May 15, 2015: SOAP #1989: 1Chronicles 25-27; 1Thessalonians 4

Enlightened AND Empowered

Scripture: 1Thessalonians (NIV) 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality…7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Observation: Understanding that these guidelines for sexual gratification come from God, whoever rejects them also rejects God. Paul is just the messenger.

God has not only given us these guidelines; God has given us His Holy Spirit! Since creation, God has known that man could not keep His holy commandments. Man must have help! At the same time God gave the commandments to Moses, He also gave the sacrifices to be made when they would be broken. There was only One Who kept the law perfectly—Jesus who died as payment for the sins of mankind and rose that we might have eternal life. Now God has sent His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to dwell in our lives, motivating us and helping us to live God’s way.

Application: God greatly desires Leon to live a holy life. So much so that He has given me His word to enlighten my mind AND His Holy Spirit to empower my life. Obviously that I live a holy life is very important to God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know me perfectly. You know how much I need both your Word and your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your gracious provisions for me. Amen