Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them. I. THE AGENT IN THIS CHANGE. God Himself. 1. Nothing less than this will suffice. Outward morality not enough, does not produce true obedience. Importance of motives. 2. Failure of all else to regenerate mankind. (1) Failure of nature (Genesis 6:5). (2) Failure of the law (Galatians 3:21, 22; Romans 8:3). (3) Failure of heathen systems (Acts 17:23-30; Romans 1:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:14). II. THE METHOD OF THIS CHANGE, AS HERE PREDICTED. 1. Change of heart. Heart of stone removed (Zechariah 7:12); heart of flesh given, receptive of holy influences: case of Lydia (Acts 16:14). The whole will thus changed. 2. The Spirit bestowed. God Himself dwelling in the heart (Psalm 68:18; John 14:17; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The great gift of Pentecost (Acts 2:4); the Church's birthday. Mark the wider diffusion, the increased knowledge, the higher tone, the advance in spiritual life since the day of Pentecost. III. THE RESULT OF THIS CHANGE. "Cause you to walk in My statutes," etc. The fruit of the Spirit is obedience (Galatians 5:22, 23); no true obedience without the Spirit (Romans 8:8, 9); the good tree alone brings forth good fruit (Matthew 7:17-20). This then supplies a practical test. 1. Are we exhibiting these fruits? If not, then we are not led by the Spirit, then we are "none of Christ's"; then the great work of the changed heart has not taken place. 2. Do we desire a better, higher life? If so, then remember the distinct promise of text. Pentecost is a pledge (Acts 2:39). (A. G. Hellicar, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. |
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