Dependent
November 3, 2024
Dr. Paul Cannings
Many times, people ask, how can I experience God? It is an interesting question because God is everywhere, all at the same time (omnipresent). It is like asking how can I experience the sun while standing in it. We can learn from several persons, one of whom is Paul because Paul said, “…….I no longer live, it is Christ that lives within me… .” (Galatians 2:20). Paul would also say he is drunk with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18). This is not unique to Paul because Christ dwells in us as well (Ephesians 1:3-4; Titus 3:5).
How did Paul get here when he once struggled with sin and wished someone would deliver him from his sinful nature (Romans 7:14-25)? Paul was committed to renewing his mind from the traditional Jewish way of thinking, especially in relation to the law (Romans 12:2; 8:9- 17). This transforming experience caused Paul to depend more on the Spirit than on the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). In this process, Paul became more conscious of his weaknesses, especially as he encountered numerous trials (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Amid his trials, Paul’s dependency on Christ demonstrated a complete reliance on the nature of Christ and His Word. His dependence on Christ meant Paul was convinced that he could rely on God’s promises (2 Timothy 4:6-8) and “all things would work together for His good” (Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 6:12). Especially since Christ is love and He is Lord, and nothing will separate us from His love so there is no way we would not be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). So what Christ plans to accomplish amid trials is achieved (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9).
We cannot experience Christ and ourselves at the same time. Experiencing Christ is like jumping into a deep swimming pool. Swimming is required to enjoy the water. This is because of the nature of the water and our nature. When those two natures collide, swimming is demanded. Our nature and His nature are different; we are lost in sin (Luke 19:10, shaped in iniquity (Psalm 51:5), and Christ is holy. We can’t come to holiness on our own (Ephesians 2:8-10; works cannot save us). Our only hope is to trust His Word and His love for us and be transformed. The more we do this the more we die to ourselves, mentally and emotionally (overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt), as our dependency on Christ makes us more spiritual. He is a Spirit being, so we experience Christ.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4; Matthew 6:22-24; 1 John 2:15-17; NASU)