When we trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we were not left to go our way and live the Christian life on our own. God has a plan for your life and my life.
At the point of conversion, the believer’s body becomes a temple of God’s Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price, so glory God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). The Christian is the purchased possession of God.
“The Lord has graciously revealed how He thinks and what He desires so we can know how to live in a manner that pleases Him. In addition, He has given His Holy Spirit to those of us who trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The Spirit imparts understanding of God’s Word, gives guidance, and enables us to follow and obey. It’s important to align our thoughts with the Lord’s because our thinking determines how we live. If we rely on our own ideas rather than God’s truths, we’ll end up on the wrong path and waste valuable time” (Sermon Notes From In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley Living by God’s Guidance).
We just can’t live the Christian life without the help of God’s Holy Word. As Dr. Stanley points out “The Spirit imparts understanding of God’s Word, gives guidance and enables us to follow and obey.” The Bible says. “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).
God speaks, teaches, and instructs us through His Word. The psalmist says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path” (Psalm 119:103). The lamp to see around us and the light to guide on the Christian pathway that eventually leads to heaven. God will always be present to protect, lead, and guide His children through life’s uncertainties and complexities.
On the other hand, believers also have an important function in godly living. And this is to fully trust God without any doubts or questions. Faith in God is the key principle to victorious Christian living, because ”Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). God has given us His Word and His indwelling Spirit to live the life of faith. Nothing else is needed.
We must take God at His word, pray, and confidently leave the results and consequences entirely to Him. He alone knows what’s best for us. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5-7). Herein lies our complete reliance upon the God of the Scriptures at all times and in all circumstances; especially since we cannot predict the future.
To be equipped for godly living also means being “strong and courageous.” As God told His servant Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). God is the source of the believer’s inspiration, strength and courage.
He’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Never, never fear what troubles are ahead;
The Lord will be there to guide you through.
—Geoff Daniels 01/2022
The Lord Jesus has completely forgiven our sins with His shed blood and death on the Cross. We who have trusted Him as our Savior are saved for time and eternity. There is coming a day when we shall be changed to be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. “We know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
No one knows the day of the Lord’s return. We only know for certain it will actually take place. Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for us and He said, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). And that is in heaven.
While we await the Lord’s ‘second advent,’ let us remain committed, true, and faithful to Him and His holy living Word. With that in mind and when that day dawns and the shadows flee away, let us “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).