Torch, Summer 1994

Confession involves more than a simple listing of all the infractions or sins one has committed. Confession denotes a proper heart attitude toward the sin. It conveys the idea of having the same attitude toward the sin God has. Thus confrontation of sin as well as confession of sin is m view. 2. Consecration of the Body. Romans 12:1-2 is the familiar exhortation to present one's body a living sacrifice. The offering is not a once-for-all experience at a campfire or at an invitation after a service. The sacrifice is offered daily, evidencing one's willingness to be an instrument of righteousness in the hands of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:13). The Old Testament priests offered the burnt offering every morning and every night. The offering was primarily for the purpose of worship, identifying Israel as God's people. The sacrifice of one's body is similar. When offered every morning and every night, it is made available to the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh or one of the other adversaries. 3. Cooperation with the Spirit. This essential relates to the development of character. 2 Peter 1:5-7 highlights the responsibility of the believer to cultivate Christian virtues. Peter uses many terms that Paul uses in Galatians 5:22, 23 . Peter says the believer is to do it. Paul says the Spirit does it. Therefore, being filled with the Holy Spirit is not some passive experience whereby the believer simply "lets go and lets God." It is a dynamic experience of cooperating with the Spirit in the nurturing of Christlike character 4 that is unique to overcomers. • Commitment to Obedience. The Scripture is clear that the control of the Spirit is not the result of prayer. It is not the automatic result of confession of sin. The filling of the Spirit is the result of a commitment to obedience. This essential relates to the willingness of the believer to live under the authority of the Scriptures. Once sin has been confronted and the body offered in sacrifice to God, one is clean and set apart for service. Ephesians 5 suggests this relates to a willingness to walk in love (5:1 -7), walk in light (5:8-14), and walk circumspectly (5:15-17). Overcoming in the Spirit is not breathing some celestial air atop a mountain of mystical experience. It is the normal Christian life designed by God. It is the life of victory within reach of every Christian man or woman. Beyond the twilight of defeat, it is the sunlight of success. Beyond gray slush, it is the bright world of multi-colored hues of brilliance and glory. In the power of the Spirit, we can overcome.