This episode emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in weaning believers off their natural dependence on the flesh. Christ said that "the flesh profits nothing." (John 15:5) The prerequisite to embracing the power of the resurrected Christ is thorough conviction that the flesh cannot please God and is utterly inadequate in fulfilling the great commandments. The Holy Spirit is the indispensable helper Who enables us to keep God's statutes, AFTER convicting us of the bankruptcy of the flesh to accomplish any good. This sanctifying work of the Spirit helps us unite with Christ in the likeness of His death, abandoning all hope in the flesh, and then invites us to identify with Christ in His resurrection, so we might walk in the newness of life.
God’s Kindnesses: Motivation to Repent
This episode unpacks Romans 2:4, where the kindnesses of God lead us to repentance. Reflection on the Lord's many kindnesses helps resolve the dilemma of many who're stuck in confession without repentance. Constant repentance, or turning to the Lord, is absolutely essential if anyone of us would make progress towards the beatific vision. Without it, veils and blockages obstruct our vision of the glory of God and transformation stalls. Part of the solution to unwillingness to repent is reflection on God's many kindnesses. We are called to reflect on God's bountiful gifts in Christ, how God canceled our ridiculous debt to Him. We reflect on the Holy Spirit's persistent shaping us into the image of Christ, even when we stubbornly resist Him. And how many times, has God intervened and delivered us out of dire circumstances that we ourselves created? God's many kindnesses, when deeply pondered, often lead to reconsideration of our stubborn rebellion, leading to repentance.