MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
John 9:30-41
1 Corinthians 2:9-14

“My soul fainteth
for thy salvation…”

THE SPIRIT ENLIGHTENING

A dead man cannot see. Neither can an unregenerate man, being spiritually dead, see the things of God. He is spiritually blind. This is not to say that he may not be well informed or highly knowledgeable in theology. The Pharisees of our Lord’s day prided themselves as the “religious intelligentsia.” They were well versed in Scripture and excelled in the knowledge of the law. But they were spiritually blind, as many in churches, Bible colleges and seminaries are today.

Spiritual enlightenment is not a mere informing of the mind or filling the head with knowledge of God. A professor of theology, a great evangelist or even your own pastor may have profound knowledge. But without Holy Spirit enlightenment he is totally blind (Mark 8:18).

Spiritual enlightenment is the opening of one’s spiritual perception and understanding by the working of God’s Spirit. One who is unregenerated, spiritually dead, remains unenlightened, blind to the things of God. He needs to be brought to life by the Spirit’s quickening power (John 6:63). Pray then for Holy Spirit quickening, so that the dead soul may receive newness of life, spiritual life.

Once you have received spiritual life, you begin to engage in spiritual activities. God’s Spirit shines the light of His Word (as you read obediently), illuminating your mind and you begin to see the eternal issues come into view. You are enlightened to see the nature of sin, of self, your true depraved condition, and your need of the Saviour; and you flee to Him for salvation.

The enlightened soul sees the things of God. How great is His love, and how I must love Him, with heart and soul and mind and strength. How pure and holy is He, my Lord and my God! How can I walk before Him, except to present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him! Let me daily behold Him and worship Him in the beauty of holiness.

THOUGHT: Do I see the beauty of God the Spirit?
PRAYER: “Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.”