Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 NLT
The day you put your faith in Christ is not the finish line. It’s the starting point! Baptism comes next, but that’s not the end of the race either. “You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you,” says Paul in Colossians 3:10 TLB. This is a lifelong adventure that will be completed when we finally see Jesus face to face.
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on Him. When He returned to heaven He promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His followers. The Holy Spirit would be a counselor or guide. He would be so vital to them that it was best for Jesus to leave so this Counselor could come (John 16:7).
Now the Holy Spirit lives inside you (Romans 5:5). He is your Guide to become more like Jesus. He will speak to your heart. The better you get at listening and responding, the more incredible your life will be. How does He speak? He will show you. It may be that when you read Scripture this morning, it seemed as if it was written especially for you. It may be an idea or thought that wouldn’t have just naturally come to you, like that someone needs help you can give. It’s the thought that I should slow down and listen to her when my natural desire is to get about my day. It’s suddenly seeing a way I can grow.
Honestly, recognizing the Holy Spirit is a skill and a strength that will develop more and more as you talk to God in prayer, asking Him to speak to you. When you see ways He has spoken through Scripture in the past, you will recognize Him speaking to you right now. And don’t be afraid you didn’t hear Him if you didn’t get a “let’s post on social media” size of response. Charles Stanley clarified, “Obedience is our responsibility. Outcome is God’s.” Just keep listening and responding.
Our likeness to Christ is not simply what we believe; it’s what we do. Jesus said that one way to know how much we love Him is if we are actually doing the things He said and did (John 14:15). This builds spiritual muscle. Paul told us to work hard (or “work out” some translations say) to show the results of our salvation. Physically, the more you work out, the stronger you become and the more you can do. The same is true of your faith. Put it to work and you will become strong!
- You have committed yourself to a more fulfilling life than you can imagine! Listen to and respond to the Holy Spirit so you won’t miss a thing. Ask for His guidance now.