For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Corinthians 4:16-18
..This Word these promises open our eyes to this other world, not this world. So we’ve got to be looking beyond this world – what we see what we hear, what is going on. Whatever news whatever report we have to be looking beyond all of this. This is why I’m calling this teaching ‘ The Outward And The Inward. ‘ ..It’s being aware of the power of God in my life working that deliverance that change. That is the Christian experience. This is why when I talk with Christians or meet new Christians I often start to enquire in a sense to find out whether they are experiencing the power of God in their lives that is changing them. And if it is not there then we have to question whether they are truly born again..
Evidence Of A Changing Life
..The test is ‘ is my life being changed by the power of Almighty God – conforming me to the image of His Son? ‘ That is the question, that is the discernment that the church should have. I think at times we fall woefully short with this.. The question is – we have to be honest – is that person a new creation in Christ? Are they aware of the inward work in their heart and spirit? If they are they will talk about it, they will be experiencing it. You will hear that they want those changes in their lives. You will hear it in their prayers.. their conversations.. their enthusiasm over the Word of God..
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Known By Their Fruit
..That is the fruit that you know a brother or sister by. It’s not that we are to judge them – it’s so that we can pray effectively – that we can pray the will of God. We thought that brother of sister was born again but isn’t and so I now can pray because God has shown me. This is important, this is why we’re to pray.. to pray for the church. As I’ve said many many times sadly there’s a lot in our churches that are not saved.
Test Of Conviction
That is the acid test and Jesus was a master at being able to expose that without judging in that sense. His very presence did it. His very presence either brought out their need of salvation – their desperation, or made them resist – exposed that pride that arrogance. Likewise the Holy Spirit comes to convict and thank God that He convicts us – it’s a sign that He loves us – He’s not given up on us.. .. ..
Pastor Kim L. Page
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2Corinthians 4:7
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2Corinthians 4:11
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:30,31
For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Jeremiah 31:25
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Psalm 18:39
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
