Beloved Object
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in creating a hatred for the old nature and a hunger for the new, and the power of Christ's resurrection in lifting us up and strengthening us.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within believers, creating a disdain for the old nature and a longing for the new nature. He highlights the importance of rejecting the old self to embrace the new self in Christ, emphasizing the need for a testimony that relies on God's perfect gift of acceptance. Stanford encourages focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ as the standard, enabling believers to experience the power of His resurrection and press forward in their spiritual journey.
Text
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10).
The Holy Spirit creates within us a hatred for the old nature, and a hunger for the new nature. Without a rejection of the old, there cannot be a projection of the new.
"I want a testimony that delivers me from the things I am occupied about in myself when I am suffering from them. I get it from God's gift that is perfect. I am 'accepted in the Beloved' (Ephesians 1:6). You say, There is something about myself I cannot get over. Remember, the testimony of the Spirit in us is the contrary of the testimony of the Spirit to us. In me, He takes notice of every fault that is not righteousness; but the testimony to us is, 'Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more' (Hebrews 8:12)."
"If we make morality our standard, we will be sure to fall below what we purpose. Whatever we put before us as our criterion, there will be always a falling short. If we have the Lord Jesus Christ risen and in heaven as our Object, we shall prove the power of His resurrection, not only in lifting us up when we are conscious of our exceeding short-comings, but in strengthening us to 'press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 3:14)."
"The Word of God teaches me union, but the Person of Christ brings out all that I derive from union with Him. The Word is always my authority for my position, but acquaintance with the Person confirms and manifests my position."
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:10).
Sermon Outline
- The Holy Spirit's Work
- The Importance of Rejection
- The Power of Christ's Resurrection
- Union with Christ
- The Word of God teaches union
- The Person of Christ confirms and manifests union
Key Quotes
“I want a testimony that delivers me from the things I am occupied about in myself when I am suffering from them.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The testimony of the Spirit in us is the contrary of the testimony of the Spirit to us.” — Miles J. Stanford
“If we make morality our standard, we will be sure to fall below what we purpose.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We must reject our old nature in order to project the new nature.
- We should not make morality our standard, but rather look to Christ's resurrection for strength and guidance.
- We must be strong in the Lord to grow spiritually and be protected from spiritual attacks.