Maturing as Christians

I’ve had believers say to me, “I have the anointing, and I don’t need human teachers because the anointing teaches me.” Is this what the passage teaches? Are they correct in their assessment? No, they are not! The problem lies in taking the words, “you have no need for anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27) from its context. The context is 1 John 2:18-27, which warns against “self-appointed false teachers,” who oppose Christ in their teachings.  In other words, the anointing isn’

I’ve had believers say to me, “I have the anointing, and I don’t need human teachers because the anointing teaches me.” Is this what the passage teaches? Are they correct in their assessment? No, they are not! The anointing isn’t meant to replace human teachers! John says, “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just

I’ve had believers say to me, “I have the anointing, and I don’t need human teachers because the anointing teaches me.” Is this what the passage teaches? Are they correct in their assessment? No, they are not! John says, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know” (1 John 2:20).  The context of these words are 1 John 2:18–27. The word “But”  is a term of contrast! The contrast is with those who went out from the Body and thus proved they were false believe

When I talk about the “practice” of anything, I mean, the actual application or use of an idea or belief, as opposed to theories relating to it. With that in mind, practicing God's presence means to live in a constant, conscious awareness of God's nearness throughout your entire day, and seeking a close, intimate relationship with Him!  Practicing God’s presence involves developing and cultivating a mindset of conscious, ongoing fellowship with Him through practices like pray

The next consequence of being filled is submitting to one another in various relationships of life,  in order that harmony and peace will reign in these specific relationships (Ephesians 5:21). In relation to home life, between husbands and wives, parents and children, (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). In relation to employers and employees,  (Ephesians 6:5-9). Being filled with the Holy Spirit brings empowerment for obedience to the Word of God which conforms us to the character of God.

We’re continuing our examination of the consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Part Six, we looked at the fruit of the Spirit. Now let’s look at worship, thanksgiving and praise. The verse on being filled (Ephesians 5:18) is followed in its context by these consequences, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Let’s examine the consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. We’ve already mentioned that speaking in tongues isn’t one of them (see Part Five). In the Bible the fruit of the Spirit is inseparably connected with being filled.  In Galatians 5, we find apostle Paul contrasting the works of the flesh (the part of humanity corrupted by sin, bent towards evil and opposing God's will), and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul instructs that the means of not fulfilling the works of

The Spirit-filled life is not recommended, suggested, or advised, it’s commanded! Paul says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The verb, “be filled”  is an imperative. It literally means, “be being filled.”  In the Greek, “be being filled,”  especially in Ephesians 5:18, uses the verb, meaning “a continuous, passive, and controlling influence like a ship's sail catching wind.” It signifies b

Let’s examine the nature of being filled. What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? It’s an ongoing yielding and submission to His guidance. It's the pervasive influence and control of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Paul teaches us, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).  Please note that although there’s a sharp contrast  in this verse between drunkenness and Spirit-filling, there’s also a co

In Part Two, we learned about understanding and embracing the relationship of being controlled by the Holy Spirit to spiritual maturity. Since being indwelt by, and guided by the Holy Spirit and spiritual maturity are interrelated, then there should be stages of development in our Christian lives! How do we know this is true? Again Paul teaches us, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to