I am aware that most people would like to grow spiritually but some will not because they will not put any effort into it. Anyone that wants to grow spiritually is going to have to put effort and energy into it. It is not going to happen just because you want it to. We cannot begin a spiritual journey one day and be a spiritual giant the next. To grow and function spiritually, we must learn to use a whole new set of senses. Our spiritual eyes and ears must be open, and we must be able to discern the difference between the spiritual man and the natural man. We must discern what is in control right now, body, soul or spirit.
I had a problem there; I did not know the difference between the soul and spirit. I thought they were the same thing. I read a book by Watchman Nee titled (The Spiritual Man) I encourage you to read it also, it will help you a lot to understand body, soul and spirit.
From this book I saw clearly that soul and spirit are not the same thing, no more then my heart and lung are the same thing. They each have a different purpose, the soul gives me everything I need to function in the physical realm, the spirit gives me everything I need to function in the spiritual realm.
Then the Holy spirit brought me to this scripture in Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Pray on this and ask the lord to do this in you).
Another scripture to think about 1 Cor. 2:13-14: Which things we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but those taught by the Spirit combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.
If any of you have a question or some comment send it to my e-mail rnault@thenewlife.us Please keep it very short and to the point. Thank you. In the near future this series will begin to appear on the New Life website www.thenewlife.us
I received a comment back from Jerry Doctor. Thank you Jerry
Thank you; I enjoyed your first Spiritual Growth series note. What struck me especially was your statement that “when we enter the spiritual realm it is like going into a foreign land and we need a guide.” For me the spiritual realm has always seemed very foreign, even after meeting Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, which are necessary, but apparently it takes a lot more time for some of us to catch on to what is happening in the spiritual dimensions. Possible it is because I was steeped in Christian religion. It has taken a long time to figure out what it means to be spiritual. Thank God I am beginning to grasp it a little anyway