How the Holy Spirit Helps us Win Our Battles - Gal 5:17-23
Illustration:Quotes:There are no victories at discount prices.
General Dwight Eisenhower.
1. The Holy Spirit wages war with Christians’ sinful human nature. Paul writes, "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other." (Gal. 5:17) Ask the Lord to help you fight the good fight of faith in overcoming your sinful desires that oppose God’s purposes, plans and priorities.
Illustration:Connie Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics from 1900 to 1950, once said, "I’ve seen boys on my baseball team go into a slump and never come out of it, and I’ve seen others snap right out and come back better than ever. I guess more players lick themselves than are ever licked by an opposing team."
Unknown.
2. The Holy Spirit helps us equip ourselves with all of the spiritual weapons of war. Paul writes, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:11,12) Ask the Lord to let the Spirit guide you in strengthening, replenishing, or fortifying any aspect of your spiritual armament so you are not vulnerable in any area.
3. The Holy Spirit teaches us the truth that we need to be protected from any false accusations or insinuations. Paul wrote, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." (Eph. 6:14) Truth is essential if we are going to be exposed to all kinds of attacks from the world, the flesh and the devil. Many criticisms will be hurled at forward moving Christians who are engaged in ministries that are advancing the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Ask the Lord to help you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly so that you do not entertain any doubts, fears or insecurities about God’s promises.
4. The Holy Spirit imputes Christ’s righteousness to us and assures us with the righteousness we acquire through His fruits. Paul writes, "With the breastplate of righteousness in place." (Eph. 6:14b) Ask the Lord to help you be more thankful for all aspects of His imputed righteousness and seek to live a more holy life that is evidenced by the Spirit’s fruits of righteousness in all aspects of your life.
5. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel in a way that lets us become His witnesses. Paul writes, "And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph. 6:15) Ask the Lord to help you share the gospel in the Spirit’s power so that you are inspired, informed and persuasive witnesses for Christ.
6. The Holy Spirit increases the quality and quantity of your faith. Paul writes, "In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Eph. 6:16) The Spirit gives greater faith to those who have obediently trusted the Lord to use us in ways that cannot be done through human strength, wisdom or connections. Ask the Lord to help you grow in the quantity and quality of your faith.
Illustration:Faith in God makes great optimists. Over in Burma, Judson was lying in a foul jail with 32 lbs. of chains on his ankles, his feet bound to a bamboo pole. A fellow prisoner said, "Dr. Judson, what about the prospect of the conversion of the heathen?", with a sneer on his face. His instant reply was, "The prospects are just as bright as the promises of God."
The Presbyterian Advance.
7. The Holy Spirit helps us gain greater understanding of the strength of our salvation. Paul writes, "Take the helmet of salvation." (Eph. 6:17) David wrote, "The Lord is my light and my salvation (Deliverer) - whom shall I fear." (Psa. 27:1) When we are assured of our salvation, nothing can shake our confidence in what God is doing overtly or covertly in our lives or ministries.
8. The Holy Spirit gives us offensive punch through the powerful word of God. Paul writes, "Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph. 6:17) Ask the Lord to help you become sharper in using the scripture’s knowledge, wisdom, and persuasive ability to make a greater influence for God’s kingdom & righteousness.
9. The Holy Spirit intercedes in our prayers by amplifying, clarifying and facilitating our communications to God the Father. Paul writes, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Eph. 6:18) When a believer prays in the Spirit they are being led, instructed and moved with the Spirit’s powerful enabling. Ask the Lord to help you always pray in the Spirit with all kinds of praises, confessions, thanksgiving and supplications.
10. The Holy Spirit asks us to pray for one another using numerous Christian connections to pray with and for one another. Paul writes, "With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Eph. 6:18) Ask the Lord to help you find at least twenty people and groups that can pray with and for you and your ministries. Jesus said, "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. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:19,20)
Illustration:What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use--men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.
E.M.Bounds
