Tried With Fire

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16 The Spirit of holiness in us is God's seal upon us signifying that we are his. He is the earnest of the glory to come. Great care must now be taken to make him the principle of all our operations and to obey him and follow his movements, as he leads you into communion with God. Be sure you do not mistake the movings of the Holy Spirit with those of Satan or your own passions, pride or fleshly wisdom. The Spirit of God is only for heavenly wisdom, and not for foolish or treacherous craftiness. He is the Spirit of love, unity, meekness, patience, and holiness. He moves us to be conformed to Christ. This is the sure test of his identity. He works in us to perfect our sanctification and obedience. Unprofitable trifles, despair, painful distractions and disturbances of mind make us unfit for duty, and drive us from God. These are not the influences of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God dra...

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God. Romans 6:22 If you have sincerely given yourself up to God, and consented to his covenant, show it, by turning the face of your endeavors and conversation quite another way; seek heaven more fervently and diligently than you ever sought the world or fleshly pleasures. Holiness consists not in a mere forbearance of a sensual life, but principally in living unto God. The principle or heart of holiness is within, and consists in the love of God, his Word, his ways, his servants, his honour, and his interest in the world. It consists in the soul's delight in God, and the ways of God. It is inclined towards him, and seeks after him to please him. It hates to offend him. The expression of it in our lives consists in a constant, diligent exercise of the internal life, according to the directions of the Word of God. If you are a believer, and have subjected yourself to God as your absolute Sovereign, King, and Judge, it wil...