Romans 8:8-9 That’s why those who are still under their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
It is impossible to live like Christ. We can only live like Christ when He is living in us. In order for Christ to live in us, we must operate in faith. The key truth is that we were created to honor and glorify God. The key source is that in order to glorify God, we must have faith.
“The simple definition of faith is:
- believing in the Word of God, and
- acting upon it,
- no matter how I feel,
- because God promises a good result.”¹
We must accept all of God’s Word as truth for our life; make a choice to be obedient to His Word; choose to obey even when we don’t want to; and receive the blessing, joy and fulfillment from God when we have been obedient. If you want to increase your faith, you need to be consistent in reading the Bible and pray continually.
Father God,
Thank You for Your Word. Help me understand that the power of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation is ignited by my own faith. Remind me that I will have victory only if I believe Your Word and act upon it no matter how I feel. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
[Read 1 Timothy 1-6; 2 Timothy 1-4]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
¹James MacDonald, “Lord Change Me” rev. ed. (Chicago, Illinois, Moody Publishers, 2002) p. 189
Embracing God's Word 