03 september, 2023

THE SPIRIT CONTROLLED LIFE

(Growing in Faith, in Truth & in Spirit: GFTS 11)

The Bible states clearly who are truly the children of God: “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom.8:14). Only those who are “led by the Spirit of God are children of God”. If we are not Spirit-led then we are led by the flesh and by the devil. That is because the devil controls our flesh (the sinful nature), as “the whole world is under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). This suggests that one may not even be a true Christian if not led by the Spirit. Eph.2:1-3 tell us that those who are “dead in trespasses and sin” are under the power of the flesh, the world, and the devil. That means they are not Christians because they are controlled by “the spirit of disobedience”.

Only one who is “born again of the Spirit” has the witness of the Spirit that he is a child of God and can call Him “Abba Father” (Rom.8:15-16). Only when the Holy Spirit lives in us who are “born again” then can we be led by the Spirit of God. The Bible also tells us that “He who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him” (Rom.8:9). The Holy Spirit is the “Seal and Guarantee” of our Redemption and Salvation (Eph.1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor.5:5).

The words, “led by the Spirit” can also mean “controlled by the Spirit”. In the previous verses of our text, we are told that “the mind governed (or controlled) by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please God” (Rom.5:5-8). So, if we are not controlled by the Spirit of God then we are “hostile” towards God and do not submit to Him and His will. Being a friend of the world as seen by our attitude and lifestyle make us an “enemy of God” (James 4:4). We need to search our heart honestly and reflect carefully on our life and attitude.

The only way we can be Spirit-led and come under His control is to ensure that we are “born again” of the Spirit. That happens when we sincerely believe and surrender our life to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. The moment we do that, God sends His Spirit to dwell in us and we become His children. The Holy Spirit then bears witness with our human spirit to assure us that we are His children (Rom.8:16).

The next step is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal.5:16). That is, to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and tell us how to live for God and Christ. He does this through the Word of God and by speaking to our spirit man. It is in obedience to His promptings that we can “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal.5:25). Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit is our “Counsellor” Who will guide us and show us what to do in our daily living. That way, we will always be able to walk in the will of God and please Him in every way.

The result of this walk and fellowship with the Spirit is that our life will be changed – transformed into the image of Christ. We will then produce the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), and so our life will be spiritually strong in faith, in power and in the joy of the Lord! 

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