the morning! But our relationship was stronger because of this.

Paul tells us why this resolution is so important. When we go to sleep with unresolved anger, we tend to forget about it by morning. Sometime the strong passion that we felt has dissipated.

On the surface this seems like a good thing, but it’s actually a ticking time-bomb. Any unresolved anger becomes a piece of ground that the devil – the accuser – has a claim to in your life or relationship.

Then, even years later, the enemy can use this as a base of attack against your marriage, family, or church relationships. If we allow this pattern to continue, the devil can have multiple areas to attack from, causing divorces or church splits.

As members of the body of Christ, we need to be constantly aware of the evil one’s tactics. Don’t give away any ground to the enemy’s kingdom. Allow the Holy Spirit to have total control over your anger. Use that passion constructively, and don’t let it lead you into sin.

Question: How can your anger move you forward toward your destiny in Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 22, 2023 in Encouragement, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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The Path to Daily Renewal

15 May
The Path to Daily Renewal

We’re continuing our walk through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. In my last post I began talking about the renewing of our minds. We saw from Ephesians 4:23, that it’s a work that’s accomplished in the spirit.

…to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Ephesians 4:23 NIV

Even the phrase be made new is full of meaning. It’s the Greek word ana-neoo. Neoo means brand, spanking new, right out of the box. Ana is a prefix that adds an intensive repetition. This renewal is to be done over and over again.

This is the only place in the Bible that this word is used. Every other place the word renew means to freshen or renovate. In this verse we’re talking about resetting everything back to the original factory settings. This is the ultimate do-over. But it can only be done in the spirit.

That’s why I place such a high emphasis on prayer in the spirit. Without it we have no chance of overcoming the sin nature or walking in the renewed life. I feel that the renewal of the mind is the most important part of the process. Without setting our mind correctly, it will never fully cooperate with God’s plan.

This is reiterated throughout Paul’s ministry. At one point he felt the need to remind Titus, a young pastor, about these things. He reminded Titus what they were like when they first came to God. They were just like everyone else in the world. They thought and acted like everyone around them.

…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…

Titus 3:5 NIV

The salvation process is described here in two parts. First, the washing of rebirth – the removal of the old man and the putting on of Christ. Then came the renewal by the Holy Spirit. We have to give up the idea that it’s just about reading the Bible.

As important as Scripture is to us, I know many people who aren’t even saved, who read the Bible every day. Their lives show no improvement because of this practice. The Bible will only bring change if it’s activated by the Holy Spirit.

That’s why this is not a one-shot deal. The word renewal contains the thought of repetition. We must continue in it day after day. Prayer in the spirit is not a holy “toy” that we take out of the box merely to play with on Sunday mornings. It’s a vital agent of change that needs to be cultivated day after day. We must continue to refresh and reset our minds.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

In the context of this verse, Paul is not talking about the entire church. We read this and think that every Christian is being renewed daily. That is absolutely not the case. In all of 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, Paul is talking about himself and his ministry team. Paul, who prayed in the spirit more than most believers of his day, was allowing himself to be renewed daily in the spirit.

This is why our daily time with the Lord is so important. We must take the time to read the Bible and pray in the spirit. Reading gets the written word into you. Prayer in the spirit activates that word and brings it to life within your heart.

That’s how you live in daily renewal, just like Paul. Not doing this is one of the biggest hindrances to serving Christ in His ability.

Question: How do you spend your daily time with the Lord?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 15, 2023 in Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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That’s No Way to Live

03 May
That’s No Way to Live

We’re continuing through the book of Ephesians. Paul now tells us the type of life to keep away from.

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Ephesians 4:17-19 NIV

Paul has quite a lot say in this paragraph. But it goes a long way in describing our society at this point in history. Unfortunately, we see much of this creeping into the lives of God’s people.

The first thing he tells us is that this is no way to live. We’re not like the rest of the world. So, we shouldn’t think like them. We can’t have a life view like society around us.

The apostle describes it in this way. He says that their thinking is futile. That literally means that their thoughts are empty, devoid of truth. That should never be a description of how a Christian thinks.

But, the fact that Paul is warning us about it, tells me that we could fall victim to this thought process. How could that happen? What would make a believer take on the world view of the unsaved?

According to Paul, their understanding is darkened. This means that the area of their mind that thinks deeply is darkened. They aren’t using this facility that God has given them.

This is something I’ve observed in the lives of some Christians. We don’t want to think deeply about the things of God anymore. We want the shallow teachings that can get us in and out of church quickly.

The word, separated, in this verse means to be off on one’s own. Too many of us want to be off on our own, away from the life of God. We know what God wants for us, but we don’t want to walk in it just yet. We have other priorities right now.

We have to understand that it’s the life of the Lord that brings light to our minds. The further we walk from God’s way, the darker our thinking becomes. But that’s just a symptom of the true problem.

It starts with ignorance – the desire not to know something. There are some things from God’s Word we just don’t want to hear. That’s because we know that it will convict us.

As we continue down this path, our hearts become hardened. The knowledge of God’s Word has less and less of an effect on us.

At that point, we begin to lose sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. We no longer listen to that still, small voice that’s calling us closer to God. Then, we find ourselves in a place we never thought we would get to. We’re doing things we never though we would do.

It’s time for us to turn around. Listen to what the Lord spoke to Israel if they would turn back to His ways.

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19 NIV

If you find yourself in this condition – thinking and acting the same as the world around you – it’s time to pause and consider. Begin to think deeply about your relationship with God. If repentance is needed, then be quick to approach the throne of grace.

The time is now for God’s people to live on the level He calls us to. Then the world will see the difference in us. Then they’ll be drawn to the feet of Christ.

Question: What is the condition of your heart?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 3, 2023 in Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Growing in Love

01 May
Growing in Love

We’re continuing through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. He’s been teaching about our growth from infancy to maturity. This is where the Lord wants to bring us to.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV

This passage is key to our growth as God’s people. It shows some things that we really need to concentrate on in our generation.

The first thing I see is pretty obvious. We need to be speaking the truth. But, the word Paul uses here is important. This word for truth also contains the thought of it being unconcealed truth. If we only tell half the truth, is it really the truth?

In our generation, we have a problem with many of the Scriptural teachings. We stay silent because we don’t want to “rock the boat” of society around us.

We miss the key. This verse literally says that we speak the unconcealed truth, BUT, IN LOVE. That’s the important part. So often we either stay silent or we speak the truth as if it were a baseball bat to knock people around.

Once we know the truth, we need to seek the wisdom of God for how to present it. The Lord loves all people. His goal is always relationship and restoration. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who portray hatred and judgment.

We need to walk the narrow path that Jesus exemplified so wonderfully in His life in earth. He was able to tell someone, “I’m not condemning you, but you need to leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

It’s obvious from these two verses that the important part is our love. We need to be speaking in love. But the body of Christ also has to be growing in love.

The language here is important for us to understand. It literally speaks of the body parts being joined and forced together. That’s an important concept for us to lay hold of. Especially after COVID, there are so many people who have left church and never returned.

We all need to be active members of the body of Christ. What do I mean by that? I’ve talked to many people, especially those who are of younger generations than me. (I’m 66 years old)

Many younger believers have left organized churches because of their frustration with “big box” religion. They don’t like seeing all of the money being poured into salaries and building maintenance. I get that.

However, the commands of Scripture still stand that we need to be meeting together, in-person, as the body of Christ. I don’t know what the church of Jesus Christ (not the denomination) is going to look like in ten years. We’re going through a time of transition right now.

But, there needs to be a meeting together. Whether that turns out to be in homes, like the first century church, or coffee shops, libraries, etc. Somehow we must come back together, face to face. That’s what we’re being called to do.

The passage above give us the result that each part is doing its work. We’re all called to some work for the Lord. The fact is that you’ll only find it when you know where you’re attached to the body. That’s the progression. Speaking the truth in love – joined and forced together – finding the work you’re called to do.

My prayer is that you’ll seek God for His wisdom. That’s what we need in the times we find ourselves in. Knowing the Scripture and applying it properly are two parts of the whole. It takes time spent with the Holy Spirit to live above the problems of the world around us.

Question: Where do you find yourself in the above passage?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 1, 2023 in Encouragement, Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, The Church

 

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No Longer Infants

28 Apr
No Longer Infants

As we go through the book of Ephesians, Paul is talking about our growth and maturity. The five-fold ministry is tasked with preparing us for growth and service to Christ. To become mature, we must leave the infant stage behind.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

When we’re saved, we’re adopted into God’s family as infants. We then need to grow into the full-fledged rights of sonship. One of the dangers of infanthood is the trusting nature of a child. We often see this in new believers.

Spiritual infants are inexperienced in the Word. Because of this, they’re very trusting of anyone quoting a Bible verse. They tend to jump in with any new fad that comes out on Christian radio or TV.

That’s why they need to be firmly grounded in a local church where the basics of the Scripture are taught. That’s the only way they can learn to distinguish truth from flakiness.

The United States has become a hotbed for new doctrines for people to follow. Sometimes I watch Christian cable networks. I see people who use the Scriptures to convince you to take money from your wallet and put it into theirs.

Even though their doctrines and teachings are foolish, out of context from the Scripture, and, many times, illogical, Christians flock to their meetings. They rake in millions of dollars a year. Spiritually speaking, they’re “stealing candy from babies.”

There are other places in Scripture that talk about this stage of development.

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:1 NIV

One of the main characteristics of an infant in Christ is worldliness. They run after the things that our society says will satisfy them. They have the same mindset as the world and place importance on obtaining things and pleasures.

Unfortunately, because we’re unaware of the growth process, many overzealous believers will write these people off. Sometimes in our self-righteous fervor we may even accuse them of being unsaved. That’s as foolish as telling your 5-month old that he’s not a part of the family because he never takes out the trash. Instead of condemning them, we should be there to help guide them through the growth process.

But, more than anything else, the infant stage of our walk with God is characterized by the following…

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

Hebrews 5:13 NIV

The word acquainted in this verse literally means to test, attempt, or experience. This verse says that the infant believer has not yet tested, attempted or experienced the Word of righteousness. Yes, they are righteous by position in Christ. But they haven’t yet learned how to apply it to their daily walk.

So many American believers are living for themselves, yet they feel secure because they only know about positional righteousness. When they read the Bible, or hear a sermon about the effects and blessings of righteousness, they think it automatically applies to them. Little do they realize that so much of Scripture deals with the walk of righteousness rather than the position.

Because of the lack of teaching on the Word of Righteousness we have produced a generation of Christians who seem to be perpetual infants. They’re continuing in their habits and sins. They follow after whatever the world offers them. Worst of all, they don’t realize their condition – total powerlessness in the spiritual realm.

It’s time for us to grow up in Christ. Only then will we see the full power of the Holy Spirit manifest in us.

Question: How do you treat the infant believers that are in your circle?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 28, 2023 in Ministry, Sonship, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Unity of the Spirit

19 Apr
The Unity of the Spirit

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, we must keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is beginning to emphasize our corporate walk. He’s showing us how to function together as the body of Christ on earth. This thought continues.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3

In order to grasp this, we must first define the term, unity. We must understand that there’s a big difference between unity and agreement. Most Christians use these two terms interchangeably. Actually, they’re two very different truths.

The Word of God is clear that agreement is when we think and believe the same way.

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 18:19

In this verse, the Greek word that’s translated, agree, is sumphoneo. It’s where we get our English word symphony. It literally means to sound together. You agree on the facts, so you speak the same thing.

This means that if I believe Jesus is Healer, and you believe Jesus is Healer, we’ll sound the same when we speak. In that case, we’re in agreement. That makes it a function of our soul.

Unity is a whole different thing. Look at the above verse from Ephesians again.

In the same way that agreement is a function of our soul, unity is a function of our spirits. What we need to realize is that we’ve already been made one in Christ. It’s now our job to keep or guard the unity of the spirit.

In the Greek, the phrase, make every effort, means to use prompt and earnest effort. This tells me that it requires work on our part. There’s something we need to do. In order to keep this unity, it will require the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

It’s all about allowing the Lord to connect me to those around me in the body of Christ. Only then can we fulfill our calling together. Listen to Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian church.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel…

Philippians 1:27 NIV

Whenever I read this verse, I have to change the tone of my voice. This should be read like a general encouraging his troops on the eve of battle. Their goal is to have complete victory over their enemy.

It’s the same for the church of Jesus Christ. Everyday should be considered life on a battleground. As a matter of fact, Paul will get into that further on in this letter to the Ephesians.

Too many believers don’t understand this fact. They think that they can float through life caring only for themselves. That’s a recipe for defeat.

The Lord, Himself, as well as the apostles make it clear that we’re in a spiritual battle. If that’s the case, then it’s impossible to win this victory all by ourselves.

Paul’s commands are perfectly clear. We are to stand firm in one spirit. That’s the only way that we can be contending as one man for the Gospel. In order to do that, we need to line up our spirits with the Holy Spirit.

I believe that this means we need to be praying in the spirit. It’s this prayer in the spirit that unifies us for the spiritual war that we face each day. This is the unifying factor in the church.

Question: How often are you involved in corporate prayer in the spirit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 19, 2023 in Fellowship, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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