The Spirit of Christ
Having the Spirit of Christ is essential to truly understanding and living as a Christian, and without it, one is not a true follower of Christ.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of having the Spirit of Christ within us to truly belong to Him, emphasizing that a virtuous life and humility are key to understanding and pleasing the Trinity. She highlights that knowledge and profound discussions are not enough without the love of God and grace, and that true understanding comes from living a life that reflects the beauty of Christ.
Text
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
ROMANS 8:9
WHAT profits it that He is risen,
If dead in sins thou yet dost lie?
If yet thou cleavest to thy prison,
What profit that He dwells on high?
His triumph will avail thee nought,
If thou hast ne'er the battle fought.
LYRA GERMANICA
MANY, who often hear the gospel of Christ, are yet but little affected, because they are void of the Spirit of Christ.
But whosoever would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to make all his life like in its beauty unto His.
What will it avail thee to dispute profoundly of the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity?
Surely, high words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God.
I had rather feel compunction, than understand the definition thereof.
If thou didst know the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit thee without the love of God and without grace?
THOMAS À. KEMPIS
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of the Spirit of Christ
- The Necessity of a Virtuous Life
- The Futility of Knowledge Without Love
- Knowledge Without Grace is Futile
- The Love of God is Essential
Key Quotes
“What will it avail thee to dispute profoundly of the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“I had rather feel compunction, than understand the definition thereof.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“If thou didst know the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit thee without the love of God and without grace?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- To demonstrate the Spirit of Christ, one must live a virtuous life and seek to make all aspects of life like unto Christ's.
- Humility is essential to pleasing God and demonstrating the Spirit of Christ.
- Knowledge of the Bible and philosophy is not enough; one must also have the love of God and the grace that comes with it.