Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Scriptural Support Requested! | Rom 8:14 | John Reformed | 50226 | ||
Hello Joe, "Controlled" seems to be too strong a term to use in defining the influence of the Spirit in the life of the christian. Would you care to elaborate on what you understand "controlled by the Spirit" to mean? I may be focusing on a diffent aspect of the question than you. Perhaps your reply was aimed at "can we know" rather than " is controlled". Nevertheless, it is an important question from either perspective and may merit further discussion. John |
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2 | Scriptural Support Requested! | Rom 8:14 | Reformer Joe | 50313 | ||
You wrote: '"Controlled" seems to be too strong a term to use in defining the influence of the Spirit in the life of the christian.' Well, if you mean some type of "remote control," then yes, that is too strong of a word. But if grace is irresistible (and I hold that it is) and if all of those who are truly justified will be progressively sanctified in this life (as the Bible clearly teaches), then we have to conclude that the Spirit of God transforms our dispositions so that we will follow Him. It is not robotic, but a re-creation and a transformation of our minds. Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 2:13 illustrate this idea well. Sanctification is synergystic (coorperative), but no one who is truly justified will be of a disposition to resist the overall sanctifying work of our sovereign God in our lives. So there is a certain sense in which it is God's sovereign work, apart from our say-so. But it is never zombie-like control. The Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it this way: "Q. 35. What is sanctification? A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness." --Joe! |
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3 | Scriptural Support Requested! | Rom 8:14 | Ray | 50346 | ||
Hi Reformer Joe, The remote control of a robot is a good word picture for how things are not for God in His relationship with His people. I know of no Scripture that talks of being controlled by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for that word picture. The transformation of our minds that you speak of from Romans 12:2 is something that is for "you" and me to do. The command to be filled with holy spirit shows that it is something that we have to do in contrast to, for instance, being filled with wine. Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." can be put next to 1 Corinthians 12:11. "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." All of us were given to drink into one Spirit. The question for me remains; just what are we given? What is this holy spirit? With what are we to be filled? I have to get some sleep, but can we talk about Galatians 3:22, Heb 10:15, or Eph 4:10? From the heart, Ray |
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4 | Scriptural Support Requested! | Rom 8:14 | Mommapbs | 50385 | ||
Greeting Ray! I absolutely agree, we are NOT robots! . . . about self control and Holy Spirit control may I add that FOR ME, the word "control" is perhaps best understood by an illustration I learned from horseback riding. At conversion, God puts a bit(the indwelling of the Holy Spirit)in the horse's mouth(the heart of the believer) and the rider (The Lord) communicates his desire (God's Will) to the horse through the reins (as revealed through the Bible, other believers, circumstances, prayer, etc) that are attached to the bit. This is a picture of the trinity in action for me! Just like a horse, we have a choice to respond to the bit or reject the direction given and go our own way. When we agree to follow the leading of the rider through the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) influence of the bit, we not only find the right walkway, but enjoy a peace that passes all understanding on our journey. Because of the bit, a horse CAN do all sorts of things it would not "naturally" do on its own; but this only occurs when the horse is willing to yield to it's control! I consider "self -control" as a moment by moment choice to die to self in favor of seeking God's direction for my life. It's "Your way" (Yahweh) not "my way!" Blessings, hope this finds you well rested. Mommapbs PS: In response to the verses you suggested: In the beginning, God's Law was the standard measure yet none of us were able to fulfill its requirements. "But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." Gal 3:22 also "Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith." Gal 3:24 "nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified." Gal 2:16 Prior to the ressurection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit was given temporarily to those God chose. Yet as you have referenced,"He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things. Eph 4:10 NOW the possibility exists for everyone who chooses Jesus Christ to be filled with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In this verse the words, "might fill" seem to be significant. Lastly, the Holy Spirit, as our deposit, tesitifies of our union with Christ as you have referenced in Heb 10:15. I would also add 1 John 5:7-13 for your edification! |
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