The two boxes below are related the growing in the Lord, and becoming a fully engaged disciple. Every Christ-follower needs to confess, and repent in humility of personal character flaws, and destructive or sinful habits. We may need to go and ask forgiveness of others, or write a letter to take steps to heal a relationship. When we humble ourselves and obey God, our actions result in accountability between us and others. Spiritual war and evil spiritual influences in life need to be opposed and resisted directly by what we you pray believe and by what we do.
As you identify these forces / people / events, you take personal responsibility for your spiritual growth and can pray for those around you for God’s protection.
Discerning the difference between the two is essential for responding in a way that creates deeper intimacy with God and others. We take steps to overcoming evil, whether our own character flaws or external spiritual oppression, and ans we take steps to open up the communication channel in your prayer life. These ideas are outlined in Phil 2.
The plan starts with as we become more like Christ in our hearts, what we want and what we pursue. The process works itself out as we obey God, and behave and live in a way that reflects Christ to the world. If your a visual person, here’s a chart that’s been helpful to me.
| Jesus Character sows itself in the Fruits of the Spirit | Jesus Ministry is demonstrated in the Gifts of the Spirit |
| Forgiveness, Repentance, Humility
Our posture and approach to God, We Know God personally, and deeply through experience, not just information Being Vulnerable, accountable Seeking with all our hearts. |
We make a commitment to standing in our faith, Opposing evil, faithlessness and compromise.
We build fearless boldness, resulting in Spirit- empowered Self-disciplines We add spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, memorizing God’s Word, Sharing your faith. |
|
These character traits in our relationships result in, and grow from Personal Accountability |
As we commit to these priorities and principles, these ministry gifts, result in growing spiritual responsibility and greater spiritual authority. |
Too often (at least in my experience) a church likes to focus on one column of this box or the other. Dispensational and fundamental churches tend to make their plans and teach their people to focus on their people’s character and behavior, without cultivating the power of the Holy Spirit. Charismatic churches like to focus on the right column, but forget that God holds us accountable for measurable, less than emotionally driven, disciplined behavior.
God calls you and I to do the same, because according to Phil 2:5-11, we are called, equipped and empowered to be like Jesus. A vibrant prayer life both opens the door to a deeper Spirit empowered life, and fuels the fire to make this life possible.
Find | Follow | Friend Tim