Reaping Holiness

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

—1 John 1:7

According to 1 John 1:5, God is light. Walking in the light is not about living a sinless life because we all have fallen short of God's perfection (Romans 3:23). If walking in the light meant living a sinless life, then there would be no need for Jesus to cleanse us from all sin, as I John 1:7 declares. 

Walking in the light is walking in God. 

All believers in Christ are "in" God. They are joined to Him spiritually (1 Corinthians 6:17) but don't instinctively walk in Him or live the way He desires. In Romans 8:5-9, Paul teaches about being in the Spirit and walking after the Spirit. He explains why only those who walk after the Spirit experience the righteousness of God fulfilled in their lives. 

Walking in the light or walking in God doesn't produce fellowship with God. However, fellowship with God produces the ability to walk in Him. This is a crucial difference and one that is often overlooked. Our actions reveal whether or not we have fellowship with the Lord. However, our actions do not cause us to have fellowship with the Lord.

Failure to understand that our actions do not establish a relationship with God has led many believers to attempt to earn fellowship with Him through their deeds. When we do this, we are trusting in our own holiness. We are coming to God without trusting in Christ and His righteousness. When we come to God on our own merits, we are defenseless against Satan's condemnation. God doesn't accept us based on what we do. He accepts us based on our faith in Jesus. If we have faith in Jesus and fellowship with Him, holiness will come as a fruit of that fellowship (Romans 6:22).

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5).

Romans 8:5 provides a test to determine whether we are walking after the flesh or after the Spirit: we must examine our thoughts. If we consistently think about the things of the Spirit (John 6:63), then we are walking in the Spirit. If we are thinking about carnal things, then we are walking according to the flesh and are subject to our feelings instead of God's truth. We need to constantly remind ourselves—to be continually renewed in the Spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23) that to be carnally minded is death and to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6).

We are now new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have a new identity, which is our spiritual man and not the flesh. But we will always be in the flesh until we put our faith in Christ alone. We have to put on the righteousness in which we have been reborn.

"And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

Ephesians 4:24 presents a word picture describing the way we should wear our new, born-again selves on the outside, through our actions, in a way that all can see. In the same way that people see our clothing instead of our nakedness, so should our new attitudes and actions be visible instead of our flesh. We have to put Jesus on.

We live God's holiness by faith in Christ, realizing that within ourselves, we are nothing. We can't earn the righteousness of God. It is His gift to us in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we believe this in our hearts and surrender to the righteousness born within us, holiness is the fruit of our relationship with God.

Jesus prayed this surrender in John 17:17: "Sanctify them by truth. Your Word is truth." 

The word "sanctify" means "to set apart for sacred use; consecrate" (American Heritage Dictionary). There are two aspects of sanctification described in the New Testament. 

First, there is a positional sanctification that is the possession of every New Testament believer who believes in the finished work of Jesus Christ through faith. They are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2, Hebrews 10:10). We might refer to this positional sanctification as "justification."

Secondly, sanctification is also used in the New Testament to describe the separation of believers from evil things and ways. This sanctification is God's will for believers (1 Thessalonians 4:3) and His purpose in calling them by the gospel (1 Thessalonians 4:7). It must be learned from God (1 Thessalonians 4:4), as the Holy Spirit teaches it through His Word (John 17:17, 19), and it must be earnestly pursued by believers (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is not bestowed upon us; it is gradually built up through obedience to the Word of God and following Christ's example. As believers, we are already sanctified in Christ (Hebrews 10:10), and we continue to be sanctified daily as we surrender to God. Ultimately, we will be sanctified entirely when we see the Lord (1 John 3:1-2).

As believers, we sanctify ourselves to God by daily surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and pursuing Him. Holiness is the fruit of the daily relationship we cultivate with Jesus, a relationship that continues throughout our lives as we surrender to His work within us. 

"And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:10-11).

Holiness is not a byproduct of your actions; it is the fruit of your relationship with God in Christ. Jesus, who dwells within you, manifests life through your actions as you surrender to Him. The Word sanctifies your life as you embrace its truth, and fellowship with the Lord empowers you to walk in His presence.

"Walk in the Spirit," Paul wrote, "and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).

You reap holiness in your life as a result of your relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

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The Holy Spirit, Our Teacher

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

— John 14:26

In the Upper Room, Jesus continued instructing the disciples about the diverse roles the Holy Spirit would soon play in their lives. He informed them that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things.

The word "teach" is derived from the Greek word "didasko" and is used over 200 times in the Bible. According to the New Testament Greek Lexicon, "didasko" is more than just imparting instruction to someone. It is instilling doctrine, expounding knowledge, and teaching practical skills. What is taught can encompass not only knowledge and facts but also creative and practical skills, which learners acquire through the guidance of a teacher.

The Holy Spirit, similar to Jesus' role with the disciples, has assumed the role of a teacher. He was not only sent to impart knowledge and facts, teach Scripture, and convey spiritual truths, but also to guide us in living our Christian lives through His creative ability. When the Holy Teacher guides us, we gain understanding through pursuits such as reading the Word, praying, or reflecting on our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly teaching us. Our responsibility is to listen attentively, obey His teachings, and absorb and apply the truths He imparts. When we do these things, we will encounter His profound understanding and receive divine revelation that transforms our lives.

Jesus instructed His disciples that when the Holy Spirit arrived, He would impart all truth to them. The Holy Spirit teaches us everything and reminds us of everything Jesus has spoken to us. Revelation knowledge is not possible without the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit.

One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of Jesus' teachings. The Holy Spirit will bring back everything Jesus has spoken to us, while anything that comes from the flesh will not. This ministry is available to all believers who have received the Holy Spirit, but not all Spirit-filled believers actively participate. We must appropriate this ministry of the Spirit in our lives by faith. With such an incredible promise,  there is no reason for believers to say they can't remember the Word of God or the truths it teaches.

Jesus recognized the need for divine instruction, which is one reason why He prayed for the Father to send the Holy Spirit into the world. Your pastor, your Sunday School teacher,  and your friend in Christ are not your Holy Spirit. There is nothing that can ever replace the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life. He is our Teacher and Instructor, and we are His students and apprentices. He is the One who imparts revelation knowledge so that when we know Christ crucified in our lives, we can live by faith in the Son of God who loved and died for us. We must learn from the Holy Spirit, absorb His knowledge, and put into practice everything He teaches. 

You are the Holy Spirit's apprentice. Pursue your relationship with Him with all your heart, and He will teach you everything you need to know to live a victorious life in Christ.

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My Permanent Resident

For he dwells with you and will be in you.

— John 14:16-17

When Jesus taught His disciples about the ministry of the Holy Spirit that night in the Upper Room, He explained that the Holy Spirit had been with them all along and would soon be fully present within them. Although the disciples had experienced the Holy Spirit's power at times, they had never truly experienced His presence within their hearts.

No one up to this time, except Jesus, had ever experienced the Holy Spirit coming to dwell permanently within them. Under the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit briefly came upon people to give them a special anointing, but it was only temporary. 

In John 14:16, Jesus said that the Father would send the Person of the Holy Spirit, as their divine Helper, to come alongside them. Now, Jesus says something in John 14:17 that takes the ministry of the Holy Spirit to an incredibly new level. “For he dwells with you," Jesus says of the Holy Spirit, "and will be in you."Jesus declares that the Holy Spirit, who dwells "with" them and has empowered them at times, would soon come actually to dwell "in" them.

What an incredible promise Jesus gave His disciples! Jesus proclaimed for the first time that the Holy Spirit would enter believers and establish a permanent dwelling within them. Unlike the transient presence of the Spirit of God in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would never waver, move, or forsake believers.

If you are born again by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within you. The fact that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers is the reason Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

God never intended for the Holy Spirit to be a short-term dweller in our lives. He has come to live within our hearts as a permanent occupant, and He will remain with us until the day we go to be with the Lord. He is our permanent resident, endowed with all the power of God, whom we can always draw upon for help in life. He will empower us each step of the way when we draw upon His presence within us.

Thank you, Father, for sending the Holy Spirit to help me and always making Jesus real to me. I fervently pray that I will always have a constant appreciation for the Holy Spirit and live in a way that honors His presence in my life. I never want to grieve or hurt Him by refusing His conviction or guidance and going my own way. I am beyond grateful that He is always with me, not here one day and gone the next. He is my steadfast companion until the day I come home to you. I can hear Him leading me and trust all He has to show me. I can go through this life knowing He is always there to empower me more than I ask or think. Thank you, Lord! He is in me, feeling and knowing every expression of my heart. I will continue to pursue the deepest, intimate fellowship with Him until I gain such a profound understanding that Jesus is alive in every part of my life. Thank you, Lord, that I am never alone to make it in this world. I have you, Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, who, through His help and understanding, makes all the wonder of You so real. 

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The Holy Spirit Fulfills God’s Purpose

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

— John 14:16

To fully comprehend the message that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, we must consult the original Greek language in John 14:16 to understand precisely what the word “Comforter" means. "Comforter" is taken  from the Greek word "parakletos," a combination of the words "para" and "kaleo."

Yesterday, we examined the Greek word "para," which means "alongside" or "adjacent to." The Holy Spirit comes "alongside" us. We should do our utmost to discern His voice, His leading, and His guidance.

Today, let’s look at the Greek word “kaleo.”

The word "kaleo," the second word used to form the word "parakletos," signifies a coaxing, persuading, or calling. Paul employed "kaleo" in Romans 1:1 when he stated, "I was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ." This kind of calling is purposeful, determined, and guided by a specific direction. 

The ministry of the apostle Paul illustrates this kind of calling. The word "kaleo" is used in 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:15, and 2 Timothy 1:9 to describe Paul's specific summons to ministry. Upon encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was instantly filled with a profound and sincere sense of direction and purpose. He received a specific mission with concrete guidance. Therefore, the word "kaleo" signifies a divine call to undertake a distinct and purposeful mission, accompanied by hands-on direction on how to achieve it.

Since the Greek word "kaleo" forms the second part of the word "parakletos" ("comforter") in John 14:16, we can infer that God has specifically designated the Holy Spirit to come alongside us for a unique task. This divine calling has infused the Holy Spirit with a sense of purpose and direction. He is called to be our divine Helper in this life, and this is his primary purpose and responsibility.

As we learned yesterday, the Holy Spirit is always near, and we can have a practical and genuine relationship with Him that we can experience on a daily basis. We don't need to beg for His presence because He is always with us.

Today, we discovered that the Holy Spirit has a specific calling to help us. Just as people are called to ministry, the Holy Spirit has been specifically called by God, the Father, to fulfill a unique mission. This calling ensures that the Holy Spirit is present with us throughout our lives, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we are in deep prayer or simply resting, whether we are navigating life's complex issues or enjoying a peaceful time, whether we are acting maturely or not, the Holy Spirit is always by our side, accompanying us wherever we go.

The Holy Spirit's purpose may include convicting us of sin, empowering us for ministry, bestowing spiritual gifts, and healing others through us. However, His work in and through us is far more than we can think or imagine. The Holy Spirit fulfills His divine calling, not based on our demands or desires, but according to God's will, who commissioned and sent Him to us. Therefore, we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit will never fail in His purpose to help us because He knows He is accountable to the Father. While we may sometimes fail to recognize the Holy Spirit's work, He will never fail in the task that the Father has entrusted to Him.

Are you as well aware of your flaws as I am of mine? Do you recognize areas where you need improvement? The Holy Spirit is called to be with you to help you in this endeavor. His primary task is to be your "Comforter" to come alongside you, guide you, and empower you. God, the Father, wants you to grow and walk in the divine purpose He has specially planned for your life. It is a distinct and purposeful mission, accompanied by hands-on direction on how to achieve it. Don’t dwell on your flaws. God knows you are only flesh. It is the Holy Spirit's mission to reveal Jesus in you. It is His place to empower and fulfill God’s purpose in you. It is your place to receive the help that has come alongside you. Trust Him whom the Father has sent.

Dear Lord, my eyes are opening more and more each day to this incredible work of the Holy Spirit in my life. I deeply regret never truly comprehending the profound assistance you have provided to me through Him. He is my divine partner, and I yearn for Him to be evident in my life. I always want to recognize the Comforter You have sent to me! My joy overflows that You have chosen Him to assist me in every aspect of my life and every endeavor I undertake! My life is the Holy Spirit's specific calling, and He is with me constantly, guiding and empowering me. If I let Him, He desires to bestow His spiritual gifts to equip me for His purpose. It is my place to accept and not refuse Him because I have a fear of letting go and letting Him. Help me to become more aware of His presence in every moment and to surrender my natural to His supernatural. I want to honor Him in His holy calling as He comes to assist me in everything in this life!

In the Name of Jesus, the One who makes more than I ask or think possible, Amen and amen.

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The Holy Spirit Comes Alongside

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

— John 14:16

In the Upper Room, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” four distinct times: in John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and John 16:7. This repeated reference to the Holy Spirit that night emphasizes His significance. Jesus’ intention was to profoundly convey the truth of the Holy Spirit’s purpose as a “Comforter,” enabling them to grasp His message.

However, to fully comprehend Jesus’ message, which was not just for the disciples but also for us, we must look to the original Greek language to understand precisely what the word “Comforter” means. “Comforter” is derived from the Greek word “parakletos,” a combination of the words “para” and “kaleo.” 

Let's examine these two Greek words more closely, looking at “para” today and “kaleo” tomorrow.  

The word “para” means “alongside,” suggesting something close in time, space, or relationship. In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul used the word “para” to describe the close relationship he shared with Timothy. When Paul wrote to Timothy, “…and the things that you have heard of me…,” the Greek word for “of” is “para.” Paul was saying, “Timothy, the things you have heard from me you have learned by coming ‘alongside’ me.” 

Paul and Timothy had spread the message of the Gospel together for many years. Timothy had undoubtedly picked up some of Paul’s ways, traits, and ideas. He probably even sounded a little like his mentor when he delivered his sermons. The close relationship Paul and Timothy shared enabled Paul to have an impact on Timothy's life. This was a natural result of their relationship.

The Holy Spirit, our “comforter,” is always close by us at all times. Our relationship with Him doesn’t have to be a distant one. We don’t have to plead for Him to come because He is already with us. He came at Pentecost. The more time we spend “alongside” Him, the more His ways, traits, and ideas become ours, and the more we draw upon the reality of our new life we have received in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit comes to reside inside us as a guarantee of our salvation the very moment we are saved (2 Corinthians 1:22). Yet, the word “para” used in John 14:16 also reveals that the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to assist us and to bring the truth of Jesus Christ into our lives. From the moment the Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts, we can continuously rely on His cooperation to help us overcome any handicaps, problems, and disadvantages we might face in life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us as our most dependable ally who empowers and leads us through every step of life.

How do I treat the Holy Spirit? Is He an unseen and hidden guest in my life? How can I possibly not recognize the Comforter the Father has sent to me? He is by my side as my helper in life. How can I ignore this third person of the Trinity that resides within me and comes alongside me? Why wouldn’t I want to come alongside Him and learn from Him? He has been waiting so long to assist me. Today, I open my heart, mind, and soul to His ministry, and I will do my utmost to discern His voice, His leading, and His guidance. With my whole heart, I will pursue His supernatural help to navigate this natural life.

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In Him is Life

All things were made through God. 

Without Him, nothing was made that was made. 

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 

And the light shines in the darkness, 

And the darkness did not comprehend it.

Be still and listen. 

Quieten the other voices.

Can you hear just Him? 

He’s whispering to you— 

Imploring and drawing you, 

Calling you to Himself.  

“I’m here. I’ve always been here.

Loving you. Forgiving you. Healing you. Delivering you.

I am God, and there is no one else. 

I came to set you free from the darkness.

Claiming your life.

No one else could or would except Me.

Believe Me. Know Me.

I chose you as mine. 

Do you want Me?”

It is a simple question. 

Your answer either receives blessings or curses,

Peace or strife, joy or bitterness, life or death.

His light shines, dispelling the darkness

And removing the veil that has hidden Him from you.

If you choose, you can comprehend His light.

The Lord of the universe—

The Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, and you—

Desires you to know Him

Beyond anything you understand in this present moment. 

He has no reason to withhold Himself from you.

Be still. Listen with your heart, and you will hear. 

Receive His revelation.

He dispels your darkness

And reveals Himself to you.

When you seek Him, you find Him. 

Let no noise, no voice—

Let nothing distract you.

Let Him set you free.

Let Him forgive.

Let Him heal.

Let Him deliver you.

Believe Him. Know Him.

In Him is life.

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