The Spirit-Filled Life: God's Power in You“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
This is one of the most important truths we can learn that will lead us to spiritual maturity—to seeing consistent victory in our lives as Christians—walking in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a person, just as much so as God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. These three make up the trinity. God in three persons. Before Jesus left this earth, He promised His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans, but that He would send them His Spirit. The Spirit of Truth. The Comforter. (John 14:16-18)
Why would they—and why do we—need His Spirit with us at all times?
Jesus explains in John 16.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5-6
Though the Spirit can be suppressed, grieved, or quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30) the Bible is clear that there will be evidence of the Spirit in some form if a person is a true child of God (Luke 6:43-45).
Though the Spirit has been given in full at salvation and will never be taken away (Ephesians 1:13-14), to enjoy the fullness of the Spirit, we must live just as we were saved: “The just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38).
When we exhibit faith and surrender to the will of the Father, the Spirit takes over in our lives. Not only does He fill us with His power to obey and accomplish God’s work, but we can sense His presence, and His fruit is evident to all: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Two illustrations always come to mind when I think of my responsibility towards the Spirit:
We must let the Pilot take over. Kneel before our Master….broken. Holy Spirit, be my Pilot. Take control!
One of the biggest "adult" lessons I've had to learn is that my words will not bring conviction to the heart of a prodigal. "We cannot by our words or actions convict them, but the Holy Spirit does this through us." Only the Holy Spirit can do that. PRAY! How will you seek Him this week?
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter
3 Comments
8/10/2021 09:10:42 am
What a packed-full yet concise description of the Holy Spirit and His ministry. I like that analogy of taking our hands off the controls so He does the piloting.
Reply
8/10/2021 05:07:06 pm
Yes! Only the Holy Spirit can convict. When we try to do it, we make things worse.
Reply
8/11/2021 05:39:33 pm
The Spirit is at the same time a mystery, a comfort, a guide and the power source for me.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here.
How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, lock screens, and more? You’re going to love this library, there is all kinds of exclusive content, just for you! Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either. After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! Top PostsFeaturedCategories
All
Archives
September 2023
|