The Essence of Godliness - the Power of the Spirit

March 29, 2013 - 2 Timothy 3:5

3:5

有 敬 虔 的 外 貌 、 卻 背 了 敬 虔 的 實 意 ． 這 等 人 你 要 躲 開 。

⁵ Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Paul seriously warns believers the danger of having the form of godliness - routine religious activities, services, uses of religious languages, some religious practices, and even the mindset of typical religions, but losing the Power of real Christianity. Christian faith to Paul must be manifested by the Power of the Spirit. Without that, our Christian faith will be reduced to the form of godliness, without the real essence of godliness. To Paul, the power of the Spirit must be demonstrated by the real sanctification and transformation of a believer's life - the Spirit actively works in a believer's life through the words of God in his/her life's changing, deeds and ministries to God. 

My dear God, I need Your Spirit to continually enlighten my "spiritual blindness" through Your Holy Word so that I can breakthrough my old habits and paradigm of life. I desire to experience how the Power of the Holy Spirit is realized in my life as I submit and fully trust that You are God - in You everything is possible.