THE ST. PAUL SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

"Be ye followers of me, even as also I am of Christ." I Cor. 11:1

(with Frank Eiklor, Eileen Young, Walter and Cecilia Contreras)

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S PATH TO SPIRITUAL INTIMACY

(Spiritual Disciplines That Spell Life)

LESSON 74

INTRODUCTION

The material in this lesson can be found in Lesson 1 written more than five years ago. As the world grows darker and Christ's return draws nearer, this lesson will be more important than ever. The Holy Spirit will guide you into spiritual habits (called "disciplines") that will make you a strong and true disciple who will fight the good fight and win a "well done" when you meet the Lord.

The scriptures are filled with calls to discipleship. Jesus called the twelve who accompanied Him "disciples". The word itself is derived from another word-"discipline". A disciple is one disciplined in the ways and walk of the Master. We are called to a God-controlled life-but most Christians, sadly, live self-controlled lives. Following are six simple but practical ways to develop a more real and intimate walk with the Lord and become, as Paul was, an example for others to follow.

1. A TIME ALONE EACH DAY WITH GOD

"And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:40,41) 

It takes time to slow our inner motors and learn to hear the Holy Spirit's voice. Take that time-daily-to study the Scriptures, meditate on them, and pray.

2. MEMORIZE GOD'S WORD

"Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11)

The Word of God is the mind of God. Fill your mind with His mind and see the difference. Memorizing just one verse each week means 52 verses in one year - forever a part of you.

3. DETERMINE TO DIE TO SELF SO THAT JESUS CAN BE FORMED IN YOU

"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit."  (John 12:24)

Each day will offer many opportunities to say "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to self. Determine to pass the test.

4. REALIZE THAT OUR GREATEST PAINS REVEAL HIS CLEAREST FACE

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, see also John 16:33, II Corinthians 4:7-12)

Live long enough and you learn the truth that few like to preach - that pain is

 gain - whether we are repenting from the Lord's rebuke or suffering affliction with a heart dedicated to loving Him alone.

5. LEARN AND PRACTICE THE HOLY SPIRIT'S PRESENCE - HIS   PROMPTINGS, REPROOFS AND LEADINGS

            "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith..." (Revelation 2:7)

We recognize the important voices of people in our lives by being exposed to them. There is no more important a voice than the Lord's and His voice will always witness to His Word. Ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit each day in a new and fresh way.          

6. MODEL JESUS BY RELEASING HIS LOVE TO OTHERS

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."  (II Corinthians 5:20) 

Christ's call to be His witness through deed and word is unmistakable. Like any genuine relationship, the more you fall in love with Jesus the more you will live to introduce Him to others.