Spiritual life and influence

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Spiritual life and influence

 

Romans 8:14-17  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 

Indwelling:

     At conversion the believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God (2 Pet 1:4; Jan 14:16, 17). We are made alive spiritually by the Spirit (Eph 2:1). The Spirit gives us understanding (1 Jn 2:20). The Spirit within speaks to us through our spirit (Jn 8:9; 1 Tim 1:5; Ro 9:1). The Spirit will guide using various methods – our conscience being one of the methods to guide us.

 

David and the Spirit:

      Four evidences that he was influenced by the Spirit:

  1. His conscience was smitten (1 Sam 24:6,7)
  2. His behavior changed (1 Sam 24:5). The measure of our closeness to God is the time between conviction and action.
  3. He exercised restraint (1 Sam 24:6,7) The Holy Spirit will restrain us if we allow Him (2 Thes 2:6,7; Lu 21:12-19).
  4. Respected God more than man’s desire (1 Sam 24:6). We are to honor men according to God’s perspective (Ro 13:5-8).

 

Evidence of the Spirit’s filling:

      Being filled with the Spirit is compared to being filled with wine (Eph 5:18) The conduct of a person is evidence of being filled with wine – words, actions, reactions.

      Being Spirit filled is not same as chemical control (depressant) we cannot be filled with the Spirit and a demon at the same time. We can be influenced in sequential time with either one (Matt 16:16,21-23).

See also James 3:11.

  1. We manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22,23) It is not an ecstatic feeling but when we obey the Spirit and do good to/for others we may be overcome by emotions.
  2. Our day to day actions and speech will be Spirit related. We make the best use of time for God.
  3. We seek to know and understand God’s will in all circumstances. We give thanks in all things.
  4. We are peaceable and easy to be entreated (Jam 3:17,18).
  5. More boldness to witness.
  6. More pleasant in relationships. Godly reactions more often.