Acts 13:9-10 π 1 Cor. 6:17 π 2 Cor. 7:1 π 1 Jn. 1:9
Passivity of the spirit is closely associated with passivity of mind, because there is a close relationship between mind and spirit; a wrong thought generally means a wrong spirit, and a wrong spirit a wrong thought.
The human "spirit" is often spoken of in the Scriptures as having activities, and is described as being in various conditions. It can be moved, or be inactive, it can be "loosed," bound, depressed, faint, free, and moved from three sources: God, the devil, or the man himself. It can be pure, or "filthy" ( 2 Cor. 7:1 , A.V.), or in a mixed condition, in the sense of being pure up to a degree, with other degrees of impurity to be dealt with.
By the cleansing power of the Blood of Christ ( 1 Jn. 1:9 ), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the spirit is brought into union with Christ ( 1 Cor. 6:17 ), and should actively dominate the man in full co-operation with the Holy Spirit. But passivity of spirit can be brought about by so many causes, that believers may be scarcely conscious of having any "spirit" at all, or else, through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which releases the human spirit into freedom and buoyancy, the man may become acutely conscious of the spirit life for a season, and afterwards sink into passivity of spirit, unknowingly. This, then, means absolute powerlessness in the warfare with the powers of darkness; for full liberty, and usage of the spirit in co-working with the indwelling Holy Spirit, is a supreme essential for personal victory, and wielding the authority of Christ over the powers of evil. (See example of Paul in Acts 13:9-10; top )
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