02.12. CHAPTER 12: THE FUNCTIONALITY OF OUR HEART
CHAPTER 12: THE FUNCTIONALITY OF OUR HEART In this chapter we want to consider the functions of our heart. The ideal model for our inward operating system is spirit ó heart ó soul being fully functional by the HOLY SPIRIT, in CHRIST JESUS (see Romans 8:2). This ideal model describes the basis of our capacity to live in GOD and by GOD and through GOD – for HIS glory (see Revelation 21:9-11)!
[However, the ideal is not yet in full force within us. Our soul - and as a consequence our heart, because of the soul ó heart interface - is also impacted by what the Scriptures (NASB) call “the body of our flesh”. We can see the reference to “the body of our flesh” in Colossians 2:11. Paul also refers to “the body of our flesh” as “the body of this death” in Romans 7:24 (NASB).
And, we can see the impact of the body of our flesh on our soul, being described with clarity by the Apostle Paul in his discourse written in the first person “I” – that is descriptive of his soul - in Romans 7:18; Romans 7:22-25. The flesh has adverse impacts on our abilities to choose freely. There is a spiritual battle that we must be willing to fight – in CHRIST JESUS, by the HOLY SPIRIT (see Romans 8:2) - in our inward parts. Our flesh and the appetites of our flesh arise from our self-centered and self-indulgent expressions of self. Our flesh is the spiritual state of our fallen man (see Galatians 5:19-21; Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 8:5-8) that we have received from generations before us (see Exodus 34:7 b) and, from what we have ‘developed’ in our own carnal lifestyles.
Colossians 2:13 describes the “body of the flesh” as being: dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh . When we are circumcised - in MASHIAH YESHUA, by the HOLY SPIRIT – with the circumcision “made without hands” (see Colossians 2:11 and Romans 2:29) we actualize prophetically what is described as: “the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of CHRIST (MASHIAH)”. Our circumcision by the HOLY SPIRIT results in a spiritual work prophetically described as “the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of CHRIST.” We see this prophetic phrase “the circumcision of CHRIST” recorded in Colossians 2:11 (NASB). It is crucial that we understand the prophetic meaning (and implications) of “the circumcision of CHRIST” to actualize the removal of the body of our flesh.
Scripture instructs us that MASHIAH YESHUA was circumcised on the 8th day in accordance with the requirements of the Law, and was given the Name YESHUA (JESUS), as noted in Luke 2:21.
[See also Matthew 5:17-18 where the LORD declares that HE has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. Our understanding of Scripture must flow in the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets protects us from opening the occult doors of the Mystery of Lawlessness in which the angel of light (satan) operates. Never forget that one third of the angelic realm fell to the Mystery of Lawlessness.] The circumcision of CHRIST involves the circumcision of HIS Heart (see Deuteronomy 10:16) in order to achieve - through HIS death and suffering - a Witness and Testimony that expresses the prophetic actuality of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (see Deuteronomy 30:6; Hebrews 1:3 b). The circumcision of HIS Heart has resulted in a perfect and complete prophetic actuality (or, expression) of faith and love – arising out of HIS holy love for the FATHER – being actually made available in the SPIRIT for the salvation of fallen man. This Witness of HIS circumcised Heart becomes the witness in which the yokes of our sin are broken. [We receive and experience the first fruits of this Witness when we are born again.] The Name JESUS or YESHUA achieved its preeminent status before GOD in the Witness of HIS circumcised Heart (see Revelation 3:14 b) that stands in the prophetic actuality of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in a living expression of the Spirit of Holiness (see Romans 1:3-4). It is the prophetic actuality of HIS true and faithful Witness (see Revelation 3:14 b) – in Spirit, Water and Blood (see 1 John 5:8) - that gives perfect expression to HIS faith and love – for GOD – towards man. HIS true and faithful Witness is the Witness of the Master’s circumcised heart. This true and faithful Witness – in Spirit, Water and Blood – is meant to be developed in our inward parts (see 1 John 5:10 a, 8) so that we will have a circumcised heart of (HIS) flesh (see 2 Corinthians 3:3, NKJV; John 6:51; Ezekiel 36:26).
Php 3:3 declares that we who are circumcised by the HOLY SPIRIT (see Romans 2:29) worship the FATHER by the SPIRIT, glory in CHRIST JESUS and have no confidence in the flesh! Having no confidence in the (fallen) flesh, is the growing evidence of the body of our flesh being removed. It is the evidence of the degree of circumcision accomplished in the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets – in us, in Spirit, Water and Blood. It is the evidence of the level in which HIS Witness has been manifested (perfected and completed) in our inward parts.
[We see the Testimony of “having no confidence in the flesh” being demonstrated in the Testimony of JESUS (in John 5:30) : I can do nothing on MY own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and MY judgment is just because I do not seek MY own will, but the will of HIM WHO sent ME.
We can also see this reality of “having no confidence in the flesh” also being demonstrated in the Master’s responses to temptations by satan prior to the commencement of HIS ministry in Matthew 4:1-11 a. The circumcision of the Master’s Heart was completed when HE declared at the Cross: “it is finished; FATHER, into THY Hands I commit MY Spirit.”]
Currently, in us, the removal of the body of our flesh is a work in progress or a work in process. The Scriptures declare that the body of our flesh is removed in the circumcision of CHRIST – by the communication into us of the contents of MASHIAH YESHUA’s circumcised Heart – by Witness and Testimony that manifests in us the communication of HIS Spirit and Life, HIS Faith and Love, the contents of HIS Heart and HIS Mind, HIS Nature and Character! The contents of MASHIAH YESHUA’s circumcised Heart, is what will result in a heart of (HIS) flesh being formed in us. As we function in the heart of flesh being formed in us, we are circumcised by the HOLY SPIRIT in these functional expressions of the Testimony of JESUS from our inward parts! Our heart of flesh is of the substance of HIS fullness. This heart of flesh is circumcised by the HOLY SPIRIT (see Romans 2:29) so that the functions of this heart of flesh will align with the FATHER’s Will in the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. In this process of our circumcision the body of our flesh is removed in the circumcision of CHRIST!
There is something that must be established in our hearts, as a witness realized in our own free will response to the Testimony of YESHUA that will seal the circumcision of CHRIST into our inward parts.
Just as the LORD was circumcised and given the Name YESHUA (JESUS), so in us it is the preeminence of YESHUA revealed and manifested in us – by the HOLY SPIRIT - that ultimately breaks the spiritual strongholds of the body of our flesh. In the actuality of the preeminence of YESHUA in our hearts – actualized from perfect expressions of HIS faith and love, expressed in holiness towards GOD, being witnessed and responded to in our own heart - the Law and the Prophets are brought to fulfillment in us in some measure. And, we can in this measure – of HIS Preeminence actualized in our free will response to HIM - actually function in the Name of the LORD JESUS (see Colossians 3:17; John 14:12-14). The spiritual influences of our fallen fleshly man are broken and overcome through the Testimony of JESUS unveiled in us in HIS Spirit and HIS Life, in HIS Faith and HIS Love for us - as HIS Nature and Character are formed in us. The preeminence of JESUS CHRIST as LORD manifests in us as HIS Spirit, HIS Life, HIS Faith, HIS Love and, HIS Nature and Character are perfected and completed into us by the HOLY SPIRIT - even as our soul (more correctly: our heart ó soul interface) accepts this actuality of HIS preeminence and, chooses to immerse itself in this actuality of HIS preeminence - functionally! The spiritual key to actualizing the circumcision of our heart is willing, actual function in the LORD JESUS Name (see Colossians 3:17)! The understanding of HIS preeminence is a revealed reality that is perfected and completed into us – in our heart ó soul - as we accept and respond to the LORDship of MASHIAH YESHUA in our inward parts. Ultimately, HIS position as LORD is reflected through all that we do in word and deed – how we do things, and for whom we do it.
It’s the doing in HIS Name that circumcises our heart of flesh in HIS preeminence! The actual and willing recognition of the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s preeminence is what results in a circumcision of our heart that removes the body of our flesh (through its interface with the human soul)!
Obviously this is a process that comes to fruition as we are actually able to live increasingly in the glory of YESHUA’s preeminence in thought, word and deed – in a freewill heart ó soul response in thought, word and deed. In HIS preeminence established in our inward parts, the LORD JESUS governs all that we do in word and deed (see Colossians 3:17)! And, this again is a living expression of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (see John 14:12-14; John 15:7-9). And so, we see that an increasingly circumcised heart is able to increasingly do all things through CHRIST WHO strengthens it! A circumcised heart is able to do things – potentially (or, prophetically) all things – in the Name of the LORD JESUS. In the model “spirit ó heart ó soul” we see that our heart acts as the interface between spirit and soul. And, this is because soul and spirit are separate entities designed to operate independent of each other. This is why Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word divides soul and spirit asunder.
[And, such a separation of functions is necessary so that man will always have the ability to exercise his own mind and will before GOD and, be a living soul having and choosing to exercise the capacities of the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST to the glory of the FATHER. In the exercise of our free will spiritual capacities to the glory of the FATHER, we are expressing our actual love for GOD! This is what gives credence to the vibrant and unique individual relationship potentials that stand between GOD and man! And, this in turn is what will give pleasure to the FATHER-Heart of GOD: that HIS children actually love HIM and, they are actually living and having their being in HIM, by HIM and for HIM – in their own free will! HE has actually become their life in fully functional terms. This actuality is perfection completed in some measure (see Matthew 5:48)!] In the heart there is a co-mingled expression of soul and spirit that give expression to our being in both spiritual and natural terms. This is how man actually lives. The spiritual expresses governance over all that flows into the natural through the exercise of our bodily functions and bodily capacities.
Depending on what governs our spiritual state – GOD or, the spiritualities of the body of our flesh – we can be either godly or sinful or some combination thereof. In the actuality of the Spirit and Life of YESHUA operating in the totality of our inward parts – by the HOLY SPIRIT, we have the potentials to actualize the realities of being the head and not the tail and being above and not beneath (see Deuteronomy 28:13 a). The final outcome depends on our response to GOD, through the Spirit and Life of MASHIAH YESHUA, by the HOLY SPIRIT – or, our response to our fleshly appetites.
[Our response to our fleshly appetites must be overcome and put to death. However, by grace, such a reality of our fleshly appetites being put to death, unveils by a circumcision done without hands – through the circumcision of CHRIST – by the HOLY SPIRIT (see Romans 2:29)! Our heart – called a growing heart of (HIS) flesh (see Ezekiel 36:26; John 6:51) - unveils as the exclusive workmanship of GOD (see Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; 2 Corinthians 3:3, NKJV; Deuteronomy 30:6). This heart of (HIS) flesh in us is circumcised by the HOLY SPIRIT (see Romans 2:29) into functional realities that open – by hope (see Hebrews 6:19) - through the veil of HIS flesh “being parted” (see Hebrews 10:20; Hebrews 10:19-20; John 16:14). The veil of HIS flesh is parted in revealed realities that are developed into actual functions that operate by the HOLY SPIRIT in the fullness of JESUS CHRIST formed in us.
These functional realities stand behind the veil through hope in YESHUA MASHIAH (see Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 12:22-24). And, this is a work of GOD’s righteousness perfected and completed functionally into our inward parts (see 1 John 3:3; Psalms 24:3-4; Psalms 15:1-2). This hope in JESUS CHRIST is an expression of a circumcised reality that stands and operates behind the veil of HIS Flesh! Biblical Spirituality operates increasingly in a circumcised reality that stands in the veil of (HIS) flesh parted in our heart.] In all that we have discussed so far, we can see that co-mingled expressions of spirit and soul in the heart can be of GOD or, they can be contrary to GOD or, they can be an actual mixture of true spirituality and spiritual carnality (addressed in the Scriptures as the flesh)!
We can see this mixture of true spirituality and fleshly carnality demonstrated in the Apostle Peter’s responses to JESUS CHRIST recorded in Matthew 16:13-23.
We can also see this mixture of true spirituality and carnality in the Apostle Peter’s walk on water in response to CHRIST’s command to walk towards HIM over the water (see Matthew 14:28-33).
There are two governing realities that impact our inward parts and their functions. The first reality is the Law of the SPIRIT of Life, in CHRIST JESUS. The second reality is the Law of Sin and Death. We see both realities recorded in Romans 8:2. The first reality is Life by the HOLY SPIRIT, in CHRIST JESUS (see Isaiah 48:16). The second reality is that which is of the fallen flesh of man that gives actual expression to sin and death (see Romans 7:18; Romans 7:22-25; Galatians 5:19-21; Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 8:5-8) - experientially and operationally – in both spiritual and natural terms. Our inward parts can respond to both these operating systems. One is of GOD and one is actually opposed to GOD. In GOD, every spiritual reality arises from GOD through our spirit into our heart (see John 5:19-20; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16). What is in our heart then penetrates our soul as our soul chooses to respond through its interface with the heart. Our soul can also shut-off the flows of GOD arising through our spirit by choosing not to respond or, by ignoring what is being witnessed by GOD in/to our spirit.
Every reality (or, response) that arises from our own selves arises from our soul into our heart. Our soul is an expression of our self, an expression of our unique individuality.
[John 5:19 and John 5:30 depict true expressions of self in relation to GOD in the Testimony of JESUS. Paul confesses such a reality in CHRIST JESUS in Galatians 2:20, KJV : I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me. ]
Hence our heart is designed to co-mingle what GOD provides through our spirit with our freewill choice from the soul; and together, this determines our freewill response to all that GOD provides spiritually. On the other hand, through our soul, our heart can also manifest a rejection to what the HOLY SPIRIT is bringing forth through our spirit.
Ultimately, all of our responses - true or false or some combination thereof – are determined from our heart, from commingled expressions of our soul and spirit. That is, the actual final response to anything – true or false - actually crystallizes in our heart! Our heart can move by the HOLY SPIRIT but, it can also operate separate from the HOLY SPIRIT according to the intents of our soul (and the influences of the flesh that impact the soul according to the Law of Sin and Death). For our heart to function by the HOLY SPIRIT our heart must operate from and through our spirit, in the Spirit and Life of JESUS resident within us (see Romans 1:9; Romans 9:1). In this spirit ó heart operating mode our heart ó soul interface can make itself subject to the HOLY SPIRIT – by freewill choice in response to all that GOD is saying. Our response can be in articulated thoughts or, by spiritual instinct expressing our inward spiritual senses (see Hebrews 5:13-14). Our inward spiritual senses form as we respond to – hear, understand, accept, hold fast and act upon – the Word of Righteousness.
[Our choice necessarily involves our willingness to overcome our flesh. The ability to overcome the flesh has to be developed in partnership with the HOLY SPIRIT through the formation of the Character and Nature of MASHIAH YESHUA in our inward parts (see 2 Peter 1:3-4). For example as the spirit of our mind is renewed (see Ephesians 4:23-24) our thought forms actually change into something brand new – configured in the actualities of the Word of GOD.
Similarly, the Spirit of CHRIST, alive in our spirit – by the HOLY SPIRIT, can actualize the strength of MASHIAH YESHUA to overcome our flesh (see Php 4:13; Php 4:19; Php 4:23). By the HOLY SPIRIT, we can actualize – by energizing - the Testimony of JESUS that carries the enabling power to cause us to do all things through CHRIST WHO strengthens us (see Ezekiel 36:27; Php 4:13) . The Gift of Tongues is a tool that enables us to energize the Spirit and Life contents of the Testimony of JESUS (see John 6:63; 1 Corinthians 14:2; Colossians 1:26-27) so that we will draw strength – from out of the Spirit and Life of YESHUA alive in us - to overcome or say no to evil or the urges of the flesh (see Isaiah 28:11-12; Zephaniah 3:9).
Nonetheless, every ability to overcome, through the Spirit and Life of MASHIAH YESHUA still requires a willing response from us. Again the actuality of a willing response to GOD can be drawn out of the Testimony of JESUS into our inward parts by the HOLY SPIRIT’s online ministry to our inward parts.
Tongues are a tool that enables us to actualize the constituent realities of the Mystery of CHRIST – which are the actualities of the Testimony of JESUS – into our inward operating system (spirit ó heart ó soul), by the HOLY SPIRIT. The actualities of the Testimony of JESUS CHRIST manifest in HIS Spirit, HIS Life, HIS Faith, HIS Love, HIS Obedience, HIS Nature, Character, etc. Tongues are designed to give actual spiritual expression to the Hidden Manna – the constituent (or, ingredient) revealed realities - of the Testimony of YESHUA (see Revelation 2:17; Deuteronomy 29:29; Mark 4:22; Mark 4:20) into the inward parts of our being.
It is crucial to understand that tongues will facilitate this process provided we acknowledge the LORD WHO is the SPIRIT (see 2 Corinthians 3:17-18) – by hearing, in a growing obedience that involves our understanding (see Matthew 13:23), our acceptance (see Mark 4:20) and our willingness to live by the Word (see Luke 8:15; Revelation 19:13 c) that the HOLY SPIRIT has brought alive to our inward parts (see Hebrews 10:15-16).
We need to ask the FATHER for the HOLY SPIRIT (see Luke 11:13; Luke 11:9-10). We need to invite the HOLY SPIRIT and not take HIM for granted by simply using tongues to energize our spirit man according to our whims and fancies!
We need to ask the HOLY SPIRIT to work the processes of salvation into our inward parts. We need to choose to relate to the HOLY SPIRIT through prayer expressed in the attitudes and desires of our heart to actualize the fullness of CHRIST JESUS!
And, we must understand and always remember that if we are actually moving by the HOLY SPIRIT, the LORD JESUS CHRIST will always be glorified in the witness of our heart (see 1 John 5:10). The LORDship of YESHUA – HIS recognized and growing preeminence in our own heart and mind – is the only way we can ascertain that we are moving by the HOLY SPIRIT (see John 16:14). YESHUA is the Way that gives clarity to the ways of the SPIRIT (see John 10:1-2; John 10:9-10)! This is why the Testimony of JESUS is called the Spirit of Prophecy (see Revelation 19:10 c). The ability to live by the Testimony of JESUS – which is always unveiled by the HOLY SPIRIT – stands at the heart of our salvation. See John 16:14; John 16:13-15. See also Romans 8:1-14. All of our freewill responses are constituent to the process of our being circumcised by the HOLY SPIRIT, in a circumcision done without hands, through realized actualities that are of the circumcision of CHRIST. Our heart is circumcised in the circumcised realities of the Testimony of JESUS perfected and completed into us. In this circumcision JESUS will be LORD in us!] For our heart to do what we want it to do, it operates through our renewed soul, exclusively in accordance with our mind, our will and our emotions [and the resident impacts of our flesh on each of these soul functions]. In this mode our heart operates according to the perfected state of our soul; that is, our heart functions together with the renewed soul and its inherent residual imperfections and weaknesses. Our character flaws – arising from the overriding habitual influences of our fleshly desires - will impact this heart ó soul operating mode. Our hurts, our anger, our pride, elements of lust and greed, our self-will etc. impact the operation of our heart ó soul interface.
[In this self-denominated, operating reality we will operate in the Law of Sin and Death and experience the consequences of this spiritual Law that operates in the reality of Sin and Death.] When we operate by the HOLY SPIRIT, our heart ó soul interface (that operates through our mind, our will and, our emotions) always has the option of submitting to what the SPIRIT is saying or leading; or, our heart ó soul interface has the option to actually curtail the spirit ó heart interface; or, even switch out of it at the speed of thought, intent and desire. In effect we see that our heart is able to interact with both our soul and spirit at the speed of thought and instinct. It can do so wholly in GOD, wholly in our self, or wholly in a mixture of both GOD and our self (which is probably our current, general, state of inward operations).
So, how does GOD develop our inward functions in righteousness and holiness of the truth?