life in the spirit or death in the world
"Yet God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit. The Spirit scrutinizes all matters, even the deep things of God." —1 Corinthians 2:10
There is a certain wisdom which is not of this age or of the rulers of this age who are headed for destruction (1 Cor 2:6). If we do not have this wisdom, we will be so ultimately foolish as to crucify the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:8; Heb 6:6). The only way to receive this wisdom is through the Holy Spirit.
The Lord requires us to have a holiness which surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 5:20). He even commands us to be holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:16). We must not be angry with our brothers and sisters but reconciled (Mt 5:22-24). We must be sexually pure not only in deed but in thought (Mt 5:28ff). Our marriages and conversations are to be under Jesus' lordship (see Mt 5:32, 37). We must even love our enemies as Jesus loves them (Mt 5:44). Jesus expects us to meet the highest standards ever set for morality. We do this not by our power but only by the Spirit Who makes us holy (see Zec 4:6).
We need the Holy Spirit in order to be wise, holy, pure, and free. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot please God (see Rm 8:8-9). Therefore, repent and pray for the Spirit, Whom we have received in Baptism and Confirmation, to be stirred into flame (2 Tm 1:6-7). Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, I repent of quenching (1 Thes 5:19) and grieving the Spirit (Eph 4:30).
Promise: "Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him." —Sir 15:17
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, for rising to new life and for vanquishing sin and death. Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching on Life in the Spirit Seminar, order, listen to, or download our series starting with CD 8A-1 or DVD 8A on our website or order our tape series starting with audio AV 8A-1 or video V 8A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 2016
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