For You formed my inward parts… I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
~Ps 139:13-14 (NKJV)
God’s design for mankind is nothing short of miraculous. Perfectly suited to earth’s conditions, He created each of us with a
- body (flesh and bones),
- soul (thoughts, intellect and emotions), and a
- spirit (connection to Him)
Our spirit is the deep, inner stirring within us that speaks into our conscious mind. Our spirits serve as our
- Conscience – telling us what is right and wrong,
- Intuition – helping us to make decisions, an our
- Way to commune with/worship God.
Our Elohim, the all-powerful Creator, is the only One who fully understands our design, but godly men throughout the ages have pondered its mystery.
“There is a spirit in man and
the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.”
~Job 32:8
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD,
searching all the innermost parts of his being.”
~Proverbs 20:27 (Solomon)
The Apostle Paul distinguished our three parts in his beautiful prayer,
“And the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely,
and your whole [being];
the spirit and the soul and the body
be kept blameless in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:23
Over the past two weeks, we’ve overviewed honoring God with our body and soul. Let’s look at what it means to honor Him with our spirit.
In its natural state, our spirit has a “me first” mindset. This was born at the Fall, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. From then on, sin separated us from God. 
But God had a plan.
At the perfect point in history, He sent His Son to live among us. Jesus revealed God’s grace and mercy to mankind, and showed His own love for us by serving, teaching and sacrificing His life for us.
At another perfect point in history. God sent His Holy Spirit to live within us.
“[Jesus’ followers] saw what seemed to be tongues of fire
that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
~Acts 2:3-4
For the first time since the Fall, mankind could enjoy a personal relationship with God! To everyone who trusts in Christ Jesus to forgive their sin, God gives His Holy Spirit. He (the Holy Spirit) blends with man’s natural spirit to transform him from the inside out.
This miraculous event has an air of completion to it, doesn’t it? Believe Jesus died for your sins, receive the Holy Spirit, and live happily ever after. Right?
Wrong. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world with difficult people, tragic events and evil spirits. To add to the volatile mix, our own selfish spirit struggles to have its way.
As long as we live on earth, our selfish nature will struggle against the Holy Spirit. It’s why the New Testament writers had so much to say about denying ourselves.
It’s hard. We want what we want when we want it, but that selfish attitude doesn’t honor God. What does honor Him is a humble, teachable spirit that obeys Him. And it all begins with His Word: 
“For the Word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit…”
~Hebrews 4:12
Not only does God’s Word penetrate, but it fans the flame of the Holy Spirit within us! He convicts our natural spirit so we can change our attitudes (soul) and behaviors (body) to look more like His Son.
More like Jesus, body, soul and spirit. What a great goal for 2013!
Does the Holy Spirit of God live within you, or does your natural spirit guide your life? If you’re not sure, read this.
Love this thought for the day!!! As of late, I have been calling on the Holy Spirit to move in me and help me to see others through Jesus’s eyes. More of Him, less of me. More of Him, less of me. (repeat 7 times 70)
I love this new series you are doing. AND I love you! ♥
I love YOU and I love your mantra:
More of Him, less of me…
More of Him, less of me…
More of Him, less of me…
Most definitely!
Ok girls, I can remember this one. Will chant while folding laundry…
Sidenote: YAY!!! I WAS FIRST TO LEAVE A COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holluhhhhhh
Susan, I never actually knew this…the difference between soul and spirit, but it makes so much sense. Thank you! I actually pray daily to the Holy Spirit to come into my heart and my life and to shape my thoughts and reveal God’s plan for me. Beautiful post!
So glad you stopped by, Mandy! Ah yes, for the Holy Spirit to shape my thoughts and reveal God’s plan — we ALL need that!
Praying for the Holy Spirit to continuously win the struggle against my selfish nature!
Thanks for your wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement!!
Love you!
Love you too, Kristi! Yes, like Paul said, “Wretched man am I – who will save me from this body of death!” He knew it well, didn’t he?
Susan, I so appreciated reading this today. I have been slowly learning to still myself enough to hear the Spirit leading me. Something happened last week that was the direct result of that Spiritual Nudge, and boy, did it ever blow me away! It’s too long of a story for here (or even for my blog), but the short version is that God placed me in the right place at the right time — for His glory!
Blessings!
~Anna
Oh Anna, I hate the story is too long to share! I love tales of God’s nudges. They always lead to something so amazing there’s no other explanation than that He was behind it! I hope you can whittle it down to a blog-sized story sometime
Excellent use of Scripture this morning, Susan. What fans the Holy Spirit in to flame in my life? It is the Word, for sure. Can’t read it without being pierced, inspired, or blessed. So, the war in my world is always about making sure I have the time in the Word!
Thanks so much, Kirsten. I appreciate that encouragement coming from such a student of the Word. It definitely is the two-edged sword that keeps me on my knees!
Although I have known of the three parts, I particularly like your description of the spirit: “Our spirit is the deep, inner stirring within us that speaks into our conscious mind. Our spirits serve as our
Conscience – telling us what is right and wrong,
Intuition – helping us to make decisions, an our
Way to commune with/worship God.”
Great words! I cut and pasted this to my husband (avoiding the pic of the gorgeous girl).
Thanks so much, Magdalena. We don’t hear a lot of teaching on this, but scripture is clear about the distinction. When we study and seek God on these things, the more He reveals to us through His Word. So glad you stopped by today!
“Not only does God’s Word penetrate, but it fans the flame of the Holy Spirit within us!” Yes and amen!
always encouraged by you, friend. Thank you for reiterating what He’s been whispering to me lately…
Thank you, Nikki. It’s amazing how He confirms His message in our lives. He is GOOD
Susan this is one of the best post that I really need today. One hectic morning of helping husband being on the phone to help him with listening (hearing aid issues). I really need to focus on helping him this way, & this is less of me and more of Jesus. I can be really frustrated if I think of myself. I have not hiked since Jan 1st coz Mark wants to walk so we power walked today and this morning & I told him if we are doing 5 miles , gee we can walk to McDonalds & get some sundae & he said NO. My thinking is McDonalds is less than 3 miles & we could have been there in no time. I love McDonald sundae , why can’t I have it once in awhile. It is silly you know, but my goodness when he craves for something I do it for him but me ?? well, I know you think it is so crucial but again, I know you love those Dove chocolates.
so you know what I mean friend. I think I will just sneak it myself when I am alone. hehehehe
Oh Anita, bless your heart. So sorry you’ve had a rough morning. I hope it turns around and you and sweet Mark are able to go for a walk, or even a hike soon! And yes, I do love those Dove Darks
I’m glad this post blessed you. It started off as a reeeeally long one, but I prayed and edited. Hopefully it’s understandable without treating the subject too casually. That’s a fine line. U KNOW
Like Mandy, I never knew the distinction either. Honestly, when I first started reading this post, I was skeptical. Thank you for explaining and for including several scriptural references that highlight the differences. And for the coaching on how to train my spirit.
Love Sandi’s mantra!
I’m so glad you stuck with it, Julia! This is one of those deep mysteries that’s hard for us to wrap our brains around. Scripture is full of them, and it’s good to ponder what the Word has to say about them. There’s a lot to ponder with this one!
Susan,
I’m glad I clicked on just now. It’s very cold here in WV right now and being a S. Alabama girl originally, I would much rather stay home tonight and snuggle close to my pellet stove, but my husband and I committed to reading scripture tonight during our prayer service. So if I want to be led by the Spirit rather than the flesh, I’d better buck up and get going! (:
Thanks for sharing!
Ohh the flesh is strong, Glenda, especially when it’s COLD! And I know how brutal those WV winters can be! Glad you stopped by today, and I hope you’re back in your toasty PJs before long!
Hi Susan,
Just had a similar conversation this morning with my Bible study gals. The question was, “what quenches the Spirit’s work in our lives?” The biggest one we discussed was DISOBEDIENCE!!! So, I suppose the opposite is also true — obedience opens our heart to more of Him and His leading.
Thank you for sharing this word with us today. Much love to you, Hester
Wow, Hester — God really DOES have us on parallel paths, doesn’t He? You’re so right — our disobedience is a sure Spirit quencher. And something else? Complacency, distraction, etc. I’m finding it takes focus to keep that connection strong!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate you more than you know!
Yes, there is the constant inner battle. There are times it’s easier and times it’s harder, but it’s always there, ready to rear its ugly head. How I long for the day of no temptation, no weakness, no veering off the path He has for me.
How I long for eternity with Him!
Me too, Vonda. The constant inner battle is tiresome. How great it will be to be released from, as Paul calls it, “this body of death.”
Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment.
Dear Susan:
I am always open to your posts and it seems that they all send a message directed to me! I am always enlightened in ways that help me to grow spiritually and sometimes I wish I had on hard-toe boots! The part about the HOLY SPIRIT convicting the natural spirit is such a teachable moment for me as I realize the times I have missed out to be a living witness.
Thankx again for your thoughts that make me think!
Jeff
Aw, thanks so much Jeff. That means a lot coming from such a long-time friend. Good thing you already have steel-toed boots
But gracious, haven’t we ALL missed out more times that we care to remember? PTL for new mercies every morning!
Your comment made my day. Thank you!
Hi Susan
This is my first visit to your blog after I found you at Mindy’s. I enjoyed your precise teaching on how we were created and how our Pappa God works in and through us. Thank you.
Much love
Mia
I’m so glad you visited today, Mia! There’s no way for us to wrap our brains around the wonder of our makeup, but we can certainly praise our Creator and live to honor Him
Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment!
Hi Susan! “More like Jesus, body, soul and spirit” is truly a great goal for 2013. You are such an inspiration to me! And so I have nominated your blog for the “Blog of the Year 2012.” Check out the details here: http://faithlovejoyhope.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/excited-thankful-humbled-by-awards/
Blessings!
~Anna
Aw, thanks Anna! I’ll check that out.
And thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I pray we ALL grow more like Jesus, in every way!