Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: New Desires
Digging for Truth: It is the work of the Helper to transform our fallen human nature into the nature and character of Jesus—the Son of God. Although all Christians cling to the plan and promise of salvation by grace through faith, there is something missing in our understanding if we do not spiritually see the purpose of God’s plan. The veil of spiritual separation from God has been torn through the sacrifice of the Christ; now, we can see God wants us to choose to be conformed to the image of His Son. I only know my heart and only God knows yours, but for me now that I understand God’s purpose for salvation, I know there needs to be a change in my desires. Salvation is not a stamp of approval over the practice of sin in my life, it is an invitation to place my sinful desires on the cross and trust the Helper to shape me in the character of Christ by giving me new desires.
Grace for the Heart: In the beginning, God created perfection, positioned humanity in his design, gave us a purpose, and invited us to live in his plan. But, we have the freedom of choice, so we decided to live by our humanity not God’s life and divinity. Therefore, we fell into deception and became separated from the One who offered us his glorious nature.
When we come to Christ, the glorious riches of our King are deposited within us and the work of the Spirit to form us in the holy nature and character of Christ begins; we are reborn of the Spirit. The Helper begins to fill us with new desires and new goals for human life. We live for Christ and the salvation of his world. For this reason, we do not live as new wine in old wineskins; we must allow the process of what Scripture calls sanctification. The Westminster Catechism defines sanctification as “The work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” Catechesis is the practice of teaching the Christian faith. This is a progressive process as we learn to live in the power of the Helper and grow in grace for the pleasure of God and the victory of his plan.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT 16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Challenge: Spiritual perfection will not happen until Christ returns for his Bride, but we must understand the work to be done in our lives. Grace is not an apology for our sin, it is the power to live with new desires that bring divine righteous change to our sinful human nature. The Helper stands ready and we must be willing. David cries over his sin and turns to ask for the help only God can provide. “You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun” (Psalm 138:8).
Prayer: Lord, help us trust you and your purpose for salvation and the sanctifying work of the Helper. We can remain children, or we can be led by your Spirit and become sons and daughters who radiate the love and grace of our King. Holy Spirit, please fill us with new desires and bring the power to live by them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.