If you’re a Christian, then you’ll surely have seen (or felt) some serious changes since your confession of faith in Christ. I’m continually bombarded with questions about how folks can “know” they’ve been saved I have a variety of different ways to answer that based on the Scriptures, but they all point to taking God at His Word to do what He says He will do. For those who want more confirmation, however, there’s plenty of that, too! One of the most concise and clear verses outlining some of the changes we should be seeing is in the first chapter of 2nd Timothy. The verse (below) outlines three things that come along with the Holy Spirit. They are power, love, and self-discipline. So, ask yourself this: Have you believed and confessed that Jesus Christ is the only way to a right relationship with God, given your life to Him and asked Him to send His Spirit to inhabit your heart? (Romans 10:9-10 et al). If yes, then you have received the Spirit of God. Whether you know it or not, you now have the “power” to win out over sin–to extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy. More noticeable, however, will probably be your “love” for those around you. It may not come all at once, but your heart will begin to soften toward people as you are in the Word and in prayer. The last one, “self-discipline,” should also be an automatic outpouring, but I think we often suppress it. I’m always suspect when I hear supposed Christians say they “just can’t beat this or that.” I believe one of two things are true. Either they have never received the Holy Spirit, or they are denying His power and walking in the flesh. God never said “self-discipline” would be easy… but He did say He would help every step of the way. We, however, must take the first step, and each succeeding step on faith! You read the verse and decide for yourself.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er
Jim@JamesKilby.com