CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: RESPIRATION

You can eat all the best foods and have the most balanced diets. Without the process called respiration it becomes useless and results in death. 

Likewise even more so is the Holy Spirit essential to make the Word effective and to produce spiritual energy. Remember the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life: 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV   5   Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;  6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

In Genesis 2:7 KJV the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

In John 20:22 KJV Jesus breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

In Acts 2:1-4 KJV when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  3   And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  4   And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Job said The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.  Job 33:4 KJV

  

Romans 8:1-17 KJV   There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2   For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  5   For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6   For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded islife and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9   But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  10   And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  11   But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  12   Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  13   For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16   The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17   And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

NATURAL RESPIRATION	SPIRITUAL RESPIRATION	REFERENCE
1.      There is an external process of oxygen transfer to cells (breathing)	There is a visible coming of the Holy Ghost on a believer in what is referred to as baptism.	Simon in Acts 8 saw the Samaritan believers receiving the Holy Ghost. It is vital that the church of Christ receive the Holy Ghost.
2.      There is also an internal cellular process to produce and release energy	There is an internal work of the Spirit in producing fruitfulness and empowerment	But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
3.      Breathing is an active process and requires effort on the individual to breathe	The Spirit comes to those who are actively seeking Him in prayer fasting and worship.	And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  Ephesians 5:18 KJV
4.      The lungs are specifically maximized to take in as much oxygen as possible	The more we are yielded and open to the Holy Ghost the more He is able to work in us.	If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 KJV This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  Galatians 5:16 KJV
5.      In order to efficiently receive oxygen the cells have to release the carbon dioxide they have attached to them.	We need to release that which would impair the effective release of the Spirit in our lives. The more He works the more He reveals.	For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  Romans 8:13 KJV
6.      We cannot afford to stop breathing if we want to go on living! Death can result from lack of or improper respiration.	If we would live spiritually the Holy Spirit is vital in our lives. Neglect and lack of the Holy Ghost is an invitation to spiritual suicide	But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  Romans 8:9 KJV For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Romans 8:6 KJV
7.      Much of the body’s respiration takes place invisibly but the results are soon revealed in growth and activity.	Much of the Spirit’s work takes place invisibly until we see the results.	The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  John 3:8 KJV Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13 KJV

It is said that the human body contains about 75 trillion to 100 trillion cells with about 25 trillion being used to transport oxygen to the other cells by means of an amazing network of blood vessels that ensures vital oxygen reaches every cell. Respiration is that important! 

Danger of improper respiration

It is believed that when cells become oxygen-starved they are forced to resort to fermentation, a primitive form of respiration called anaerobic respiration Because of this impaired cellular respiration the cells are no longer saturated with oxygen and become severely damaged. The cell loses all its higher functions and the only option left to maintain life is through fermentation. Because of its inefficient nature, fermentation will only allow the cells to grow, but incorrectly producing lots of lactic acid in the process. The oxygen starved cells try to catch up but can only ferment more and no longer take part in the higher functions of cells except to produce more of its damaged kind resulting in cancerous growth.

In similar manner if as believers we do not allow the Holy Ghost complete access and control in our lives we are in danger of  becoming not only seriously or fatally damaging our spiritual life but also the spiritual life of the body of Christ

John 4:23-24 KJV But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 14:16-17 KJV  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:26 KJV  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT!

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: NUTRITION

Certain characteristics define a living thing and separate it from dead and non living! In the spiritual realm a parallel may be drawn to define and differentiate the spiritually alive from the dead! Where do you stand in comparison?

CHARACTERISTIC	DESCRIPTION		SPIRITUAL PARALLEL
1.      Nutrition	Food. Animals need to eat food, but plants make their own food using light.		The Word of God is spiritual food for spiritual sustenance. We are to desire it and feed regularly
2.      Respiration	Breathing. Animals breathe in oxygen, and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide, and breathe out oxygen.		As Oxygen is vital for release of energy even more so is the Holy Spirit essential to make the Word effective and to produce spiritual energy.
3.      Growth	Do I need to explain this? A natural outcome of nutrition and respiration is growth		Growth and development in the Body of Christ results from a diligent application of the Word
4.      Excretion	All living things give off waste, in various forms a vital process to rid the body of harmful substances		We need to constantly get rid of those elements in our lives that would, if allowed to remain, not only hamper growth, but actually endanger life.
5.      Movement	Even plants move, such as opening and closing petals, and turning to face the sun.		We are expected to be in constant exercise of our faith in a spiritual journey or a race.
6.      Sensitivity	Plants are sensitive to light and gravity (stems grow up and roots grow down). Animals are sensitive to many things such as noise and light.		Responding in a positive manner to Godly elements and a negative manner to the evil elements is essential to survival and our sensitivity to the things of the Spirit
7.      Reproduction	Babies! Increase! Plants and animals can make more of themselves. Produce or perish!		Producing of other Christians is a vital sign of life and essential for survival of the church

All these characteristics are vital to the essential well being of man. They determine the quality of life and existence of life itself. In like manner a person’s spiritual life can be determined by the presence of these spiritual characteristic. As saints of God we need to examine whether we exhibit these characteristics and failing in any we need to urgently correct the defect which if continued can lead to spiritual stunting, spiritual disease, and even spiritual death itself.

 NUTRITION

It is Important!

Jesus highlighted the need for the Word of God in his response to the devil: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”  Matthew 4:4 KJV The importance of this statement is emphasized by the fact the Jesus was at the end of a 40 day fast with the natural physical hunger that followed!

The Word of God is vital to the continuous existence of the spiritual man. Jesus said “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”  John 6:63 KJV

Just as food is essential for growth, body repair, and general health and well being even so the Word of God is required for growth, building up and maintenance of the spiritual man

Peter exhorts the saints that “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV Desire here refers to an intensely great longing for something in this case the Word of God!

Have you ever had a craving for food of a certain kind? Have you ever indulged yourself in your craving? Have you ever indulged in a craving for the Word of God….felt a longing desire to just dig into the Word of God and gorge yourself until you are fully satisfied?

While it is pretty obvious that we have all at sometime or other yielded to our natural craving for food, it is an all too tragic fact that we have mostly neglected to do the same for the spiritual man.

Whereas babes in Christ will find milk easier to absorb and assimilate there comes a time when the desire

Paul had to tell the Corinthian church “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”  1 Corinthians 3:2 KJV

The Hebrew Christians were told For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  Job 23:12 KJV

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.  Psalms 119:131 KJV

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10 KJV

 It is beneficial!

 Food has to be taken in right proportions. A balance diet is essential to proper health and well being. The Word of God has to be properly balanced and rightly divided.

Food is essential in its various components viz. Carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, water and fiber. Likewise the Word is essential for doctrine, reproof, and correction, for instruction in righteousness, life, health, joy, and rejoicing

A balanced diet consists of several components that are important for various functions. The Word similarly is important in various aspects of the spiritual man.

COMPONENT	AS FOOD	AS WORD
CARBOHYDRATES	Energy to perform	Energizes
FAT	Protection, Covering, energy	Protects
PROTEIN	Body tissue growth and repair	Growth in God
MINERALS	Healthy teeth bones, muscles etc	Promotes Health and structure
VITAMINS	Growth, good health	Promotes Health and well being
WATER	Vital solvent for regulation transportation and excretion	Promotes good communication and harmony
FIBER	Gives food its bulk and ease of passage, cleaning as it passes	Promotes holiness and purity

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16 KJV

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3 KJV

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV

We do not just smell natural food we get hungry and eat! Many are just content to just smell the Word and exclaim how good it smells. That was quite delightful! Love the aroma! But to really benefit and to live you need to eat!

Anorexia and Bulimia are dangerous conditions both naturally and spiritually!

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV

It is pure and wholesome!

It is a sad fact than many are stuffing themselves with junk food which totally destroys the appetite for good food and is also destructive to a healthy body. In similar manner many saints of God are busy splurging themselves on everything else but the pure Word of God! Fads and junk food may look and taste good but complications will step in after awhile! It is essential that we do not become extreme and overbalanced but that we rightly divide the Word of truth comparing Scripture with Scripture.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  Proverbs 30:5 KJV

Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.  Psalms 119:140 KJV

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1Timothy 6:3-5 KJV

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV

Food has to be broken up properly (chewed). Reading alone is insufficient. Meditation in the Word is essential

Physical food has to be worked on by enzymes to become properly effective. For the word to profit us it must be mixed with faith “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2 KJV

All our study means nothing unless mixed with faith! If we will but only believe it the Word of God comes with its own faith! So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17 KJV

Dry food chokes and kills! Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV

Let us pray like the psalmist:

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Psalms 119:33-40 KJV

COURAGEOUS CHARACTER

It is called Mother's Day, not wife's or wives' day for the simple reason that it is the day children honor their mothers, not husbands honoring wives or fathers honoring mothers. It is a day when children reexamine what mothers mean to them. It is a day when children reexamine their relationships to their mothers, what they have done or not done to honor or dishonor their mothers.  It does not mean however that a husband cannot honor his wife or a father the mother!

Children should be asking themselves am I honoring her only today by a tiny token or am I honoring her by a lifestyle that warms her heart and provokes thanks to God rather than tears before Him?

It may also be a day when mothers reexamine their priorities and the heritage they are leaving to their children. In referring to heritage not only is the material meant but also and more important the spiritual. Do your children see Christlike qualities in you? But then we will have to ask ourselves what we mean by Christlike qualities. Is there consistency in you? Is there commitment? Is there consecration? A mother after God’s Heart is a woman who develops nurture and promotes these qualities, not only in her life but in the lives of her children by instruction, training and example!

Hannah was an Israelite mother who exhibited 

1. Consistency in her prayer.

She would not be sidetracked from her intercession and crying to God

2. Consecration in her purpose

She gave back to the Lord wholeheartedly that which she had longed for.

3. Commitment in her promise!

She swore to her own hurt and would not retreat from her promise to God

It takes a special kind of courage to do what Hannah did!

We need to be consistent in our daily witness for Christ.

We need to consistent in our dealings with our children.

We need to be consistent in our commitment to His cause.       

CONSISTENCY:

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV  58   Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 The deceitfulness of sin is an enemy of consistency

Hebrews 3:12-15 KJV Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  13   But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

It is called staying the course. It is hard to maintain consistency when we relegate our Christianity to only an hour or two on Sundays (if even that). Too often we have been too busy to pursue God and we will willingly find all sorts of "legitimate" reasons why we are unable to have fellowship. We may not think it critical or important, but our children young they may be, are aware of the various reasons why we miss fellowship, and every moment of interaction is a teaching moment, mostly by our words, behavior and attitude

 A young man was being interviewed for a position in a small business firm. He had a neat appearance and made a good impression on the owner. He had also prepared an excellent résumé in which he listed his pastor, his Sunday school teacher, and a church deacon as references.

The owner of the business studied the résumé for several minutes then said, “I appreciate these recommendations from your church friends. But what I would really like is to hear from someone who knows you on weekdays.” 

Jesus gives the definitive take on being consistent : Luke 9:23 KJV  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Enoch had a consistent walk with God:

Genesis 5:24 KJV And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

  Hebrews 11:5 KJV By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

A striking example of consistency is recorded in Daniel:

Daniel 6:3-10 KJV Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.  4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.  5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.  6   Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.  7  All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.  8   Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.  9   Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.  10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

 COMMITMENT:

A chicken was talking with a pig about how good their farmer was to them in the way he provided shelter, food, and protected them from danger. The chicken thought it would be a nice gesture to show their gratitude to the farmer by serving him a breakfast of bacon and eggs the next morning. The pig thought about it for a while and then commented, "Let me see if I have this right. We are going to provide the good farmer with a breakfast of bacon and eggs. As I see it, you will be involved in the project and I will be committed to it!"

Christ expects a commitment that goes beyond lip service. He expects and challenges us to follow Him as an example of commitment to the cause. 

1 Peter 2:21-24 KJV   For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22   Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  23   Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself  to him that judgeth righteously:  24   Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Luke 9:57-62 KJV   And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58   And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another,Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60   Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  62   And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

God is displeased with those who draw back from their commitment

Hebrews 10:38-39 KJV   Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  39   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

CONSECRATION: 

“Will you please tell me in a word,” said a Christian woman to a minister, “what your idea of consecration is?” Holding out a blank sheet of paper the pastor replied, “It is to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet, and to let God fill it in as He will.” 

As consecrated individuals we are set apart for the service of God.

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. As such it should be consecrated to His service which means a separation from the allurements and enticements of the world to Him.     

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  15   And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16   And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  18   And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

1.   He could have come spectacularly

      An ethereal vision of a glory heavenly

      But He blessed and honored mothers all

      By coming as a man into this world

 2   At the age of twelve He was very aware

      That with His Father's business none could compare

      But yet He went back to Nazareth

      And to father and mother He was subject

3.  In manhood years again we find

     When His mother said "They have no wine"

     In spite of His prophetic protest

     He produced wine of the very best

4.  In darkest day at Calvary

     His very core in agony

     His mother He still remembered

     And said to John 'Behold your mother'

5.  Jesus honored His earthly mother

     From birth to death He cared for her

     And on that glorious Pentecost

     Baptized her with the Holy Ghost