Posted by Pastor Steven on January 13, 1999 at 16:32:43:
In Reply to: Commentary posted by Bryon Schulz on January 13, 1999 at 12:42:39:
: I was listening to a commentary on "how most :christians live today". One of the things that :was said was that Jesus lives in their hearts but :is only a guest. Is that possible?
I think it depends how we define the word "lives". I believe His influence may often be felt by "Christians" who have never really chosen to obey Him fully. That would in effect make Jesus a "guest" in the temple that they still rule over. Truly receiving Jesus would be realizing that He owns the temple, He is the ruler, and you are the temporary guest in your temple of flesh.
:Another was that "most christians" are :converted...(saved?)...but are carnal. Any :comments on this would be nice also.
The very word "converted" means that a major change has taken place; that you're regularly choosing to walk after the Spirit, and not after the flesh. I think the teacher may have used the wrong word when he chose "converted".
If he had said that many Christians are "saved", but still walk in carnality most of the time, I would agree. I don't think there are any believers who don't have to fight their carnal nature daily; who are truly always following the Spirit. At least I've never met one...
If he (the teacher) meant that most Christians are carnal at times, I would go one step farther and say ALL Christians are.
If he means that most Christians never really follow the Spirit at all, I would have to disagree.
The Spirit doesn't dwell where He is continually despised and rejected. There must be some degree of surrender for the Spirit to dwell in us to any degree. Paul says that "if any have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."