The Holy Spirit is essential to the Christian walk. The last few weeks we have been discussing the role of the Spirit in our lives by examining His important role in our salvation and how He assists our Christian walk.
In this blog, we continue to examine the role of the Spirit in our daily life. This time our responsibilities to the Spirit. Remember, as always, we need to use the Bible to explain the Spirit and not depend on our feelings and experiences. The truth is in scripture!
Believer’s Responsibilities to the Spirit
Christians’ actions towards the Spirit are nicely divided into two categories, what to do and what not to do. According to scripture, the Spirit dwells in believers permanently from the time of belief unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14); the full use of the Spirit’s power is available throughout life.
What not to do!
These verses do not explain how to avoid grieving or suppressing the Spirit. However, we suspect it is sin that would make the Spirit sad or suppress His actions in a person’s life because they are seeking their own desires.
What to do!
o Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25) – The word ‘walk’ (peripateoo, περιπατεω) indicates our manner of life, or lifestyle, especially in the moral realm. Otherwise we walk in the spirit when we were obedient to what the Bible says.
o Be mature (filled) in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) – The illustration in this great verse is not to be drunk. Alcohol literally can control brain cells by its chemical effect.
In contrast, Christians are to be filled with the spirit! The Greek word for ‘fill’ is πληρόω (Pleroo), which has an abstract meaning to be mature or complete. For mature Christians, their old actions are no longer possible as we have been changed by the Spirit. Therefore, in contrast with being drunk when actions are controlled by alcohol, a mature believer acts according to the Spirit (i.e., the Bible; John 14:26; John 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
o Be zealous towards the Spirit (Romans 12:11) - We should have an attitude of actively seeking the things of the Spirit, which are found in the Bible.
o Put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13) – The Spirit helps a believer defeat sin, but this verse indicates it is by our obedience that a person facilitates the Spirit’s gracious help.
So to help you remember, we act like a ‘cat’ to the Spirit, remember the mnemonic: MEWS (m=mature; e=end sin; w=walk; s=seek the Spirit).
How does a Christian accomplish the four actions above? Scripture is not specific, but based on the New Testament epistles, these commands seem to indicate it is by actively seeking and knowing God’s word and being obedient to it.
By this process the Spirit can change a believer’s mindset as they see God working, the truth of His word, answered prayer, and power to change lives to a mature person (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We have a great God who has given us wonderful promises and abundant provisions to help us live our lives in a fruitful manner, not only in service to Him but providing joy and peace in our own lives.
Join us next time as we continue our discussion of the major themes of scripture
Please review the role of the spirit in the last three weeks below or visit our website to review my chapter on this topic in my ebook ‘Know the Bible’.
William C. Stewart, MD
For questions or to view more of our research…
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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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