The Holy Spirit is vital to the Christian walk. The last few weeks we have discussed the important roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives including in our salvation and invariable assistance He provides every day.
In this blog we examine the role of the Spirit in our lives that are dependent upon our obedience. Therefore, these actions by the Spirit are available to us if we're seeking God through His word. Remember, we need to use the Bible to explain the Spirit’s actions in our lives and not by our feelings or experiences. We should live by facts and not emotion.
Believer dependent roles
Two passages are critical to understand the variable actions of the Spirit, Romans 8:13-16, 26 and Ephesians 6:10-17.
· Stops sin (v.13) – As we are obedient, the Spirit helps put to death the deeds of the flesh.
· Leads us (v.14) – Many Christians believe this biblical concept but may not understand how the Spirit leads. In short, the Spirit uses a believer’s knowledge of God’s word to them (please see below passage in Ephesians 6). Indeed, the Bible often tells us to be people of knowledge and understanding, for example in Paul’s prayers for others (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9). Please see the chapter over God's leading.
· Comforts believers that they are God’s children (V.16) – The Spirit encourages us that they belong to God and should not be anxious about eternity.
The magnificent “armor of God” passage is critical to understanding the Christian’s lifestyle. It describes our access to God’s power by arming ourselves as a Greek hoplite soldier. Often Christians wonder how they can know the power of God. These great verses describe it!
However, it is also important in showing the role of the Spirit because His mighty actions are linked to each piece of armor, also described in other scriptures.
· Truth (the belt to prepare us, v.14) – Developing a mindset of truth is a “fruit” or result of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and provides mental preparation for making proper decisions and actions.
· Righteousness (the breastplate, v.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and can perceive and reject sin (Ephesians 5:9).
· Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle, v.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).
· Faith (the shield, v.16) – Another result of the Spirit is faith in which we should make all decisions and God desires (Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 14:23).
· Eternal security (the helmet, v.17) – The sound knowledge of security of salvation protects our mind in the face of trouble in this world; its function is from the Spirit (Romans 15:13).
· The Bible (the sword, v.17) – The power of God in the Christian walk is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible.
Wow what great truths! These passages tell us how the Spirit acts in believers’ lives to cause them to please God and experience His power.
Therefore, in our Christian walk the Spirit has several key roles that He graciously provides to produce results, lead and help us live by His power. However, as His children we need to be obedient to His word to allow the Spirit to work and to attain full access to the Spirit in our lives. God wants us to know Him and be holy like Him. He graciously provides us every avenue to help us accomplish His great goal.
Join us next time as we discuss our own responsibilities to the Spirit dependent on our obedience.
William C. Stewart, MD
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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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