The
one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap
destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap
eternal life. Galatians 6:8
To teach that the filling with the Holy
Spirit is given the Christian to provide “power for service” is to teach truth,
but not the whole truth!
Power for service is but one effect of the
experience, and I do not hesitate to say that it is the least of several
effects. Contrary to the popular belief, “to serve this present age” is not the
Christian’s first duty nor the chief end of man.
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to
restore the lost soul to intimate fellowship with God through the washing of
regeneration. To accomplish this He first reveals Christ to the penitent heart
(1 Cor. 12:3). He then goes on to illuminate the newborn soul with brighter
rays from the face of Christ (John 14:26; 16:13-15) and leads the willing heart
into depths and heights of divine knowledge and communion. Remember, we know
Christ only as the Spirit enables us and we have only as much of Him as the
Holy Spirit imparts!
God wants worshipers before workers; indeed
the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship.
It is inconceivable that a sovereign and holy God should be so hard up for
workers that He would press into service anyone who had been empowered
regardless of his moral qualifications. The very stones would praise Him if the
need arose and a thousand legions of angels would leap to do His will!
Gifts and power for service the Spirit
surely desires to impart; but holiness and spiritual worship come first!
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