
Leon Morris
- Sermons
- Bio
Indwelling of the Spirit
0JOS 1:8ROM 12:22CO 4:16COL 3:10TIT 3:5The preacher delves into the concept of 'Renewing' (anakainosis) as a qualitative renewal or renovation that makes a person different than in the past, resulting in a new heart, new Lord, new home, new purpose, and goal. This renewal is epitomized by a miraculous spiritual transaction at regeneration and continues in sanctification as believers present themselves to God. The process involves a continuous transformation of the mind by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to think in a new way aligned with God's perspective. The renewing of the mind leads to discerning and proving God's good, acceptable, and perfect will, allowing believers to live in accordance with His desires.
Filling of the Holy Spirit
0Holy SpiritSpiritual GrowthJHN 7:37JHN 7:391CO 2:14EPH 1:13Leon Morris emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, but it is not given indiscriminately; it is received only by those who are prepared to accept Him. He explains that while all Christians possess the Spirit, not all experience His fullness due to differing attitudes and personal responsibility. The desire for the Spirit is crucial, as it cannot be given where there is no thirst for divine aid or a willingness to forsake evil. Morris stresses that obedience to God is essential for receiving the Spirit, and that faith in Christ is the gateway to all blessings. Ultimately, the gift of the Spirit serves as a guarantee of greater things to come for believers, providing a foretaste of eternal life.
Temptations
0Jesus as Our ExampleTemptationLUK 22:44HEB 4:14Leon Morris emphasizes the reality of Jesus' temptations, particularly illustrated by His agony in Gethsemane, where He experienced profound struggle and emotional turmoil. He argues that Jesus' sinlessness does not diminish the intensity of His temptations; rather, it highlights His true humanity and the depth of His resistance. Morris points out that yielding to temptation does not reveal its full power, and only those who resist can truly understand its weight. Jesus' victory over temptation serves as a model for us, showing that His moral life is filled with genuine worth and struggle. We are encouraged to approach Jesus, our high priest, with confidence, knowing He understands our weaknesses and offers grace in our times of need.
Flesh vs. the Spirit
0Flesh vs. SpiritSanctificationROM 7:18ROM 8:5ROM 8:13EPH 2:3Leon Morris emphasizes the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating how the natural man's desires often contradict the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He explains that the Spirit's role is to reveal the inherent wretchedness of human nature, leading to a deeper conviction of sin necessary for sanctification. Morris points out that while the flesh seeks self-gratification, the Spirit focuses on glorifying God, creating an inevitable opposition between the two. He cites Paul's teachings to highlight that living according to the flesh leads to death, while being in the Spirit brings life. Ultimately, the victory lies with the Spirit of God, who empowers believers to overcome the flesh.
New Birth
0New BirthThe Holy SpiritJHN 6:63JHN 16:8ROM 8:21CO 2:142CO 3:122CO 5:17GAL 3:3TIT 3:51JN 3:241JN 4:13Leon Morris emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, asserting that the presence of the Spirit is the definitive mark of belonging to God. He explains that the Holy Spirit not only convicts individuals of their sin but also brings them to new life, enabling them to accept the gospel and experience a radical change akin to being 'born again.' Morris highlights that this spiritual rebirth is not a result of human effort but a supernatural act of God, affirming that the Christian life begins and is sustained through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Attitude - Rejoice, Pray, Thanks
0GratitudeJoy in ChristPrayerfulnessPSA 100:4JHN 3:3ROM 12:122CO 5:17EPH 6:18PHP 4:4COL 3:161TH 5:16JAS 1:21PE 5:7Leon Morris emphasizes that a true Christian, having been reborn and created anew, experiences a joy that transcends earthly circumstances, rooted in their identity 'in Christ.' This joy leads to a spirit of continual prayer, reflecting a deep dependence on God and His presence in their lives. Morris encourages believers to recognize God's purpose in all events, fostering an attitude of gratitude even in challenging times. The call to rejoice, pray, and give thanks is a hallmark of the Christian life, as believers focus on their spiritual riches rather than earthly struggles.