THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
John 3:22-31
John 3:30

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

A SANCTIFIED SPIRIT (5)

The more we know the Lord and ourselves, the more we shall love Him, treasure Him, honour Him, submit to Him, and be constrained by His love to live for Him, for His Truth and for His glory. "For the love of Christ constraineth us… that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again" (2 Cor 5:14-15). The Holy Spirit will fill our spirit with the same motives that the Lord Jesus had for His Father. "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). Such noble motives cannot be found in professing Christians and leaders. Many think that they are called to serve the Lord while they are not yet born again with a sanctified spirit! They are only deceiving themselves! Sooner or later their selfish and carnal motives and ambitions will expose them as hirelings who compromise for earthly gain and glory! Many have fallen into temptations with sexual and financial scandals due to their sinful and greedy nature. They may think that they are filled with the Holy Spirit through speaking in tongues and performing lying signs and wonders, whereas they are not filled with the true Holy Spirit! They have received a different spirit and a different gospel unawares (2 Cor 11:4). They shall be shocked when the Lord comes and rejects them as those "that work iniquity" (Matt 7:23)!

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and holiness, and He comes to "glorify" the Lord Jesus alone (John 16:14). John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit, and his motive was that "He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), and even the wicked king Herod "feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy" (Mark 6:20). Thus, the more we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the more we are sanctified to live a holy life for the Lord, for His Truth and for His glory. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth" (2 Cor 13:8). What about you?

THOUGHT: Do I live a holy life for the Lord and His glory?
PRAYER: Lord, please help me live a holy life for Thy glory.