New Testament writers frequently contrast the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit. One is contrary to the other. Paul declared: "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." He does not say they will not, but they cannot. It is not merely a question of will, but of possibility. In the eighth chapter of Romans the apostle uses the flesh and the carnal mind as applying to the works of the natural heart. "To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8:6-8.
As we are all born into the world according to the flesh, minister as well as layman, and in our natural condition cannot please God, it is evident there must be wrought in each heart a transformation from the natural, carnal, fleshly state to a spiritual condition, if we are to please Him. "Ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Verses 9, 10.
It is just as important for the worker to know that he has had the new birth as for the layman. Each person who is saved must have this transformation. It is a personal work wrought by the Holy Spirit, making such a change in a man that he lives no longer after the flesh, but after the Spirit. This transformation makes him a new creation. The former life and habits have passed; a new life has begun.
By our own wills we cannot transform our hearts; for the will of man, however strong, lacks the power to make this change. That is why by mere will power a fleshly, carnal heart finds it so difficult to obey spiritual law, even formally. An outside, superior power must change the heart before it can obey the spiritual, holy law of God. This power is suggested in the words of Christ to Nicodemus: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7.
With the minister there is often the danger that while working to save others his own life is lived according to the flesh. Paul sensed this danger, as did others of the apostles. Who could write such words as these, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27), if he did not sense the necessity of resisting every carnal desire? The very first thought, the first impulse to sin, must be put away; for few indeed can meet temptation with the mind running riot in sin. In the statement, "I keep under my body," the thought is, I compel it by force. I use my will; I use prayer; I use the word of God. Though he had labored in many lands to save men, Paul knew that if he himself did not live according to the Spirit, all his works would not save him.
Christ stressed the stern necessity of self-control and living a godly life when He said: "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy -name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. 7:22, 23.
Such mighty works as are herein named could have been wrought only by persons of strong character. "Prophesied in Thy name," "in Thy name cast out devils," "in Thy name done many wonderful works,"—such works as these were not performed by weaklings, men without will, force, and energy. These works are truly marvelous; and yet Christ declared that He would say to many claiming that they had wrought such works in the name of Christ, "I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."
Truly we can put little confidence in the flesh, or in any work that we have done, however strong. There is but one way for us as workers to live, and that is set forth by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2:
"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
Our own souls must be saved. Following the leadings of the flesh will land Seventh-day Adventist ministers outside the kingdom of glory as surely as anyone else. Men may applaud us, our ears may ring with recitals of our accomplishments; but if we have failed to live the humble life of Jesus of Nazareth, even though we have done our work in His name, we shall lose the race. We must seize upon all the promises of God, and appropriate them to ourselves. We must "fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life," and "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
We are to be to all men an example in godly living, to be like Christ. This is the highest attainment for which we can hope. It transcends all things earthly. No position in the world or in the church can equal it, either in Heaven's sight or in value to ourselves. It is our highest attainment, and it comes alone through consecration to God and faith in Jesus our Saviour.
I. H. E.
