Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV
For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
In November of 1979, I was reading a book by Billy Graham. There was a prayer at the end of the book which I prayed as earnestly as I knew how. From that moment, I knew I had been forgiven of my sins. I was aware that something in me had changed. I read my Bible and began attending Bible studies and church services. There was so much to learn!
The following summer, I attended a huge meeting in the Tulsa Assembly Center. There were thousands of people in every service, and the atmosphere was something I had never experienced before. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the ministry, I was overcome by a sense of inadequacy. I saw all these people who clearly loved God. They knew exactly where to turn in their bibles, knew all the songs by heart, and nodded knowingly at the speakers’ statements. I felt out of place. I wanted to hide.
During an afternoon session, I slipped out of the auditorium to find the men’s room. I considered going outside to find a safe place to smoke, but I decided to try to sneak back to my seat without disturbing the aura. My shoulders were stooped and I was almost tiptoeing across the reception area. As I approached the door, I heard what sounded like an audible voice, “Stand up straight, boy. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ!”
I was stunned. It was so real that I looked around to see who had spoken. There was no one in sight. I knew it was God. I jerked myself erect, threw my shoulders back, and walked back to my seat with a new air of confidence. I belonged because He said I did. No more tip toe.
In my few months of churching, I had heard several dissertations on 2 Corinthians 5:21 and the whole new creation, redemption, and righteousness subject. I knew what it said, but for the first time it was real to me in an experiential way. The Holy Spirit had done for me what Paul prayed for the Ephesian church:
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:16-20
The written word is a wonderful gift. It is designed by God to be revealed to us in greater and greater clarity. Things that you’ve read for years can suddenly come alive with new insight. He told us to meditate in it day and night. Not just read over it and get on with “real life.” We each have the same Holy Spirit in us that inspired the Scripture writers. The Author is our inner teacher, unveiling hidden mysteries as we continue to delve into the bottomless treasure chest of His Word.
yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:3-8
Here’s the Point: You have an advantage when you open the Bible. You have the Author in you. Expect to find new treasures every day. All you have to do is search. Not just read, search! Pray the prayer that Paul prayed for the Ephesians. Put your name in it and pray it for yourself. Call out for knowledge and understanding. He has stored things up just for you. Let the Holy Spirit do His teaching work, and prepare to be amazed.
Pastor Virgil
pastorvirgil.com 