July 15

Read: Ephesians 1:15-20

That ye may know… what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).

Humanity In Ourselves

We do not see very clearly the line which divides carnality from human infirmity. Our inability to make this distinction often causes trouble. In Terminology of Holiness, Dr. J. B. Chapman writes: “There are many sincere people who very much need their own mercy to save them from unnecessary torment because of their weaknesses and tendencies that are involuntary and which are of the physical rather than the moral nature.”

Mr. Wesley asks, How may we distinguish the temptations of the enemy and frailties of human nature from the carnal mind or corruption of the heart? He answers that sometimes “it is impossible to distinguish, without the direct witness of the Spirit.” God may dwell with sanctifying power in the lives of men and women woefully weak and ignorant, if only their hearts are fully His.

After we have been sanctified wholly we should never doubt the grace that God has given to us. We must never use any substandard mood or act as an occasion to question the reality of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we should use these experiences as occasions to draw more freely upon God’s help. Paul reminds us of “the surpassing greatness of his power over us believers — a power which operates with the strength of the might which he exerted in raising Christ from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19-20, Moffatt). If the correction of my infirmity is no more difficult than raising Christ from the dead, God has power available through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to me!

He cannot fail, for He is God; He cannot fail, He pledged HIS word; He cannot fail, He’ll see you through; He cannot fail, He’ll answer you.*

— C. E. Mason, Jr.

*Copyright Singspiration, Inc. Used by permission.