We continue today with the Prayer Covenant theme of Dependence on Christ.
Dependence on Christ
Paul writes in Ephesians, Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be Filled With The Holy Spirit
Paul instructs that we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit—dependent upon Him each moment of each day. This only comes through prayer. It comes by intentionally asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a gift Jesus promised his disciples who would come and minister to them since He would be returning to His Father in heaven. The disciples were dependent upon Jesus. He was their teacher, guide, healer and best friend. John 14 is a treasure chest of promises Jesus made to them. Imagine the sorrow they were feeling when they found out Jesus would not remain with them! They had yet to encounter and know the power of the Holy Spirit Who would
soon come.
Let’s read together Jesus’ message of comfort in John 14:16-21 and John 14:25-27.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth….I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. …Because I live, you also will live….Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them (John 14:16-21).
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:25-27).
Here we see that Jesus promised His disciples a Friend—an Advocate, that would not only be with them, but help them forever! And they knew Jesus always keeps His promises. He always speaks the truth.
Let’s review His promises:
You won’t be orphans; I will come to you; Because I live you will live; You will be loved.
I will teach you all things; I will Remind you what you’ve been taught already,
I will Give you My peace.
After making those promises, He concluded, Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). Let’s Hold fast to these precious promises friends.
