Experience: Inner Life of Paul #1: The Path of Life
In Ecclesiastes 11:5 and John 3:8, we encounter the mystery of God's workings, likened to the unknown paths of the wind and the formation of life in the womb. Christian emphasizes the significance of spiritual experience, drawing parallels between our natural and spiritual lives. He explains that just as life develops in the womb, so does our spiritual life grow through the Holy Spirit. The key to understanding our Christian experience lies in the concept of union with Christ, which is central to the New Testament. Christian illustrates this through the life of Paul, dividing it into three stages: a hidden life, a public ministry, and a restrained life during imprisonment. Each stage reflects a deepening relationship with Christ, characterized by phrases like "a man in Christ," "Christ in me," and "to live is Christ." Christian highlights that true spiritual growth involves dependence on God, mirroring the life of Christ, who lived in obedience and humility. Ultimately, the essence of Christian life is found in this union with Christ, which transforms our experiences and leads us to bear fruit in our spiritual journey.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Ecclesiastes 11:5 and John 3:8
- The mystery of God's workings and spiritual experience
- Union with Christ as the key to understanding Christian experience
- Paul's life divided into three stages:
- Hidden life
- Public ministry
- Restrained life during imprisonment
- Characteristics of spiritual growth:
- Dependence on God
- Mirroring the life of Christ
- Conclusion: The essence of Christian life is union with Christ
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
