Dividing the Soul and Spirit

 

Scholars across the ages attempt to mingle the concept of spirit and soul as one entity. However, Bible truth differentiates between these two realms within our human essence. Our spiritual union with Christ takes place in our spirit, which is Born Again at Salvation (John 3:5-6; Romans 8:9, 16; Acts 26:18). Then the Holy Spirit spends our lifetime sanctifying our soul. Paul makes this clear when he refers to the entire sanctification of body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). God’s Word divides the soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). The more we submit to His holiness, the more fully we partake in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Paul lays out the entire purification process for us in Romans 6-8.

Our soul leans toward sin during our initial walk with the Lord (Romans 7:17-18, 20-21, 23). As the Word of God quickens His Truth to our soul, these sinful habits start grieving our spirit as much as they do the Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). The lusts of our flesh conflict with the desires of the Spirit of God in our spirit (Galatians 5:17; Colossians 1:8-9; Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 2:3; 1 Peter 2:11). As we mature, the Spirit births more and more holiness in our soul (Galatians 4:19). We see the work of Christ in us as He dwells in us and gives us His hope of glory (Colossians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5). We no longer live our life, but Christ lives in, through and instead of us (Galatians 2:20). Jesus Christ is our whole life and we live in union with Him (Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 6:17).

Prior to salvation we lived for our self. After salvation, we are crucified with Christ and receive a whole new life with a new heart (Romans 6:4,6; Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17). As we live in Christ, our humanity decreases and His life in us increases (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; John 3:30). He writes His laws on our heart (Hebrews 8:10). God sees us as perfect in Christ (Philippians 3:15; Hebrews 12:23). He renews us day by day (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). We are dead to sin and we live in the righteousness in Christ (Romans 6:11; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:1). We are made righteous and present our self to God as an instrument of His righteousness (Romans 5:19; 6:13).

Satan fishes in our desires to catch us off guard and hook us into choosing to listen to his evil suggestions so he may employ our carnal character and selfish habits for sin. Christ in us changes us from sinner to Saint (Romans 5:19, 8:9; Ephesians 4:12). We are dead to sin, slaves to righteousness and Christ reigns as Lord and Savior in our life (Romans 6:2,11,17; 1 John 3:8). Our spirit is now alive in Christ and sin is expelled and exorcised from our soul (Ephesians 2:5; Philippians 3:12-15). This requires no self-effort; the Spirit completes this work in us as we cooperate with His Spirit (Galatians 3:1-3). We are free from sin’s torment and temptation (Romans 6:7,18,22; Acts 26:18). Christ in us then expresses Himself through us (Romans 5:10; Matthew 1:21; 1 John 4:4).

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for the fact that our authentic Christian identity is no longer rooted in our personality, but in Christ. Our fleshly desires have less and less control over us as we walk in our union with Christ in us (Galatians 5:17). Our desire is for Your divine character, power and authority to completely take over our body, soul and spirit. We thank You for redeeming us through Christ’s sacrifice and filling us with Your Spirit, so we can walk in Your will each moment of the day. Lead and guide us to be in the right place at the right time to affect Your plan for us in this world. Drench us with Your peace and joy in the midst of all of the sorrow and devastation in the earth in which we live.

Thought for the Day:

As God reveals a defect in our character or an idol in our life, we willingly submit it to His Lordship; then the Spirit cleanses us from these sins and replaces our defective humanistic character with the fruit of His Spirit (1 John 1:9; Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:22-23).

 

The Cosmic Struggle

Read: Galatians 5

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.” - Galatians 5:16

Both good and evil forces influence every human being ever born. Satan, the god of this age and of this world, blinds the eyes of countless unsuspecting humans against seeing God’s truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). He appeals to their humanistic reason and draws them away from faith in God by every conceivable lust and doubt in his arsenal. Those who do not believe in the name of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, have already condemned themselves (John 3:16-19). They reject the Light of God who came into the world. They love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil (2 Thessalonians 2:12-13).

If we choose to believe that Jesus is God and to repent of our sins, we are not condemned, and our spirit is Born Again. God is just. He faithfully forgives anyone who is willing, and purifies us from all unrighteous thoughts and lifestyles. If we simply confess our sin and call upon Him, He will hear us (1 John 1:9). He gives His Spirit to everyone who will repent and believe (Mark 1:15). By choosing a life in Christ instead of one immersed in sin and degradation, we ultimately find a fullfilled life, overflowing with blessings.

At times, we cannot fathom the reasons behind God’s plan and actions. A stubborn pull toward sin and depravity remains within our fleshly, carnal nature, even after our salvation (Galatians 5:17). God does not mind us questioning Him, accusing Him of some lack or walking out of His will now and then. Through the process of Sanctification, however, we are slowly but consistently losing our doubts and carnality, as He conforms us into the image of Christ (John 17:17-19; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:1).

The more we feed our spirit by prayer, Bible study, worship and obedience, the stronger it is, and the weaker our flesh becomes (Galatians 5:16, 24). It takes faith to accept some Biblical truths, while others are plain to see, as God works out His will in our life. Satan tells sinners that the Bible is an archaic book written by deceptive men in ancient times; but every Believer knows this holy book is inspired, alive and life-changing (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16).

God is the purifying fire and the silversmith who removes the dross from our lives. As He turns up the heat ever so slightly throughout our lifetime, He eventually begins to see His reflection when He looks into our soul (1 Peter 1:7; Proverbs 17:3, 25:4; Isaiah 48:10; 2 Timothy 2:21). In the center of God’s will and in total surrender to Him in every area of our life, we live in total peace and joy.

Prayer:

Father God, we find that there are dire consequences for ignoring Your justice and holiness. Your wrath will consume unrighteousness and Your holiness forebears no breach of conduct or thought. However, You never send judgment without first sending us a warning. All of Your prophets, as well as Jesus Himself, gave warnings to the people of their day. Today, You give us Your Holy Word, which provides unlimited warnings of what is to come. Help us to heed Your Word and to share its truths with everyone You bring our way.

Thought for the Day:

There is a cosmic struggle within each life between satanic forces and God’s Holy Spirit. It is up to us to break the tie.