SD for 02/27/2017

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 2/27/2017 12:18 PM

            We are going to look at a special Spiritual Diary that comes from my “Drawing Near Devotional Bible” where the devotionals are written by John MacArthur.  This subject for today’s date (2-27) is entitled “Attaining Spiritual Stability.”  The verse that he used at the beginning of it is Colossians 1:11 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience.”  Now since we have been looking at obtaining spiritual strength in our recent SD’s from Colossians I thought we should look at this devotion.

“God always empowers you to do what He commands you to do.

            “An alarming number of Christians seem to lack spiritual stability. Many are ‘tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes’ (Eph. 4:14).  Others lack moral purity.  Many are driven by their emotions rather than sound thinking.  Increasingly, therapists, and psychologists are replacing pastors and biblical teachers as the heroes of the faith.  While we still proclaim a sovereign, all-powerful God, our conduct often belies our creed.

            “Despite our inconsistencies, the power for spiritual stability is ours in Christ as we allow the knowledge of His will to control our lives.  Paul describes the working of the power in Colossians 1:11.  There the Greek word translated ‘strengthened’ and ‘power’ speak of inherent power that gives one the ability to do something.

            “The phrase ‘according to’ indicates that the power for spiritual stability is proportional to God’s abundant supply—and that supply is inexhaustible!  The literal Greek says you are being ‘empowered with all power according to the might of His glory.’  That though is akin to Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul says that the power for working out your salvation comes from God, ‘who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.’

            “In Colossians 1:11 the result of God’s enabling is the attaining of ‘all endurance and patience.’  ‘Endurance’ speaks of perseverance regarding people; ‘patience’ speaks of perseverance regarding things or circumstances.  When you endure and are patient, you are spiritualy stable.  Your responses are biblical, thoughtful, and calculated—not worldly, emotional, or uncontrolled.  You bear up under trials because you understand God’s purposes and trust His promises.

            “Paul said, ‘Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might’ (Eph. 6:10).  That is possible when you trust God and rely on the infinite power that is yours in Christ.

            “SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYER:   Perhaps you know someone who is struggling with spiritual instability.  Pray for him or her, and ask God to use you as a source of encouragement.

            FOR FURTHER STUDY:  Psalm 18, is a psalm of victory that David wrote after God delivered him from Saul.  Read it, then answer these questions:--What characteristics of God did David mention? – How might those characteristics apply to situations you are facing?”

2/27/2017 12:43 PM