WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Genesis 6:1-3
1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11

Thy Word is better
than silver and gold.

THE SPIRIT’S WORK UPON THE WORLD

Many of the Spirit’s works are wrought upon men who are not of the elect. “The Holy Spirit works in two ways. In some men’s hearts he works with restraining Grace only, and the restraining Grace, though it will not save them, is enough to keep them from breaking out into the open and corrupt vices in which some men indulge who are totally left by the restraints of the Spirit… God the Holy Spirit may work in men some good desires and feelings, and yet have no design of saving them. But mark, none of these feelings are things that accompany sure salvation, for if so, they would be continued. But he does not work omnipotently to save, except in the persons of his own elect, whom he assuredly brings to himself. I believe, then, that the trembling of Felix is to be accounted for by the restraining grace of the Spirit quickening his conscience and making him tremble” (Paul’s Sermon Before Felix by CH Spurgeon).

The operations of the blessed Spirit extend over all the creation. By His restraining action over the wicked He makes this world a place fit for human habitation still. Few today realize how much we owe to the Third Person of the Trinity for holding in leash the children of the Devil, preventing them from releasing their awesome weapons of massive destruction, or restraining the enemies of God from utterly consuming the Church on earth.

If God should leave men entirely to their natural corruptions and to the unbridled power of the prince of this world, all show of goodness and morality (now still remaining even in the most depraved society) would quickly be banished. Men would become unfeeling to the vilest sin, and rampant wickedness would quickly engulf the whole world. This would be a return to Noah’s days just before the flood (Gen 6:3-12).

The world hates the people of God (John 15:19). What holds back the enmity of the wicked? Nothing but the restraining power of the Holy Spirit! Thank God for the Spirit.

THOUGHT: Why does God not destroy the wicked in the world?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Lord, for the Spirit’s restraining power.