InstaStudy

The Spirit's Call: Responding to God's Enduring Patience

This study explores the profound meaning of God's declaration, "My spirit shall not always strive with man," examining the nature of God's Spirit, humanity's response, and the urgency of turning to Him before the limit of divine forbearance is reached.

1. The Nature of God's Spirit and His Relationship with Humanity

1.1 God's Spirit as the Life-Giver and Sustainer

Verses: Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30
  • The Spirit of God is the source of all life, breathing existence into creation.
  • It is through His Spirit that God actively sustains and maintains all living things.

1.2 The Spirit's Role in Conviction and Guidance

Verses: John 16:8; Nehemiah 9:30; Psalm 143:10
  • God's Spirit actively works to convict humanity of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
  • The Spirit guides individuals toward truth and righteous living, revealing God's will.

1.3 God's Patience and Longsuffering

Verses: 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4; Exodus 34:6
  • God is inherently patient and longsuffering, desiring all to come to repentance.
  • His forbearance is a demonstration of His mercy, providing ample opportunity for humanity to turn from sin.

2. The Striving of God's Spirit with Man

2.1 What "Striving" Means (Conviction, Warning, Drawing)

Verses: Genesis 6:3; Isaiah 30:21; Acts 7:51
  • "Striving" refers to God's persistent efforts through His Spirit to draw humanity to Himself.
  • This involves conviction of sin, warnings against unrighteousness, and an inward drawing towards truth.

2.2 Man's Resistance to the Spirit

Verses: Acts 7:51; Hebrews 3:7-8; Proverbs 29:1
  • Humanity often resists the Spirit's call through stubbornness, unbelief, and willful disobedience.
  • Such resistance hardens the heart, making it increasingly difficult to hear and respond to God.

2.3 The Consequences of Rejecting the Spirit's Striving

Verses: Proverbs 1:24-28; Hosea 4:6; Romans 1:28
  • Persistent rejection leads to God withdrawing His Spirit's active conviction.
  • Without the Spirit's guidance, individuals are left to their own devices, leading to spiritual blindness and moral decay.

3. The Limit of God's Forbearance and Impending Judgment

3.1 Historical Examples of God's Judgment (Noah's Flood)

Verses: Genesis 6:5-7; 2 Peter 2:5; Matthew 24:37-39
  • The account of Noah's Flood serves as a stark reminder of God's ultimate judgment when humanity's wickedness reaches its full measure.
  • God's declaration in Genesis 6:3 preceded this judgment, indicating a divine limit to His patience.

3.2 The Principle of Divine Justice

Verses: Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:12
  • While God is merciful, He is also just and must ultimately judge sin.
  • Every individual will face a day of reckoning for their deeds.

3.3 The Urgency of Repentance

Verses: Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; 2 Corinthians 6:2
  • The brevity of life and the certainty of judgment underscore the immediate need for repentance.
  • Today is the day of salvation; delaying a response to God's Spirit is perilous.

4. Responding to the Spirit's Call

4.1 Repentance and Turning to God

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Mark 1:15
  • True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God.
  • This is the foundational step in responding to the Spirit's conviction.

4.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism is commanded for the remission of sins, identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
  • It is to be administered in the name of Jesus for the full appropriation of His saving work.

4.3 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • Following repentance and baptism, believers are promised the infilling of God's Spirit.
  • This experience empowers believers for a life of holiness and service, often evidenced by speaking in other tongues.

4.4 Living a Spirit-Filled Life

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:13-14
  • Continually yielding to the Spirit's leading allows believers to walk in newness of life and overcome sin.
  • A Spirit-filled life produces the fruit of the Spirit and glorifies God.