TRUSTING THE HOLY SPIRIT
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature,”
Special and Sanctified devotion showed that people mature (ma-TURE means to grow up) in their own time. People’s bodies mature at different rates, and spiritual maturity is based on one’s readiness. Eight-year old Benjy was honest when asking his dad for a new bike. There was nothing wrong with his current bike, except that he had outgrown it. His twin brother Danny was different.
Danny popped the last Oreo cookie in his mouth. Benjy opened the cookie jar, reaching inside. “I thought there were more cookies!” he said.
Danny chewed hard, swallowing fast. “Nope.”
Benjy looked at him. “You took the last one—I see chocolate on your face.”
“Did not!” Danny lied.
It’s not easy to trust people. People lie. People cheat. People manipulate (man-IP-u-late means to influence or control) others. But not God. God shoots straight. God cannot lie. If there was anyone worthy of trust, it would be God!
The Holy Spirit—who lives inside everyone who believes in Jesus—is God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make up our triune God. Each person is fully God. Each is equal in power, and completely trustworthy. The reason that Benjy is slightly more mature spiritually than Danny is because Benjy listens to the Holy Spirit instead of ignoring Him.
So while both boys are the same physical height, they’re different spiritual weights. The Holy Spirit’s work is ongoing to transform each Christian into Christ-likeness. That’s what sanctification (sank-tif-i-KA-shon) means. People’s spiritual maturity either grows as they trust the Holy Spirit, or stays the same when they don’t trust Him.
The Holy Spirit’s job, other than sanctification, is also to guide God’s kids. He strengthens us. He warns us of danger, steering us into truth (John 16:7-8).
Just like people can’t earn salvation, the Holy Spirit is also a gift to everyone who believes in Jesus. We need His counsel as much as we depend on God’s grace for salvation.
“I think that we’re getting new bikes for our birthday next month” Benjy whispered to Danny.
“No way!” Danny insisted.
Maybe Danny needs to complete the lesson, from the link below?
Take Home Nugget
It’s safe to believe that sin is a defeated enemy for Christians who trust the Holy Spirit’s lead. It’s knocked down, and completely knocked out! When we’re on the same team as the Holy Spirit, our spiritual growth zooms! Won’t you trust the Holy Spirit by listening to and obeying Him each day from now on?
Holy Spirit, You’re so dear!
Make us sensitive to Your small voice.
Nothing on earth brings us fear
When God’s will is our choice.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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