THE GOD IMAGE: TRANSFORMING INTIMACY
“…HE WHO WALKS WITH WISE MEN WILL BE WISE, BUT THE COMPANION OF FOOLS WILL SUFFER HARM…” (PROVERBS 13:20 NASB).
*
I called this chapter
TRANSFORMING INTIMACY because WHOever you keep company with, whether you are aware
of it or not, you will learn some or all of their ways.
Intimate associations heavily
impact your life. The impact upon your life may change you for the good or the
bad. “…He who walks with wise men WILL be wise,
BUT the companion of fools WILL SUFFER HARM…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).
This is especially true
about God’s children. His children can have every intention on being loving and
kind people, but keeping intimate company with the wrong people is harmful to
them.
God’s children are to
come out from the midst of those who are NOT God’s children. They no longer have
ANYTHING, in common with them. …“Therefore,
come out
from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord”…”
(2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB). “…what has a believer
in common with an unbeliever?
The bible clearly says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and
lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or
what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or
what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the
living God; just as God said, “I will dwell
in them and
walk among them;
And I will be
their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their
midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “ And do not touch what is
unclean…” (2
Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
God has called his children
into an intimate, holy covenant relationship with Him. He wants to “….dwell in [THEM]
and walk
among [THEM]; And …be [THEIR] God, and [HE WANTS EACH OF THEM
TO BE] … [HIS] CHILD. …”
(2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
If God has nothing in
common with unbelievers then neither does his children who now have his indwelling Holy Spirit within them. “…what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer
in common with an unbeliever…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
God knows it is harmful
to hang out with unrighteous company. He lovingly warns his OWN children to, “…, come out from their midst and be separate…”
(2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
Holiness ALWAYS
separates and sets apart something or someone for God’s purpose.
God knows that, “…the companion of fools WILL SUFFER HARM…’’ (Proverbs
13:20 NASB). So,
“…do not touch
what is unclean…”
(2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).
Furthermore, “…How blessed is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of
sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his
delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He
will be like a tree firmly
planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in
its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives Therefore the wicked
will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the
assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of
the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish...”
(Psalms 1 NASB).
The truth is that the
child of God’s biblical values can be “negatively” impacted by certain
companionships. “…Be not deceived: Evil companionships
corrupt good morals…” (1 Corinthians
15:33 ASV).
You can be foolish to
think you can hang out with certain companions and not be influenced by them. Certain
companionships can impact you in many subtle ways. The impact is so subtle, you
won’t even know it until it’s almost too late. A little bit of sin is still some sin and some sin is too much. “… one sinner destroys much good”
(Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
“..You were
running well; WHO hindered you from obeying the truth?
This persuasion did
not come from Him who calls you. A
little leaven leavens the whole lump of
dough…” (Galatians 5:7-9 NASB).
So be wise and take God’s advice about the
company you keep. “…Walk in the way of good men(women) And keep to the paths of the righteous…”
(Proverbs 2:20 NASB).
King David said, “…I am a companion of all those who fear [GOD], And of those who keep
Your precepts” (Psalm 119:63 NASB).
Take God’s advice and
listen. “…He
whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise…”
(Provervs 2:20 NASB). “…He who walks with
wise men WILL be wise…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).
A
little bit of sin is still some sin and some sin is too much.
Even hanging out with one sinner is too much and “… one
sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
“…You were running
well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven
leavens the whole lump of dough…” (Galatians 5:7-9 NASB).
A
little bit of sin is still some sin and some sin is too much.
For instance, the bible warns not to “…associate
with a man given to anger;
Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself…” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NASB).
Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself…” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NASB).
If associations with
intimate companions can affect your thoughts, actions, or emotions, don’t you want
to keep company with the right people? “…He who walks with wise men WILL be wise…’’ (Proverbs
13:20 NASB).
God has given his
children the opportunity of a lifetime by allowing them to keep company with
Him in the most intimate of relationships through Jesus.
“...But
he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit…[with
God, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).
“…
[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile
God and humanity—the
man Christ Jesus…” (1
Timothy 2:5 NLT).
Jesus talked often of the intimate
relationship he shared with God. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus also said God “….sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (John 5:20 KJV) and “….whatever the Father does, these
things the Son also does in like manner (the IMPACT God had upon his life)...” (John
5:19). Furthermore, the “Son
can do nothing of Himself”
(John 5:19 KJV).
Jesus
left us with these words, “…I
tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done,
and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father ...”
(John 14:12-14 NLT).
So, “…What
shall we do, that we might work the
works of God?’ Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘This is the work of God, that ye believe
on Him whom he hath sent.”
(John 6:28-29 KJV). “…‘Abraham believed
God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called
God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do
[empowered obedience]… and…by faith
(produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (James
2:18-24 NIV).
EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE: “…It is God who works
in you to will (to want to OBEY) and to act (to
actually OBEY) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
PRODUCED FAITH: “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control…”
(Galatians 5 NLT).
“…
[EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE and PRODUCED FAITH]....‘This is the work of God, that
ye believe on Him (trust in and depend upon him) whom he hath sent...” (John 6:28-29 KJV).
The “work” of God is NOT a frenzy of demanding deeds or
activities, but a voluntarily choice to “…believe on Him whom he hath sent.”
(John 6:28-29 KJV).
God HELPS you. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).
“…‘Abraham believed
God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s
friend. …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…You are My friends if you do what I command you
[also]…” (John 15:14 NASB).
The bible is telling you there is a work of
God happening within his children and that indwelling
working power of the Holy Spirit can enable them to “…believe in Him...” whom God has sent (John 6:29 KJV).
The “work
of God” to produce faith and empower his children to obey is so that they
will RECEIVE ALL the spiritual BENEFITS of salvation. “…To the saints …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL
BLESSING in the heavenly places
in Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).
“...HE CHOSE US
in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would BE HOLY AND BLAMELESS BEFORE HIM. IN LOVE He predestined us to ADOPTION AS SONS
through Jesus Christ to Himself, ACCORDING
TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL, to the praise of
the glory of HIS
GRACE, which HE FREELY BESTOWED ON US IN THE BELOVED. In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESS
of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS GRACE WHICH HE LAVISHED ON US. In all wisdom and insight
He MADE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to His
kind intention which He purposed in Him. …In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, having
been predestined according to His
purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to
the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of
His glory. In Him, you also, after
listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also]believed,
you WERE SEALED
IN HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.... I pray that the eyes of your heart
may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in
the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ…”
(Ephesians 1 NLT).
God “…dealt
(GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure
of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9
ASV). “…WALK BY [THAT]…FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…IT
SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR [indwelling Spirit who produces the
fruit of]…FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).
When “…ye
believe on Him….,” that’s faith produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit and faith empowers obedience, which is the
“…work of God…” (John 6:28-29 KJV).
“…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith
(produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made
complete by what he did (obeyed) …”
(James 2:18-24 NIV)
When “…ye
believe on Him….,” your obedience, evident by your actions, is the proof. “…[Abraham’s] faith (produced
by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
Obedience is empowered
by faith. Faith gains spiritual muscle, by hearing the Word of God, so it can
empower obedience. It is similar to doing physical exercise that builds
muscle so it can empower physical strength. “…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what
he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith (produced by the Holy
Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made complete (strengthened) by what he did
(obeyed)…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
Obedience is the transformation process in
action, which is the “…work of God…”
God does the WORK of faith and obedience.
“…It shall be done to you according to your faith
(produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit)…" (Matthew
9:29 NASB). “…I will show you MY FAITH
(produced by the Holy Spirit) by my deeds (EMPOWERED obedience)...”
(JAMES 2:18 NIV).
Faith produced by the Holy Spirit empowers obedience. The “work of God” enabled regular men and women to do miraculous things.
“..THE STORIES OF FAITH (all
produced by the Holy Spirit include)
...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrew
kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised
them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched
the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword.
Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle
and put whole armies to flight. Women received
their loved ones back again from death….”
(Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
EVERY act of empowered obedience is a “work
of God.” He does the work of producing
the fruit of faith. He does the work of empowering obedience “in” and
“through” his children. “…The [indwelling] …
HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of faith and obedience) IN and THROUGH [his children]… (1
Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT
DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH
each of us (his children)…
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…‘This
is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon
him) whom he hath sent.”
(John 6:28-29 KJV).
How does God do his work in the covenant
relationship with his children? Does the child of God do nothing? Of course
not, the child, first and foremost chooses to serve God. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The
indwelling Holy Spirit HELPS them
serve God. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).
Next, God tells you to HEAR or LISTEN to
his Word (that’s YOUR work) and the fruit of FAITH will GROW from hearing the
Word. “…Faith cometh
by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God...”
(Roman 10:17 KJV).
In the covenant relationship with God, his children HEAR or
LISTENS to his Word (this is the child of God’s work) and the working power of
the “Holy Spirit” begins to produce
(this is God’s work) the fruit of faith. “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control…”
(Galatians 5 NLT).
The more faith that is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, from hearing
his Word, the stronger the child of God becomes in walking by faith.
The fruit
of faith produced by the Holy Spirit
begins to EMPOWER the child of God to obey his commandments. “…The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience)
IN and THROUGH [his children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11
NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT
DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH
each of us (his children)…
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU
(his child)…”
(Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (within the child of
God), he doeth the works…”
(John 14:10 KJV).
“..THE STORIES OF FAITH (from faith
produced by the Holy Spirit include)
...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrew
kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised
them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched
the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword.
Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle
and put whole armies to flight. Women received
their loved ones back again from death….”
(Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
“…‘This is the work of God (producing the fruit of faith within
his children), that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon him)
whom he hath sent.” (John
6:28-29 KJV).
This intimate mutuality between God and
his child is the way they spend time together and KEEP company with one
another.
It is in God’s intimate, covenant company
and this shared mutuality, that the child of God begins to CONFORM. “…conformed to the image of his
Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).
God knows his
children’s thoughts, their ways, their emotions, their activities, and their
heart. “...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or
stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at
home. You know
everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place
your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too
great for me understand...” (Psalms
139:1-6 NLT).
Likewise God wants you
to know him, not simply know “about” him. “…Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…that they
might know thee the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). “…He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL
be wise (like Jesus)…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).
The more you keep
company with Jesus, the more you will learn God’s ways. The more you learn
God’s ways, the more you will be “…conformed to the image of his Son…”
(Romans 8:29 KJV). “...The Son is the …exact representation of his being….”
(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). . “… I
and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).
Therefore, the way we
are conformed to the image of Christ is not just through knowledge, but through
produced faith and empowered obedience. The child of God, who devoted to him, keeps
his commandments. . “…If you love me, you
will keep my commandments…”
(John 14:15).
Obedience is transformation
in action. When you choose to wholeheartedly serve God and listen to his word, his
indwelling Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of faith that empowers you to keep his commandments. “…the Father [the
Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth in… [his children], he
doeth the works (producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience)…”
(John 14:10 KJV).
“…God [the Holy Spirit DOES] ...the work IN AND THROUGH [his
children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit enables his child to DO
his will. He DOES the work and the child of God, by choice, becomes a witness
of the transforming power of the
indwelling Holy Spirit in process.“…It is God who works in you (his child)…”
(Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the
sheep … work[s] in us (his children) what is pleasing
to him, through Jesus Christ…”
(Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
“…The God of peace … that great
Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]…
[his people]… to
be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “...The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us
who are his (children).
The HOLY SPIRIT
DISPLAYS God’s (indwelling working) power THROUGH each of us (his children) …”
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“…by the
GRACE of God I am (his child) what I am (his child filled with his indwelling Holy
Spirit)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [his children cannot]... do
nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
Transformation in
process (God and his child working together as one) is the way his children actually
become “…conformed
to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).
Another way to say this
is that every time you obey one of God’s commandments you are in the process of
transformation. Obedience demonstrates that you have faith (you trust in and
depend upon God’s Word (Jesus). “…the Word [that] was
made flesh (Jesus), and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14 KJV). . Jesus had another name.
“… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
“…‘This is the work
of God, that ye believe on Him (Jesus, the Word) whom he hath
sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). Remember,
“…‘Abraham believed God, and it was
credited to him as righteousness…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
Again, when “…ye believe on Him (Jesus)….,” that’s faith and faith, by hearing or
listening to the WORD, empowers obedience, which is the “…work of God…” “…[Abraham’s]…faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered
obedience) were working together…”
(James 2:18-24 NIV).“…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP
ISAAC …” (Hebrews 11 NLT)
The impact of the
knowledge of God and obedience to that knowledge is that, “…He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL be wise (like
Jesus)…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).
Becoming “…conformed to the image of his Son…” is a
lifelong goal (Romans 8:29
KJV). God will continue to “…worketh
in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” throughout your life on earth
(Philippians 2:13 KJV).
Furthermore,
God
will continue to work in you “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge
of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ...” (Ephesians 4:14
NIV).
In
conclusion keep company with Jesus, the Word, on a daily basis. God knows you
and wants you to know Him.
Knowing God
is not merely about a collection of knowledge. It is about an INTIMATE
relational, covenant experience with God,
the Holy Spirit, that will transform your heart/mind, your behavior, your
thoughts, your emotions and your entire life.
“…Therefore
if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all
things are become new” (2
Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (our new
identity) ... we are also his offspring
(his children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…”
(John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS CHILDREN]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
The coup
de grâce is that God has “… [made] known… [to us]...the riches
of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…”
(Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the
Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s children]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
They have everything they need that pertains to LIFE
and GODLINESS “…His DIVINE POWER
hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto
life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
“…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns
[you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God
is the one who provides ....”(2
Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2
Corinthians 9:8 NLT). This is such a magnificent truth it is hard to
grasp without faith.
“...his divine power, God has given us everything
we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know
him (hanging out with him, keeping company with him, etc.), the one who called
us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence...” (2 Peter
1:3 NLT).
You won’t be able to completely understand or
discern the truth with the human mind, alone, that’s why God dealt each of us
the measure of faith. “… BY FAITH we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE
WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything
that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT). .“…The person WITHOUT the
Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come
from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned
only through the Spirit. …”
(2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
God has“…[made] known…[to us]...the riches of the glory…, which is Christ in you…”
(Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Without question,
this (Christ IN us) is the great mystery of our faith (trust & dependency
upon God): Christ was
revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by
angels and announced to the nations He was believed in
throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory...”
(1 Timothy 3:16 NLT).
“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit (restored to the covenant relationship with God, the
Holy Spirit, again)…”
(1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).
“…He (Jesus)
restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you (God’s child)…” (2
Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).
“Christ IN YOU” means
you are restored to God, the Holy Spirit.
“….Christ …died for sins once for all, the just for
the unjust, so that He might bring us...[back]... to God …” (1 Peter
3:18 NASB). “This is love: not
that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent
his Son as an atoning sacrifice
for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “…God showed his great
love for us by sending Christ to die for us while
we were still sinners…”
(Romans 5:7-9 NLT). YOU DID NOTHING, but choose to
receive his salvation gift!!!
Jesus is the one who suffered and died, “…so
that He might bring [you] to God, …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s
life…” (John 15:13 NLT).
“…This [was ALL]… God’s
plan: [Everyone]…
who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s
children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of
blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...”
(Ephesians 3:6 NLT). God has “…[made]
known…[to you]...the riches of the
glory, …which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).
“ … We have this treasure [GIFT of
Jesus Christ] “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…by
the GRACE of God I am what I am (a person
gifted with Jesus Christ)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
“Christ IN YOU” the
“seemingly” hidden life, yet by faith, “…the
invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (his
children are MADE into New CREATIONS), [They display]... his eternal power and
Godhead (goodness, presence); so that [those his children become a witness to]
are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
Some things were not
meant to be understood or discerned by the limitation of one’s humanity, but by
faith ONLY. Sometimes you must, “…only believe” (Mark
5:36 KJV). And accept “…his ways
[are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). It is BEST to“…Trust in the Lord
with all thine heart; and lean
not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
“Christ in YOU” “…the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of
the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:12-13 KJV). If you are saved, then
you have already experienced “…the POWER of God
unto salvation…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).
“CHRIST YOU IN means, “…as
many as are the promises of God,
in Him they are
yes …also … Amen …”
(2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). “And this is the confidence that we have in
him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will
(the promises in his WORD), he heareth us…” (1
John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for
anything in my name (Word), and I will do it, so that the Son can
bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will
do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).
God keeps his promises to you and they
will NOT fail. “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord
had made … failed;
all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). “…For as
many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB).
These immutable promises in God are “yes”
in Christ and will ALWAYS result in “amen” to the glory of God. “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4
NASB).
“…And God has given us his Spirit as proof
that we live in him and he in us” (1
John 4:13 NLT). SO, “Christ IN YOU” is the indwelling INTIMACY that TRANSFORMS.
Eventually, through the transformation process (the teacher, the experience) of
obedience, what “seems” hidden in YOU - - or invisible
to the naked eye – will be clearly seen by ALL. “…the invisible
things of him from the creation of
the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that [those who witness your life in Christ] are
without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
The invisible things from “Christ in YOU” is clearly seen in your life,
particularly by the way you love. “..Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love
one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is
love...” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
In addition, there is always the evidence
of Godly fruit in your life. “…But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Also
others will witness it too. “...You can
identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).
“…He who
walks with wise men WILL be wise, BUT the companion of fools WILL SUFFER HARM…’’
(Proverbs 13:20 NASB).
“…The invisible things of him
from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that [you] are without
excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
The INTIMACY that
TRANSFORMS is “Christ
in YOU,” the indwelling Spirit. Keeping regular, intimate COMPANY with him
will TRANSFORM your life. Jesus’ influences your faith, impacts your obedience
and eventually, your Christlikeness will be CLEARLY seen as a WITNESS to His
GLORY( his presence, his goodness, and his working power)!
TRANSFORMING INTIMACY; INTIMACY THAT
TRANSFORMS YOU INTO THE GOD IMAGE, WHICH IS THE IMAGE OF “HIS SON!”
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