TBIC WORD FOR SUNDAY JUNE 21st 2020
Amplified Bible. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[19]Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,
[20]You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.
Amplified Bible. Romans 8:9-10
[9]But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]. [Rom. 8:14.]
[10]But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].
Dearly beloved, this question, “Who lives within you?” has never been as pertinent, as it should be, in our minds, until this season, where we are separated from the sanctuaries in which we worship!
I have often said to you that the physical sanctuaries are mere watering grounds where we come together, to refresh our souls together, in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The sanctuaries are mere watering holes. The receptacles of the power of His presence are you and I.
Iron sharpens iron, and the weaker vessels must be sharpened by the stronger. This is what we hope to achieve in the sanctuaries. This is why we teach, preach, and counsel.
The extent to which this succeeds is determined by the spirit dwelling within you. It is also affected by the doors we have opened up, both naturally, and spiritually, to the evil one.
The closing of the sanctuaries does not therefore excuse the weaker vessels from going through the sharpening, by yielding to the Spirit to perfect the work, because it is what Jesus proclaimed that the Comforter would do, when he comes.
This is the context of our two texts in our discussion. Your body is supposed to be the very sanctuary of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO LIVES WITHIN YOU.
HOW DO YOU KNOW HE TRULY DWELLS IN YOU?
Our text gives us the answers:
You are no longer controlled by your fleshly appetites.
The Holy Spirit is now the director, and controller of your will, your soul, and your flesh,
Your personal desires are curtailed within the will of God as you know it, and you have surrendered them to God’s leading.
It is no wonder that the apostle declares: “As many as are led, by the Spirit of God, those are the sons of God.”
Who is leading you? It is who is in you, who you submit to, and who you have allowed to dwell in you.
That one, declares the Apostle, will be your master, and you will be his slave. Romans 6:15-16.
Who, or what is within you?
You know, inwardly, regardless of what you profess. It’s not about your ability to pray. The Pharisees and the Saducees prayed, yet Jesus called them human devil’s, because of the spirit that dwelt in many of them!
His conclusion, “By their fruit you shall know them.”
What kind of fruit are you bearing, even when the Church was open?
John said, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance, because the axe is laid at the root of the tree.”
We are all enjoying the Grace of God, to perfect our journey into destiny, here on earth, and eternally, in the hereafter. Your success depends on Who is within.
PRAYER POINTS FOR SUNDAY JUNE 21st 2020.
Father, I come before you this morning, asking you to forgive me, for the open doors that I have allowed myself to be led through without you. Forgive every excess, out of your will. Cleanse me Lord from all unrighteousness, that is still clinging to me.
Lord prepare me for my destiny. Teach me how to walk to you in humility, and surrender my tomorrow into your hands.
Father, I know it is not in a man’s capability to determine all his outcomes, and I have come to ask for your Holy Spirit to dwell in me, to dwell with me, and to lead me, according to the will of God.
Father, in the light of current realities, help me to number my own days, that I may have a heart of wisdom to rearrange my priorities, and my finances in ways that are pleasing in your sight. Help me to help myself, lest I miss heaven, and labour in vain.
Lord, let your mercy shine upon your people to be delivered from the hands of the pestilence, raging, and killing many in our day. Forgive, and extend grace to all who call out to you in the precious name of Jesus.
Father, have mercy on this vineyard called TBIC, and all TBICITES, wherever they may be. None shall cast their fruit before time, but shall fulfill destiny, according to your will.
Lord reveal to me all that is in me, associated with me, and in control of my life, which I do not know. Give me the willing heart, and the strength to turn away from them all, unto you. Thank you Lord for new beginnings, and new strength to pursue, and to do all that you allow me to fulfill.