I Will . . . Cause You to Walk in My Statutes
God leads us into spiritual conditions and habits that become the spontaneous impulses of our being, and we live and move in the fullness of the divine life.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the highest spiritual condition is one of effortless spontaneity, akin to the flowing waters of Ezekiel's river, where believers are carried by God's divine life. He explains that while spiritual habits begin with conscious effort and choice, they eventually become second nature through repetition and obedience to the Holy Spirit. This transformation leads to a life where duty becomes delight, as we align ourselves with God's will and allow His Spirit to guide us. The process of establishing these habits is gradual, requiring a steadfast commitment to the initial acts of faith. Ultimately, God desires to lead us into a fulfilling and spontaneous spiritual existence.
Text
The highest spiritual condition is one where life is spontaneous and flows without effort, like the deep floods of Ezekiel's river, where the struggles of the swimmer ceased, and he was borne by the current's resistless force. So God leads us into spiritual conditions and habits which become the spontaneous impulses of our being, and we live and move in the fullness of the divine life. These spiritual habits are not the outcome of some transitory impulse, but often are acquired and established slowly. They begin, like every true habit, in a definite act of will, and they are confirmed by the repetition of that act until it becomes a habit.
The first stages always involve effort and choice.
We have to take a stand and hold it steadily, and after we have done so a certain time, it becomes second nature and carries us by its own force. The Holy Spirit is willing to form such habits in every direction of our Christian lives. If we will obey Him in the first steps of faith, we will soon become established in the attitude of obedience, and duty will be delight.
Sermon Outline
- The Highest Spiritual Condition
- Spiritual habits are formed through repetition
- The Holy Spirit forms habits in our Christian lives
- Through obedience in the first steps of faith
- Established in the attitude of obedience
Key Quotes
“Life flows spontaneously without effort, like the deep floods of Ezekiel's river.” — A.B. Simpson
“If we will obey Him in the first steps of faith, we will soon become established in the attitude of obedience, and duty will be delight.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must take a stand and hold it steadily to establish spiritual habits.
- Repetition and obedience to the Holy Spirit are key to forming lasting habits.
- Duty becomes delight when we are established in the attitude of obedience.