In their studies concerning the work of the Holy Spirit, most expositors pass over His work in "the man Christ Jesus" far too lightly. But there is deep significance, and implications for the saints, in this work.
    It was by the Holy Spirit that Jesus was "begotten", (Luke 1:35). Through the Spirit He lived a pure life and offered Himself "without spot" to God, (Heb. 9:l4). The Holy Spirit anointed Him for His public ministry and service -- an anointing with the Holy Spirit and with power, (John 1:29-34; Acts 10:38; Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18).
    Following His baptism, Jesus was led by the-Spirit to the wilderness temptation, (Luke 3:21-22; 5:1, 14-15). And the Holy Spirit was the source of His wisdom (as a man) to the very end of His earthly journey, (Isa.ll:2; Matt. 12:17-18). It must never be forgotten that He is said to have "increased" in wisdom and stature, as well as in favor with God and men.
    So fully did the abiding Spirit influence Him, that He spoke the very words of God (Jn. 1:33; 3:34).It was through the Spirit that He

chose and gave commandments to His apostles, (Acts 1:2). By the power of the Spirit He worked miracles, (Matt. 12:28; comp. I Cor.12:9-10). And, through the Spirit's - power, He was raised from the dead, (Rom. 8:11, I Peter 3:18).
    The HUMANITY of our Lord was complete. He lived, thought, labored, taught, suffered, died and triumphed over sin in the power of the same Spirit that is ready to bring victory to our lives. This suggests that to have victory in our daily experience we must submit ourselves to Him as did our Lord in the days of His earthly sojourn. If the very Son of God was dependent on the Spirit, HOW MUCH MORE must we rely on Him in our constant warfare with the world, the flesh and the devil.
    Thus, the Spirit's work in the earthly life of Jesus implies what a glorious sphere of privilege, blessing, triumph and glory is open to ALL who Will submit themselves wholly to His control.
    From the pen of an unknown 7th or 8th century writer we have the words of a beautiful hymn -- invoking the Spirit's aid.
"Creator Spirit, by whose aid
   The world's foundations first

    That "they are well-kept whom God keeps" is recognized even by the wicked. If left to ourselves, the enemy would soon prove too powerful for us; but such is not the case. We have nothing to fear from the host of enemies so long as we are walking in the will of God.
    Some men trust in the strength of their own arms; others in the supposed superiority of their brilliant intellects; but he who is truly walking with Christ trusts in the strength of His God, (I Tim. 4:10). It is good to be prepared; it is NEVER safe to TRUST IN ONE'S PREPAREDNESS.
    A true child of God will always have enemies. We should not be surprised if those who OUGHT to be our friends prove to be enemies in the long run: such was the case with our dear Lord. The good will of all could not be secured by His spotless life & benevolent action.

Even his closest friends forsook, betrayed and fled from Him in the darkest hour of His extremity.
    Nevertheless, if we live for God we have nothing to fear from men, (Psalm 56:11). "We need only remember that the Lord is OUR God. With this in mind it will not matter how numerous or formidable our enemies may appear for "it is nothing with Him to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power", (2 Chron. 14:11).
    Why, then, should we ever worry about our own weakness? To meet our need is "nothing" with the Lord! He will never secure us against HAVING enemies. In fact, our relationship to Him may cause many to rise up against us -- persecuting and saying all manner of evil against us, falsely, for His name's sake. But, there is still no cause to fear; if we suffer in a righteous cause, we will be delivered by the righteous God. Whatever our need, it is "nothing"; with Him to assist us with many, or with the powerless. He IS ever faithful; His way the safest and best.
    Let us, therefore, cast all our burdens upon the Lord. Let us learn to lay all our cares, and all our needs, before Him in prayer. Let us never fret and complain because of those who bring wicked devices to pass.
    When our lives are such as give due reverence to God He will deliver us out of the hands of all our enemies, (2 Kings 17:39). Though men may fight against us, the Lord fights FOR us, (Deut. 20:4). Because He is with us, no one can really hurt us, (Acts 10:10).

There is real safety in the everlasting arms that rest beneath God's precious jewels, His saints.


    "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness", (Lam. 3:22-23).
    Our Lord has not dealt with us according to what we have deserved. We should be most grateful that He has, rather, dealt with us on the basis of His divine compassion. If alert, we will find new evidence with each passing day that, instead of dealing with us in judgment, He is being most merciful.
    Every day evidences His tender sympathy and kind regard for our infirmities. "As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust", (Psa. 103:13-14).
    Except for His continuing providence, not a single one of us would be able to survive for a day. Nor could we be preserved through a single night if the Watchman of Israel decided to slumber or sleep.
    Our heavenly Father is faithful to renew His tender mercies toward us each day. He says: "I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed", (Mal. 3:6). How dare we, in the midst of some trial, complain that we are not getting WHAT WE DESERVE! Rather, let us rejoice in the portion allotted us by our Father's providences -- confident that His compassions will never fail us.

    "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory", (2 Cor. 4:17).
    The afflictions that come upon the people of God are usually short-lived. The Scriptures speak of "the HOUR of temptation", "a DAY of adversity" and "a SEASON of affliction". Our "light affliction ... is but for A MOMENT"; and though "weeping may endure for a night" JOY cometh in the morning (Psa. 30:5).
    It is normally when men are in a bad "mood" that the Lord permits a storm of affliction. Nor does this divine discipline come only upon the people of God. They fell upon Pharaoh; (Ex. 9:14-15; 14:24-25); Ahaziah, (2 Kings 1:1-4); and Jehoram, (2 Chron. 21:12-9) -- none of whom were godly men.
    God would, through affliction, liberate us from the weight of sin and work into our lives the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory". He would have us so yield the direction of our lives unto His dear Son that the very life of Christ might be manifested through our mortal bodies.
    And there are definite benefits to the experience of affliction. Most are familiar with such benefits as manifested in the lives of Job and King David. But it might also be profitable to consider: Joseph, (Gen. 42:21); the covenant-nation, (Deut. 8:3-5); Hezekiah, (2 Chron. 32:25-26); and Jonah, (2:7). Compared with the sufferings of our Lord, our afflictions are light indeed.

    When we are tempted to murmur or complain about the trials that come upon us, let us remember the words of the Hebrews writer: "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin". In our behalf, the dear Lord shed His precious blood; thus, we should "consider Him" lest we faint and be weary in our minds. Identity with Christ in His suffering assures the ultimate sharing of His glory. Consciousness of God's purpose in affliction will enable us to know His peace in the midst of sore trial.

   were laid;
Come, visit every pious mind,
   Come, pour Thy joys on human
      kind.
From sin and sorrow set us free,
   And make Thy temples worthy Thee.

O source of uncreated light,
   The Father's promised Paraclete;
Thrice holy Fount, thrice holy Fire,
   Our hearts with heavenly love
      inspire.
Come, and Thy sacred unction bring,
   To sanctify us while we sing.
Plenteous of grace, descend from
      high,
   Rich in Thy sevenfold energy,
Thou Strength of His almighty hand,
   Whose power doth heaven and
      earth command;
Proceeding Spirit, our Defense,
   Who dost the gift of life dis-
      pense.

Refine and purge our earthly parts;
   But, O inflame and fire our
      hearts;
Make us eternal truths receive,
   And practice all that We believe,
Give us Thyself, that we may see
   The Father & the Son, by Thee.

Immortal honors, endless fame,
   Attend the almighty Father's
      name!
The Saviour-Son be glorified,
   Who for lost man's redemption
      died!
And equal adoration be
   Eternal Paraclete, to THEE!!     WHO IS DIRECTING YOUR LIFE?