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:
- His conscience was smitten (1 Sam 24:6,7)
- His behavior changed (1 Sam 24:5). The measure of our closeness to God is the time between conviction and action.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Our day to day actions and speech will be Spirit related. We make the best use of time for God.
- We seek to know and understand God’s will in all circumstances. We give thanks in all things.
- We are peaceable and easy to be entreated (Jam 3:17,18).
- More boldness to witness.
- More pleasant in relationships. Godly reactions more often.