SOUL OR SPIRIT?
16th Oct 2019
When Jesus was 12 years old He went missing whilst in Jerusalem and was found some days later asking questions in the Temple. Mary & Joseph were both relieved and puzzled at Jesus’ actions, His explanation was, “Didn’t you know I had to be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49)
In Luke 2:52 it is recorded that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and men.” Essentially He was growing physically, but also developing and intimate relationship with His heavenly Father, gaining wisdom and developing a spiritual sensitivity.
Later at His baptism He is filled with the Spirit of God and hears God’s affirmation, “My Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Immediately He is led by the Spirit into a battle in the wilderness which is going to make Him even stronger. Will He satisfy his hunger or resist the devil and pursue the purposes of God?
The battle is to do with Lordship - who has the final word? Are you being led by the desires of your soul - mind, will and emotions, or by the Spirit of God? Many have not really faced these questions, some being led by their minds, others by emotions, but we are called to bring mind and emotions under the rule of God’s Spirit.
Saul of Tarsus was a devoted follower of Jewish tradition, a disciplined adherer of the law. However, once he had met Jesus and submitted to His Lordship, the mind still worked, his will was active, but all were submitted to a higher authority. He wanted to be led by the Spirit, and his declaration was, “Not I but Christ!”
Some questions to ponder as you seek to become Strong in Spirit -
1. Have you place your life under the Lordship of Christ? Is He in the driving seat?
2. Is your knowledge and relationship with Father, Son & Holy Spirit growing stronger each day?
3. Are you building up your spirit? through the Word, worship, seeking revelation, using spiritual gifts, praying in tongues?
4. Are you finding our what pleases the Lord? Are you living with a constant sense of His presence and favour?
Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Don’t be led away by your own desires, but grow in wisdom and become spiritually strong.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
