The Formulas of the Magicians

There exist many magic formulas for living for God and doing the work of God. But in the final analysis, do these really work? What I have found is that they do not work nor do they fit with what Scripture really teaches. The Bible pictures growth in Christ as a long term process (Philippians 3:12-16; Ephesians 4:12-16; Colossians 2:19), and it is pictured as involving disciplined practice (1 Timothy 4:7,8; Hebrews 5:13,14; 12:1-3). This does not mean we can do things on our own, without God's work in our life to empower us. Quite the contrary; God has said He is at work in us to empower us to do what is right (2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29) and is at work through  us to accomplish His purposes in the world (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:6,7; Matthew 16:18). In fact, we are told that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5; Romans 8:8; 7:18). But is there something I must do to obtain this power? The logical implication of the verses quoted is that it is for all genuine believers in Christ. We are told we have all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and that in Christ we are made complete (Colossians 2:10) and are given every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). God has also stated we are victorious in Him (1 John 5:4,5; Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 2:14).

There is still left a place for us to respond (Galatians 5:16; Colossians 2:6,7; Ephesians 5:18). But this is not some mysterious secret, but the simple response of obedient love to God for what He has done for us (1 John 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; Titus 2:11-14). Now it is clearly part of that obedience to trust in God and His power rather than our own abilities (Psalms 127:1,2; Proverbs 3:5,6; 2 Corinthians 3:5,6). But it is trusting in God based on what He has stated He is doing in our life. Yet we still have to decide whether to trust and obey God in any given situation. God also provides power to meet specific circumstances or carry out specific ministries (Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; 9:17; 13:9). Note that the same people are filled more than once to meet new challenges. We are also told the Spirit gives us various gifts to enable us to do God's will (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-10; 1 Peter 4:10). But we are told that the Spirit distributes these as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), that not every person  has every gift (1 Corinthians 12:29,30), and that the possession of a particular gift is not a proof of spirituality (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Therefore, I would conclude that while we are all spiritually in a growth process, there is no instant fix for spirituality that belongs to some spiritual elite. Rather, God is at work in all His people to transform them into the image of His son (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:23,24; Colossians 3:10,11). This is a lifelong process and there are no shortcuts.