Ye Are Not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit
A spiritual man is one who is filled with the Holy Spirit, characterized by utter helplessness, total dependence, and complete possession.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true spirituality is not about having a strong character but being filled with the Holy Spirit. He references Paul's teaching that believers are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if God's Spirit dwells in them. The new creation not only transforms the human spirit but also prepares it for God's presence, highlighting our dependence on Christ. Simpson illustrates that the essence of spirituality is complete reliance on the Holy Spirit, which fills every aspect of our being. The act of Christ breathing His Spirit into His disciples symbolizes the ultimate glory of this new creation.
Text
A spiritual man is not so much a man possessing a strong spiritual character as a man filled with the Holy Spirit. So the apostle Paul said: Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. The glory of the new creation, then, is not only that it recreates the human spirit, but that it fits it for the abode of God Himself, and makes it dependent upon the Son, as the child upon the mother. The highest spirituality, therefore, is the most utter helplessness, the most total dependence and the most complete possession of the Holy Spirit.
The beautiful act of Christ in breathing upon His disciples and imparting to them from His own lips the very Spirit that was already in Him expressed in the most vivid manner the crowning glory of the new creation.
And when the Holy Spirit thus possesses us, He fills every part of our being.
Sermon Outline
- The Definition of a Spiritual Man
- A spiritual man is not defined by his character, but by his possession of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is the key to spiritual life and growth
Key Quotes
“The glory of the new creation, then, is not only that it recreates the human spirit, but that it fits it for the abode of God Himself, and makes it dependent upon the Son, as the child upon the mother.” — A.B. Simpson
“The highest spirituality, therefore, is the most utter helplessness, the most total dependence and the most complete possession of the Holy Spirit.” — A.B. Simpson
“And when the Holy Spirit thus possesses us, He fills every part of our being.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize that spiritual growth and life come from possessing the Holy Spirit, not just having a strong spiritual character.
- Cultivate a sense of utter helplessness, total dependence, and complete possession of the Holy Spirit in your life.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being, leading to a deeper relationship with God.