Romans 8:9 (NET) You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him.
After Zoe believed in the Lord and was baptized in the Holy Spirit, she was empowered to learn of Christ and receive His Spirit(become like Christ in character and nature). But because she was distracted by the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches, she did not remain in the Lord but went back to the world. Two years passed and certain bad things happened to her that brought her back to the Lord in tears and repentance. At this point, she knew that even though the gifts of the spirit she received the day she was baptized still remained, she was not safe because she didn’t have the Spirit[and character] of Christ.
The Holy Spirit we have received [as a gift] empowers us to walk in the Spirit and nature of Christ. It is possible to refuse to yield to the Holy Spirit and go back to the world. The gifts of the Spirit may remain and manifest if we know how to work them, but they are no guarantee that we belong to Christ.
On the last day, many will appear before the Lord and think that because they have received the power of the Holy Spirit and gifts, they would be qualified to enter the kingdom, but many who did not cooperate with the Holy Spirit to birth the spirit and nature of Christ in them would be sorely disappointed. Here’s what the Lord says will happen: Matthew 7:22-23(KJV) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Go into today remembering that what God looks out for is our fruits. The Spirit [and character] of Christ is the real proof that we have truly been born of God.
—Abraham Damilola ArigiTo start receiving Streamglobe devotionals directly to your WhatsApp and other platforms every day, join one of our groups here: www.streamglobe.org/join
Bible In 1 Year: II Samuel 15-19 (in today’s audio)
Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this devotional and let’s touch lives together.
Listen to our 24/7 Radio here: www.streamglobe.org
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (12.3MB)
Subscribe: RSS