22 January, 2023
The Bible says that “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Rom.8:9). When a person believes and receives Christ as Lord and Savior, he is “born of the Spirit” Who then lives in him and becomes the Seal and Guarantee of his salvation (John 3:3, 5; Eph.1:13,14). Only when the Holy Spirit dwells or resides in the believer then can he belong to Christ, Who purchased or redeemed him with His own Blood (1 Peter 1:18,19).
The Bible also says that “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom.8:14). The word “led” means to “submit” to or to be “controlled” by the Holy Spirit. If we are not led or controlled by the Holy Spirit then we are controlled by the evil spirit. That is why a person without the Spirt of God is in bondage and habitually lives a sinful life.
Romans 8:5-8 tell that living in the flesh (the sinful nature) causes one to be hostile towards God, does not obey God’s commands and cannot please God, thus leading to eternal death. But living by the Spirit of God is eternal life and peace.
Notice the instruction: only “those who are led by the Spirit of God are God’s children”. This is proof that a person is “born again” and has the Holy Spirit living in him. When a person submits to the Spirit, his life will be transformed by His power and his purpose will be to glorify God and his behavior will change for the better. That is the reason why the Bible says that “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away and all things have become new” (2 Cor.5:17). This new life is the life of holiness and is pleasing to God and gives victory over sin, temptation and evil habits. We are then able to live as God commands us: “Be holy in all that you do; for it is written, “Be holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
It takes commitment and discipline to live in constant submission to the Holy Spirit. The human tendency (because the flesh is weak) is to live a self-determined life – doing what we want or desire even when we know that it is wrong or not in accordance with God’s Word and command. Hence God commands us to “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh” (Gal.5:16). This is the secret of victory over sin and temptation.
“Walking” suggests companionship, fellowship and communication with the Spirit as one walks with a friend. That means we are constantly aware of His Presence and depending on Him for guidance, grace and strength in the way we live. This will ensure that we will not fall into temptation and will always do what is right and pleasing to God. Walking also suggests progress – like what the Apostle says “pressing forward towards the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:13-14). We are not only to “walk in the Spirit” but also to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal.5:25). In other words, we don’t lag behand but always walk alongside Him Who is also our Counselor and Companion. Talk to Him as you walk and listen to what He has to say and then your Christian life will be so exciting and joyful. AMEN!
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