Transformed by the Spirit
Saul was transformed into a new person when the Holy Spirit came upon him. He was given a new heart.(I Samuel 10:6,9) This same transformation happens to every one of us, when the Spirit comes to reside in us at salvation. Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy. It is a fundamental change in who we are. We become new in Christ.(John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17, 21)
Saul was chosen to be the king of God's people. He could not do that without the power of God and the mind of God leading him. Therefore, God gave him the Spirit. The Spirit did His work to change Saul. He was new on the inside, a new person. At that point he could hear from God and prophesy for Him.
When we become Christians, God makes us into new people, because we are His children and His servants. We can't do anything on our own. It is only by the power of the Spirit in us. We must listen and obey Him. Then, we can do His will. It is not by trying harder. It is by being who the Spirit has transformed us to be. It takes a supernatural change, a new heart. This only comes when the Spirit comes, and if the Spirit is not in us, we are not Christians.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 12-14.
Saul was chosen to be the king of God's people. He could not do that without the power of God and the mind of God leading him. Therefore, God gave him the Spirit. The Spirit did His work to change Saul. He was new on the inside, a new person. At that point he could hear from God and prophesy for Him.
When we become Christians, God makes us into new people, because we are His children and His servants. We can't do anything on our own. It is only by the power of the Spirit in us. We must listen and obey Him. Then, we can do His will. It is not by trying harder. It is by being who the Spirit has transformed us to be. It takes a supernatural change, a new heart. This only comes when the Spirit comes, and if the Spirit is not in us, we are not Christians.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 12-14.