Lenten Season Week Three: Inspection: by Deacon Phil Stevenson

Inspection

Like the once beloved cartoon character Inspector Gadget, we believers have every tool inside of us to succeed in our earthly mission (Ephesians 1:3). The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ granted us power (Acts 1:8) to be more than conquerors. Yet, the effectiveness of these tools depends on Spirit led actions.

Golden Text:

1 Corinthians 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

News Flash! Christ is seeking to change us from the inside out. Yes, this is an old well, but the water still gives life. Therefore, to be more than conquerors (as Christ is) we must go through constant inspection and, if needed, pruning to remove all impurities. God has assured us that through the Holy Spirit, conviction will accompany the inspection at times. It’s a developmental process, which results in us being complete members of the Kingdom (James1:1-2). In addition, God charges us to lend him a hand with this inspection; everything that is done on earth has to be done through mankind (Genesis 1:26), hence in the words of Reverend Lula Baker, we must all participate in our own rescue.

Galatians 5:22-23

Be fruitful: The fruit of the Spirit showcases all the attributes that should be attributed to us. When people see us, do they see agents of love, joy, peace, etc.? For the sake of today’s lesson, let’s focus on the last and hyphenated word: self-control. This is a key theme through scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It’s a barometer from the Holy Spirit, allowing us to see if our free will is under Jesus’ rulership, or if that same free will is ruling us.

2 Timothy 2:15

Test taking: Study! It’s the only way to pass the tests of life. When situations arise, we as humans often begin inspecting (where did I go wrong, whose fault is this, etc.). There’s no denying most questions take an inward look. These times are difficult, yet through consistent study, we fill ourselves with the supernatural word of God, which is Christ. And when we are in the heat of the battle (Ephesians 6:12-13) we use the sword (the Word which we studied) to obtain victory.

Philippians 2:12

Sanctified Reverence: Our reverence (respect driven fear of disappointing God) should cause a yearning inside of us to draw near to Him and be separate from this world. We should appreciate the sanctification process, relishing in not damaging our witness by following the world’s view. The fact is, Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom and because of that, we must operate under a different modus operandi (see Joshua 24:15).

James 1:24-25

The Image: In this season, as we march towards Calvary, the Spirit reminds us of what the savior did for us. That salvation’s steep price secured a spot for us in Heaven and allows us to get slices of Heaven on earth (see John 10:10). The trinity made us in their image. Made us to represent them here on earth. When we practice Christ Led inspection, we see what needs improvement and our importance to the Kingdom (see Luke 15:8-10).

As we look with in, let our hearts be forever thankful. Thankful to the Father that He loved us enough to send His Son. Thankful to the Son that loved us enough to stay on the cross. For He had all power to get down, but because of His obedient work, we have life and life more abundantly. Last, we should be forever thankful to the Spirit for His steadfast witness, never wavering in pointing us toward being more like Christ and less like ourselves. He is Risen, so we can be transformed!