By ourselves we are not qualified to claim that anything comes from us. Rather, our credentials come from God, who has also qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant, which is not written but spiritual, because the written text brings death, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (ISV)
INTRODUCTION
Who qualifies us? Is it men? Is the laying on of hands of the faithful servants of the Lord? While surely, it is one of the ways that one can be commissioned into our calling, and preferably so, it is ultimately the Holy Spirit residing in us that qualifies us to accomplish our assignment. It is the Holy Spirit in us that shapes us, molds us, and changes us. Molds us into the finished product, ready to shine for the world.
QUALIFIED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
There are topics the Church remains divided in even nowadays. One such topic happens to be following the law or rather commandments. Many believe we do not need to, others claim the opposite. It is true that in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (ISV) it says that the written word brings death, while the Spirit gives life, but that does not mean the Law is meant to be abolished.
Scripture states in Matthew 5: 17-20, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
God knew we would never be able to accomplish the commandments on our own. Yeshua was sent to do it instead and to take sin upon Himself so that we would be forgiven. It is only through Him and His finished work on the cross that we are saved.
Yet still, the Law of God is Holy. Following it in Spirit not merely as rules and rituals bring life. Ultimately Yeshua came to release us from the power of death that fell on us when we did break the law. And to empower us to change internally and in the end produce fruit that will lead us to follow the law in our lives as well.
Questioning these teachings brought a sense of unworthiness upon me. And the feeling of being judgmental and not qualified. Who am I to question what was being taught?
And then I got the revelation through trusted spiritual leaders, among them being Joshua Miller, that I am worthy not because of what I have done or will ever do. I am worthy because of what Yeshua did. And I am qualified because I have the Holy Spirit in me.
All of us are called to share the gospel. All of us. In whatever unique way God has called us to do this. And also the Lord will qualify those He calls. Having the Holy Spirit qualifies us. If we step out in faith, He will partner with us.
As Yeshua said the Holy Spirit will speak in that hour, you need not worry what you will need to say. And it is through the Holy Spirit that others will be healed, not through us - our flesh - but rather through the Spirit.
Still, staying connected to trusted, seasoned warriors of the Kingdom of God is advisable and may be necessary and wise. If not careful we can be led astray. We should not trust every spirit, but rather test them. And staying in connection with trusted mentors, and individuals can assist us from falling into deception.
CONCLUSION
The Law was not abolished by Yeshua, despite what some of the Church may believe. We are called to abide by it. But not through our strength alone. What qualifies us to bear witness and spread the gospel into the world in our unique way is the Holy Spirit that resides in us. He equips us to accomplish good deeds and finish our race.
Application
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for equipping and qualifying us. Teach our lips to preach only your Word and Truth into the lives of others. Equip us to be a witness of your love, mercy, and grace for others to see. Also, I ask you to guide us to individuals who will willingly stand guard over us and correct us whenever necessary.
