SET APART FOR A GOD-FILLED LIFE
25th Apr 2018
1 Corinthians 1:2 defines those to whom Paul is writing as “Sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy.” or as The Message reads, “Believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life.”
Paul, speaking out of personal experience knew he had been singled out by God, even when he was opposing the Christian message and actively involved in oppression and murder. He understood the amazing grace and forgiveness of God; he knew that he had been cleaned up, his past actions, shame and guilt forgiven, blotted out; the miracle of exchange had taken place, emptied of the past - filled with the life of God.
He could declare with confidence, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
A “God-filled life” has no limits, anything and everything is possible. What a wonder to live filled with the Holy Spirit, with all His gifts and fruit, and carry Him into every situation and human activity in which we are involved. “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.” He is wisdom, understanding, counsel, power and knowledge. (Isaiah 11:1-2)
Exodus 15:11 says, “Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” When the Holy Spirit is at work you feel alive, refreshed, creative, energised and with the psalmist can say, “With your help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall.” (Psalm 18:29) No wonder the contrast of John 15:6 “apart from me you can do nothing” is so stark.
Today, come back to God and empty yourself afresh of self effort, of both your failures and seeming successes, and ask for the transforming power of the resurrected Christ to fill you afresh and live in you and through you - and watch what happens.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
