The Holy Spirit in Conversion: Part 3
Memory Passage
For what the law was powerless to do in
that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in
the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in
sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully
met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the
Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-21
Please refer to your Bible.
Insights
"Like generates like. Only the Spirit gives birth to spirit. The second spirit is not
an adjective but a noun. The Spirit does not give birth to spiritual people,
understanding 'spiritual people' in some vague or merely functional way. What
is in view is a new nature, not turning over a new leaf." -D. A. Carson, The
Gospel According to John
Consider this!
The work in our lives at conversion was not a mere add-on to an obsolete
computer, but a whole new processor. We are new; new as a newborn baby,
new as the fresh sprout in the garden. We are without any oldness in our new
heart and spirit when the Spirit gives us the New Life promised by Christ.
Sometimes we have difficulty grasping these truths because we lack
knowledge and/or have unbelief. We do not identify very well with the new
nature Christ has given to us by His indwelling Holy Spirit, even if we know this
truth in our heads. It somehow has not penetrated our hearts. Understanding
who we are from the truth of God's Word and faith (belief) in that truth will help
us to make that heart connection.
Personal Reflection
- Consider the day the Holy Spirit made you new. Where were you? What were
you doing? What was He doing? What would it look like to view a video tape of
the spiritual realm the day you were made new?
- When you think about who you are, do you think more of yourself as a saved
sinner or as a saint in whom God delights? Describe your thoughts of how God
sees you.
- Ponder this: who are you in Christ? What difference does that make in the way
you live each day?
Prayer
Oh holy God, work in me by your Spirit to make me aware of the new life in
Christ that you have created in me at the very instant of my conversion. Keep
me from unbelief, condemnation, self absorption and living as if I had never
been redeemed. Teach me more of the truth about what you have done for me
that is in your Word. Come, Spirit of the living God, and fill me with your
fullness today. Help me forsake anything in me that is not of you. Amen.
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