An old man named Simenon who was waiting for the Jewish Messiah was led by the Spirit. (Luke 2:25-35) “The Holy Spirit was on him.” “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah,” and “he was moved by the Spirit” to enter the temple courts when the newly born Jesus was being circumcised. Then he took Jesus in his arms and spoke by the Spirit proclaiming Jesus to be “a light for revelation.”
This was about 33 years before the glorious and rowdy release of the Spirit though powerful demonstrations of the inner government of God through 120 of Jesus closest followers as described in Acts 2. If Simeon could receive direct revelation and information from the Holy Spirit and be moved (governed) by the Spirit, how much more should we who have “the Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) This is true for all genuine Christ-followers. “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6) “As many who are led by the Spirit are the children of God.” (Romans 8:14) It’s vital that Christ-followers begin to live under the kingdom (inner government) of God and be directly and personally led by the Holy Spirit.
The kingdom of God has a unique culture that abounds with the blessings of the Beatitudes and the fruit of the Spirit. When people encounter citizens of the kingdom of God being led by the Spirit and governed by King Jesus, they experience culture shock and mouth-dropping awe.
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20) It overflows with demonstrations of King Jesus and of His Spirit’s character, presence, and power. (1 Corinthians 2:4) Always persistently seek the inner government of God first of all (Matthew 6:33) and never push aside God’s promptings and leadings. Refuse to settle for mere religious talk. “Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)
A citizen of the kingdom of God is supposed to be a freely flowing fountain of the fruit of the Spirit not a soiled spring of self-focused secularism. The shocking culture of the kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13:44). It’s easy to overlook it and let it stay buried in unawareness. God’s kingdom has to be believed in (John 3:16) and diligently searched for (Matthew 6:33) with sold out hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6) It needs to be dug up, put in constant circulation, and allowed to govern all your thoughts, feelings, and desires by continually keeping them in God’s will. (Romans 12:2) The Spirit-led inner government of God is the narrow gate and straight way that few people find and follow. (Matthew 7:14)
If you’re a Christ-follower, His Spirit in you isn’t passive and inactive. Christ is speaking and working in you. Are you noticing and cooperating with Him? Are you letting Him rule and reign in you as your daily Master and King?
Staying focused on the politics of a particular nation isn’t the way to “seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33) It’s very important that Christ-followers not confuse the kingdom of God with a nation’s government. Set your attention on the risen Jesus and His kingdom. Jesus and His early followers never focused on Roman politics.
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Fill Your Mind and Your Heart With Hope 