This is the final post in a 5-part series, "Who Needs God the Holy Spirit" which includes 1-Identity, 2-Ministries, 3-Salvation, 4-Symbols, and lastly, 5-How to Walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s Ministries are Inspiration, Illumination, Anointing, Conviction, Intercession, Indwelling, Sealing, Deposit, a Restrainer, and Baptism. How to Walk in the Spirit is a personal application of the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life. It is the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit that makes Christianity different than any other religion.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is essential for everyone. Without Him, it is impossible to know God or escape sin and death. As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is God Himself, possessing a unique personality. His role is vital in the redemption of nonbelievers and the ongoing life of the regenerate believer. He originates from both God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son, sharing in the fullness of God's eternal nature and substance. For Christians, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a distinctive mark of God's ownership. Therefore, understanding the Holy Spirit's work and essence is crucial, as His absence results in a perpetual separation from God due to sin leading to eternal death.
"God, by His Spirit, brings old truth home to the heart, gives new light to our eyes, and causes the Word to exercise new power over us" (Charles Spurgeon).
Holy Spirit Indwells Believer's
Let us begin by recalling that the Holy Spirit dwells within the hearts of God's followers, marking those who are reborn and renewed. The Spirit directs, instructs, comforts, and impacts believers, fostering the fruits of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. This presence establishes a deep bond between God and His children. Every true believer in Christ has the Spirit living within them, offering the chance to respond to God's love and walk in the Spirit.
"However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:9-11).
For believers, the Holy Spirit dwells within us from the moment of conversion. This presence is the source from which many other ministries arise. Jesus mentioned the Spirit's indwelling to His disciples prior to His death and resurrection.
“The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).
From Christ’s words, it is clear the Spirit was already with the disciples but would be with them in a different way after his death, resurrection, and ascension.
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
The ministry of the Spirit through "indwelling" is crucial and vital, as it is foundational to the Holy Spirit's other roles. Due to the Spirit's presence within believers, he provides guidance, comfort, conviction, enlightenment, sealing, empowerment, and gifts, among other functions. His influence on our lives is evident in two specific ways: he reminds all believers of God's immense love and eternal security, and he teaches us how to live and walk empowered by His presence.
How to Walk in the Holy Spirit
Therefore, Christians have the indwelling Spirit of Christ, the Comforter who proceeds from the Father (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit assists believers in prayer,
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20)
and “intercedes for God’s people following the will of God.”
"And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27).
He also leads the believer into righteousness,
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law" (Galatians 5:16–18)
and produces His fruit in those yielded and surrendered to Him
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22–23).
As a result, believers are to submit to the will of God and walk in the Spirit.
In the Bible, the term “walk” frequently serves as a metaphor for practical daily living. It is a command, not merely a suggestion. The Christian life is a journey, and we are meant to walk it by making steady forward progress. The biblical standard for all believers is to walk in the Spirit rather than following their flesh, the world, or the devil:
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, KJV).
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
In other words, the Spirit gave us life in the new birth referred to as being born-again.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6),
Consequently, we can respond to God by living each day in the Spirit. Those who walk in the Spirit depend on God the Holy Spirit to direct their thoughts, words, and actions, which are manifested daily and moment-by-moment in love, holiness, and obedience.
The Law of God vs The Law of Christ
The "Law of God" is defined by the age we live in. It is imparted to every person as an inner awareness or conscience and obvious knowledge of God's creation. Adam and Eve had just one law or commandment: to eat only from the "Tree of Life" and not from the "Tree of Good and Evil." They violated God's law. From this point, humans continue to defy God's law throughout the Bible. Cain killed Abel because God rejected his offering according to His own law or preference (Genesis 4:1-26). Another instance was the women who allegedly bore the Nephilim after angels descended to earth to marry (Genesis 6:1-4). Both the angels and earth-dwellers disobeyed God.
Before the flood, all individuals were corrupt, with every intention of their hearts being evil (Genesis 6:5-22). Similarly, Nimrod constructed the Tower of Babel, defying God's will to scatter people across the earth (Genesis 11:1-9). These instances illustrate humanity acting on their desires and defying God. Until this point, God's law was guided by conscience or the law inscribed within them.
A more detailed law emerged as the Abrahamic Covenant. Previously, the law depended on obedience through conscious awareness. This Covenant was unconditional, relying solely on God to fulfill it for His purpose of selecting a people. Following this was the Law of Moses, a conditional covenant that promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
I think that every society, culture, and group of people understands right and wrong according to God's Ten Commandments. This is what I consider the "Law of God." Deep down, everyone knows not to commit murder, lie, steal, and so on. These principles have been inscribed in every human heart since the dawn of time, alongside God's creation which reveals His truth.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse"(Romans 18-20).
The Law of Christ
Next comes the "Church Age" or the "Age of Grace" which is the "Law of Christ." God's Law is now revealed and represented in the person of Jesus Christ.
"Bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ " (Galatians 6:2).
"to those who are without law (of Moses), as without law, though not being without the law of God (conscience) but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law (unbelievers)" (1 Corinthians 9:21).
Living by the Spirit means adhering to the Law of Christ, beginning with your connection to the Holy Trinity. This then extends to your spouse and family, followed by the community of believers, and ultimately to the wider world. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that it starts with supporting each other in our difficulties. This is only possible through the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit.
This concerns anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as depicted in the Holy Bible. Being a Christian led by the Spirit involves two main aspects. Firstly, it involves having faith and trust in Jesus as your savior, the only one who cleanses all your sins and grants you eternal life. This takes place in your heart, mind, and will, and is mirrored in your thoughts. The second aspect involves action, behavior, and obedience to God's commands. A straightforward way to show action is by embracing and fulfilling one another commands in the New Testament. Each reflects a different aspect of Jesus’ command to “love one another,” demonstrating how Jesus loves His children.
They especially refer to how believers in the Body of Christ are to treat one another, but they also can be applied to other people under the second half of Jesus’ Greatest Commandment,
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
If you are married this is the place to start and demonstrates practically the "one flesh bond" between husband and wife. “One Another” is especially important in marriage. It’s the love of Christ that unites a husband and wife as "one flesh" and reflects Christ and the Church
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit manifests as a result of the Holy Spirit's presence in a Christian's life. A key purpose of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is to transform that life. The Holy Spirit's role is to mold us into the image of Christ, thereby making us more like Him. The Bible is clear that everyone receives the Holy Spirit the moment he or she believes by faith in Jesus Christ.
"However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Romans 8:9).
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13).
"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14).
So, what is the fruit of the Spirit?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Believers who walk in the Spirit are joined with Him and carry the fruit that the Spirit yields. The following are the actions and behaviors that accompany this fruit.
Christians who walk in the Spirit live in love, expressing love towards God, family, and their fellow humans.
People who walk in the Spirit experience joy, showing happiness in what God has accomplished, is currently doing, and will continue to do.
Individuals who walk in the Spirit experience peace; their lives are free from worry and anxiety.
Those who walk in the Spirit exhibit patience. they are known for having a “long fuse” and do not lose their temper.
Christians who walk in the Spirit exhibit kindness by demonstrating genuine care for the needs of others.
Believers who walk in the Spirit embody goodness, their deeds mirror virtue and sanctity.
Individuals who walk in the Spirit exhibit faithfulness, remaining unwavering in their trust in God and His Word.
Those who walk in the Spirit embody gentleness, their lives are characterized by humility, grace, and thankfulness to God.
Christians who walk in the Spirit exhibit self-control, they display moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to the flesh.
A Battle Between the Flesh and Spirit
Chapter 5 of Galatians examines the influence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, emphasizing freedom from the Law of Moses. It highlights that those who live by the Spirit "eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope" and are freed from the Law. The problem of sin has been resolved through the cross (forgiveness) and the resurrection (eternal life) offered freely to genuine believers by Jesus Christ. Now, a conflict exists between the flesh and the Spirit regarding how we conduct our Christian lives.
Additionally, those who live by the Spirit “will not satisfy the desires of the flesh.” The flesh—our sinful nature and carnal desires remain under sin's power, though not under its death penalty. The flesh opposes the Spirit. When the flesh dominates, it leads to selfishness and evil (Galatians 5:19–21). However, when the Spirit leads, He cultivates godly attributes in us, free from the Law's constraints (Galatians 5:22–23). Believers “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24), enabling us to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is in direct contrast with the acts of the flesh.
ACTS OF THE SPIRIT | ACTS OF THE FLESH |
Love | Immorality |
Joy | Impurity & Sensuality |
Peace | Drunkenness & Carousing |
Kindness | Idolatry & Sorcery |
Goodness | Dissensions & Factions |
Faithfulness | Hostility & Strife |
Gentleness | Jealousy & Envying |
Self-control | Outbursts of Anger & Disputes |
against such things, there is no need for the law (of Moses). (Galatians 5:22-23) | those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21) |
you are now crucified with Christ Gal 5:24b | Paul says I have forewarned you. Gal 5:21 |
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The passage describes the state of all people, to different degrees, who are not acquainted with Christ and therefore are not guided by the Holy Spirit. Our sinful nature produces outcomes that reflect our natural fleshly tendencies, whereas the Holy Spirit produces outcomes that reflect His nature and character. Every Christian experience a continual struggle between living according to the flesh and living according to the spirit.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please"(Galatians 5:16-17).
The Christian life is a battle of the flesh against the new nature given by Christ.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As fallen humans, we are encased in a body that craves sinful things (Romans 7:14-25). As believers, we possess the Holy Spirit who cultivates His fruit within us, and through His power, we are equipped to overcome the deeds of the flesh.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
This can only be accomplished by walking in the Spirit. A Christian might not always manage to show the fruits of the Holy Spirit, yet a key aim of Christian life is to progressively allow the Holy Spirit to nurture His fruit within us and to conquer the opposing desires of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit embodies what God desires to observe in our lives, and with the Holy Spirit's help, it is achievable.
Controlled By Love
To walk in the Spirit means that we yield to His control, we follow His lead, and we allow Him to exert His influence over us. To walk in the Spirit is the opposite of resisting Him or grieving Him.
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30).
All Christians live in Christ's love. The believer is love-inspired, love-mastered, and love-driven.
"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE and is demonstrated in the following actions.
JOY - Joy is love's strength!
PEACE - Peace is love's security!
PATIENCE - Patience is love's endurance!
KINDNESS - Kindness is love's conduct!
GOODNESS - Goodness is love's character!
FAITHFULNESS - Faithfulness is love's confidence!
GENTLENESS - Gentleness is love's humility!
SELF-CONTROL - Self-control is love's victory!
The One Another's in the Bible
Walking in the Spirit involves action, behavior, and obedience to the commands of God. A simple way to demonstrate action is to embrace and fulfill one another commands in the New Testament. Each expresses a different aspect of Jesus’ command to “love one another.” Each demonstrates the way Jesus loves His children. They especially refer to how believers in the Body of Christ are to treat one another, but they also can be applied to other people under the second half of Jesus’ Greatest Commandment,
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
The following twenty-three "One Another" passages from the New Testament represent the heart of Jesus. They show you what it means for you to be walking in the spirit.
"These are the spiritual blessings of God’s love in Christ that we long for that reinforce and encourage that we belong to the family of God" (Philippians 2:1-4, MSG).
Love is the Foundation
In our faith journey, love is the cornerstone of all our relationships. We understand that true commitment to one another begins with love, which is the foundation of all solid connections. Love is selfless, willing to sacrifice, and prioritizes the well-being of others. We are encouraged not only to feel love but also to express it through our actions. The Bible emphasizes that love is the greatest commandment, and by committing ourselves to this eternal truth, we enrich our lives and those around us. Truly, it is an aspect of walking in the Spirit.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7).
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).
Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all [people] will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).
“Love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is vital to our dedication to each other and walking in accordance with the Spirit. As Christians, we all err, make mistakes, and sin. Yet, by forgiving one another, we show a commitment that reflects Christ's grace. Accepting God's forgiveness is key to forgiving others. Instead of harboring grudges, we are urged to show mercy, mend our relationships, and build trust. Embracing forgiveness allows us to progress and support each other, strengthening our commitments and bonds.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you "Ephesians 4:32".
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
Supporting Each Other During Trials
Life is full of challenges and hardships. Our dedication to one another becomes most evident during these tough times. The Bible encourages us to support and uplift each other. We should remind ourselves that we are all part of the body of Christ. Together, we can conquer any hurdle. Through empathy and collective strength, we can help each other rise from despair to hope. Remember Jesus is our hope and our sufficiency.
“Carry one another's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16).
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Acts of Kindness
In fostering commitment to one another, kindness is crucial for building a supportive environment. Small acts of kindness strengthen our connections and help our community thrive with love. The Bible urges us to be generous and assist others whenever possible. Our kindness not only uplifts those around us but also honors God in our relationships, reminding us of our duty to mirror His love by walking in the Spirit.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly [and sisterly] love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Serving One Another
Our dedication to each other is frequently shown through our readiness to serve. Serving one another is a deep expression of our love and commitment. We are encouraged to follow Jesus' example, who devoted His life to serving others. Service doesn't always require grand actions; even small deeds enhance our relationships. By choosing to serve one another, we embrace a spirit of unity and compassion that mirrors the heart of God.
"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10).
“Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
“Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14).
Unity in the Body of Christ
We are called to be united as one body in Christ, with each person contributing a crucial role in the larger mission. Our commitment to each other fosters unity, allowing us to work together efficiently to convey love and the message of the Gospel. Even with our varied gifts and talents, what truly matters is our unity in supporting and encouraging one another. Together, we can fulfill the Great Commission by spreading Christ's love and serving those in our community.
“Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).
“Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).
Building Each Other Up
Our commitment to one another involves fostering growth. We are encouraged to support each other, recognize our potential, and celebrate our successes in Christ. Providing constructive feedback is crucial for developing into the individuals God envisioned us to be. Let’s cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, enhancing our positive commitment to one another and inspiring each other to fulfill God’s will through the power of His Spirit and Word.
“Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
Faithfulness in Relationships
Being faithful also means staying loyal in our relationships. Our loyalty demonstrates our integrity and reliability, which are essential qualities for any relationship to prosper. The Bible emphasizes the significance of being dependable and keeping promises. By committing to be faithful to one another, we create an atmosphere of trust and safety, enabling love to grow. As God is faithful to us, we should reflect this trait towards each other.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).
“Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
“Do not slander one another” (James 4:11).
“Offer hospitality to one another” (1 Peter 4:9).
“Greet one another with a kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14).
Also, to walk in the Spirit is to be filled with the Spirit, and some results of the Spirit’s filling are thankfulness, singing, teaching, admonishing, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness, immersing oneself in the Word, and joy.
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father" (Ephesians 5:18–20).
Those who walk in the Spirit follow the Spirit’s lead. They let the word of Christ dwell richly in them.
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).
The Spirit uses the Word of God “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”
"All Scripture is inspired by God (God Breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Your whole Christian life is lived according to your faith, salvation, word, and Holy Spirit as you move toward obedience. When we walk in the Spirit, we find that the sinful appetites of the flesh have no more dominion over us. In this devotion and obedience to God, our lives become pleasing, fruitful, and sanctified.
"Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2).
Blessings, William S. Fuller
JESUS PLUS NOTHING SAVES YOU
This is a detailed discussion of who Jesus is and how He Saves you!
We All Have the Same Dilemma, We're Dead in Sin
Every human being, ethnic group, race, or gender finds themselves in this same dilemma. Therefore, there are three questions you would be wise to ask yourself and extremely prudent to answer.
One, why do I need to be saved?
Two, what does it mean for me to be saved?
Three, how am I saved?
I believe Only Jesus plus nothing not only saves you but answers these three questions.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD INTIMATELY AND FEEL HIS LOVING PRESENCE?
This is the ultimate Christian online course on learning how to be intimate with God, not just knowing about Him, but to experience Him so He influences your heart, your marriage, family, church, and world.
Comments