Renewal of the Mind, New Series, Final Word

"Do you not know that those who run in a race ALL run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that  you may obtain it."  I Corinthians 9:25

When Joshua was leading the children of Israel to possess the land, they had to "fight" all the "ites" to possess God's promise.  God was definitely behind them as the Power to Possess - but all the while they were required to "keep moving." 

The Old Testament truly is written for our learning and examples. Today we are not possessing a literal land on earth BUT we are possessing the truths of God in Christ Jesus.  AND we are definitely heirs of God in Him of an eternal possession that God Himself has promised and given us because of His Son.

God has given us His Holy Spirit to truly cause us to spiritually understand ALL He has done.  Without my reliance on Him, I understand "zippo."  He really is the One who puts it all together in Truth, and causes us to know the Living, Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also, just how ALL the Scriptures fit together into God's one eternal purpose found in Jesus Christ.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.   Ephesians 1:7-9

"In Him we have also obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of HIM who works ALL things after the counsel of His OWN will... Ephesians 1:11

For sure, it is only the Spirit of God who can guide us into all the Truth.  There is so much surrounding us today of this and that regarding spiritual things.  I have found it takes a deep, personal determination before God to want to know the Truth and nothing but the Truth.  It cannot be casual, it requires my full attention and desire.

Just like a runner in a race.  The above Scriptures says that ALL run.  Yes, all Christians are in the race - if we have been born of God.  But Paul infers not all run to win the prize.  Even Paul made the choice to run in such a way to win the prize:

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14

The good news is that the Holy Spirit truly can take us there.  Part of the Christian's experience and reality is we come to know just how helpless and fruitless flesh is in "trying" to walk out the Christian life.  We come to that startling revelation that it is Christ Himself in us WHO will accomplish all things - whether spiritual understanding and/or works.  It's all Christ.

That is a message of freedom.  To be free from SELF's glory and accomplishments is to be free indeed.  For the true liberty and fruitfulness is Christ in us, our hope of glory.

And again, it is the Holy Spirit who gives this revelation and teaches all things regarding Jesus Christ.  

We get to examine ourselves and lives to decide where we really are in this race.  And waiting for us is the Omnipotent Hand of Jesus Christ to take us all the way, if we want.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith..." Hebrews 12:1, 2a

Make Christ ours - fully possessing Him and Him fully possessing us.

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Sue Gaither