Maintaining life in Jesus Christ

13. MAINTAINING LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST

Even though we are truly Christian, our spiritual progress and spiritual experience can be hindered neither is guaranteed, and neither is automatic and both depend upon the Lord having our cooperation. Let us therefore think about some of the things that can be a barrier or hindrance to our growth in the Lord.

The fact that our life is hidden in Christ, and that Christ dwells in us, that we are united to Him in the Spirit, is no guarantee that God's full purpose in our lives will be fulfilled, or that we shall possess all that we have in Him, either in this life or in eternity. Our cooperation is essential.

Let us use the diagram below to illustrate what we must understand.

Note firstly, in Diagram B, that despite the barrier, the link with the Lord Jesus is not broken, and the flow of His Life is not completely stopped, even though it is restricted.

Once we are truly born again, we are joined to the Lord forever. Nevertheless, His purpose in our salvation may be hindered and the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus
largely missed. If there is no evidence of spiritual progress and experience, then the first question is the reality of a persons claim to new birth. Alternatively, the person may be a backslider and therefore in a perilous and uncertain position. The possibility of a hold up or a barrier to the Spirits working is a very real one in those who are truly the Lord's. However, it is clearly safer not to assume a person is genuinely saved because they once made a decision or had an experience when there is now no inward or outward evidence of it. But where there is something wrong in a believers life it needs to be put right, and it is this we are now considering.

Note secondly, that the barrier not only holds up the deep, life-long, unconscious transforming work of the Spirit (illustrated in diagram A), but also the daily experience and enjoyment of salvation (illustrated in diagram C).

What are some of the things that create a blockage and hold up the Lords work in us?

IGNORANCE.

Ignorance of God's purpose in salvation, and of His full provision for our every need in His Son, is bound to have serious results. Paul shows his great concern for this in his prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23. He longs that these Christians will have their eyes opened to see God's great plan for them and His great power that is available to work it out in their lives. He is praying for Christians, not for the unsaved because he well knows that Christians can miss so much through ignorance. Each one of us must diligently read through and search the Scriptures if we are to learn. The opening up of the Scriptures is vital in church life.

NEGLECT.

James writes, Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. How easy it is to merely attend meetings and hear messages, and to drift away from what the Lord has shown us. We are warned about this in Hebrews 2:1-3, and Peter says, Give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure. There are constant exhortations in the Word to watchfulness and diligence. Not all Christians will gain their full inheritance in Christ. To be eternally saved is one thing but to possess our inheritance, freely given, is another. Even Paul was concerned to win the promised prize and crown.

UNBELIEF.

An evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God is a constant threat to progress and experience. It kept a whole generation in Israel from inheriting the Promised Land. How easy it is for doubts to enter our hearts doubts as to the Lord's goodness in times of trial or doubts as to His ability to see us through our problems and to the end of our pilgrimage. Only as we trust Him shall we make any progress, experience His sufficiency, and enjoy the abundant life He has promised.

DISOBEDIENCE.

Unbelief and disobedience are closely linked (see Hebrews 3:18-19), as are faith and obedience. Pauls letter to the Romans, which unfolds the full range of our salvation, begins and ends with a reference to the "obedience of faith" (Romans 1:5 and Romans 16:26). True faith and obedience always go together. Disobeying the Scriptures, or what we know the Lord is speaking to us in fellowship with Him, will hold up everything.

THORNS.

In the parable of the Sower, we are told that some of the seed fell among thorns, which choked it and prevented it from bearing fruit. These thorns are "the cares of the world ... the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of life". What great hindrances these things may be! First, the cares of the world cares, worry, fears how often we are told not to worry, not to be afraid - be anxious about nothing ...". Trust and worry cannot live together. Then, the deceitfulness of riches. What a curse is covetousness, the greedy spirit of this world, our love of, and dependence upon, money and possessions and such things as that, as well as our selfish ambition to succeed in some sphere in life. Then finally, the pleasures of life the fleeting pleasures and allurements of this world and an obsession with enjoyment. Even our innocent home comforts and pleasures, and the things we simply like doing, may prove a snare.

It is significant that it is these three things that are said to characterize the world to which the Lord Jesus will return.

Each of these ignorance, neglect, unbelief, disobedience, and thorns can be hindrances to our progress and joy. Let us be very watchful to keep the channel open heavenward, that the Spirit may be unhindered in His work in us in order that we may become fruitful and effective.