Scripture to Read: 2 Samuel 11
As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, we know that sin results in death. Death is not always a physical death, although that is definitely a possibility as we’ll see in 2 Samuel 11 later this week. Death, though, can also be experienced in our fellowship with God. When we sin, our fellowship with God is broken because we have chosen to turn our backs on God. When we sin, we turn toward this world's ways (our fleshly desires) and close ourselves off to God by turning away from Him. God warns us in Ephesians 4:30, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” God warns us again in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” So, from both of these Scripture passages, God has made it clear that we, as believers, are capable of grieving the Holy Spirit and quenching the Holy Spirit. Only through repentance (turning back to God and turning away from our fleshly desires) is our fellowship with God restored. Notice that our relationship with God is NEVER changed when we sin. Only our fellowship with God is affected by sin. We cannot lose our relationship with God because we are His children for all eternity. But our fellowship with God is dependent on us pursuing God and His Word daily and crucifying our fleshly desires daily as well. Death birthed from sin is a horrible thing to experience. When we choose to put to death our fleshly desires, this allows us to experience true life through Christ.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about grieving and quenching God’s Holy Spirit in you?
2. How will you choose to die to your fleshly desires each day and walk in the power of God’s Holy Spirit in you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!