We continue from the previous message.
The ‘all things’ the Holy Spirit will teach and counsel us in consist of everything that is needed for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” If our life is not fulfilling, or is lacking, we will be discontented vessels and true to human nature will be preoccupied with our needs and wants. The Holy Spirit therefore desires to counsel us on a daily basis on practical aspects of our life, such as the examples in the previous message. The goal of the Lord is to get us to the point where we do not focus on this present life anymore, but keep ourselves occupied with Kingdom issues (Mathew 6:19-21, 33, and so on). Once we have learnt the basics of not worrying about this life anymore, but leave it in the hands of Jehovah Jirah our provider, the Holy Spirit can then counsel us in godliness, all aspects pertaining to an effective relationship with the Lord and the efficient functioning of the Kingdom of God.
Everything we need for these are in the Word, which is twofold namely Jesus (rhema or revelation knowledge) and the Bible (logos or the written word). Jesus’ life in us makes it possible for us to attain what we should have as revealed through the Bible. All we have to do is to read the Bible and as a result desire to have what it promises in terms of abilities, gifts and power. Through consulting with the Holy Spirit in prayer, which includes careful listening, we learn the right way to apply the truths that we have learnt and desire.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27).
Every day on the news we hear the world crying ‘peace”. The different Councils of Churches also cry ‘peace’. Yet Jesus made a significant statement in Matthew 10:34: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Paul says: “While people are saying, ‘peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” How do we put all of these together? If you look up the word peace in the concordance you will find many occasions where Christians wish each other peace.
What Jesus is telling the disciples is that as long as we look unto Jesus as our protection and help we will have peace – even in the most severe circumstances. In the world there will never be peace simply because of two reasons. The heart of man does not want God. Man wants to be his own god and continually fights to attain it. Secondly, even though Satan has been defeated, he is not bound yet and outside of Christ he rules the world. In other words where Christians are concerned Satan has no power except for what we allow him, but in the world he is still the ruler, since the people of the world do not recognise Jesus and therefore give Satan full authority. Jesus said in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” and since He is comparing Satan to a thief it is understandable that Satan is out to destroy the world. His ideal is to kill as many people as possible before they get to know their Saviour. That is why Jesus’ message is simple – until Satan is bound the world will never know peace, since Satan stirs things up because of Jesus. Yet within Christ and His protection we can have peace (to be continued).
Holy Spirit, please help us to follow your counsel so we can walk in peace.
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