2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE SCRIPTURE AND THE SPIRIT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
James 4:5
John 16:13-14
“…the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth…”
THE SCRIPTURE AND THE SPIRIT
James asked his readers, “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James 4:5). What does this mean? It is a rhetorical question for those who love the world. If they have genuine faith, the Holy Spirit indwells them, and they will not be led by lust to envy the things of this world. Lust and envy are contrary to the nature of the Spirit. James’ object is to prove that the Spirit of God has no part in their envy. The Scripture does not teach in vain. The faithful (whom the Holy Spirit indwells) will not go after the lust of the flesh.
The Scripture is not in vain: James asks the believers whether the Scriptures are good for nothing. Do the Scriptures say that the Holy Spirit (indwelling the Christian) will lead us to envy? The Word of God is the truth. It describes the Spirit of God as the guide into all truth. Is the Holy Spirit capable of sinning? It does not even deserve an answer. Therefore, James challenges the believers (who have the indwelling of the Spirit) that they should not lust to envy because the Spirit in them does not agree with such a sinful act. Read what Jesus said in John 16:7-10.
The Spirit is not envious: The Spirit dwells in God’s people, and He resides there according to the tenor of what is said in Isaiah 57:15, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” The Holy Spirit leads and guides the believer to do what is according to the Scriptures. Therefore, He will never cause the Christian to desire jealousy. Read Galatians 5:16-17.
Dear reader, we should never point to the Scripture and the Spirit as instigators to sin. The Word of God does not teach people to sin, nor does the Spirit of God move a believer to go against the teachings of God.
THOUGHT: Does the Spirit of God truly indwell me?
PRAYER: Father, convict my heart when I am against Thy will and let me not wander away from Thy presence.