Living in the Spirit

As Christians, we are called to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7) and to “walk [live] by the Spirit” (see Gal 5:16, 25).[1] To “walk” means to live, obey, practice, progress, and advance daily in “the Way” of a Christian (Act 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22; cf. Joh 14:6). You do this by continually “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pe 3:18), as “the Spirit of God dwells in you” (Rom 8:9–11; cf. 1Co 3:16; Eph 4:30) and you now “abide in Him and He in you” (see 1Jn 4:12–13; cf. Joh 5:38; 6:56; 14:16–20, 23; 15:1–10; 17:21; 1Jn 2:6, 10, 14, 24, 27–28; 3:6, 9, 17, 24; 4:15–16; 2Jn 2, 9; Rom 8:9–11; 1Co 3:16; Gal 2:20; 2Ti 1:14) and as Christ reigns in the hearts of believers (2Co 3:3; Heb 8:10). Note that “abiding in” Christ also entails active obedience to His commandments (Joh 14:23).[2]

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Some expect to get a warm, fuzzy, tingly feeling when they are born again, but at least for me, there was no “feeling.” Frankly, I didn’t feel any different than I had before; it was just an intellectual and emotional decision to commit my life to Christ in response to hearing (and then believing) the Gospel “message of truth” (Eph 1:13). However, once born-again, a Christian should begin to notice changes in their thoughts, language, and behavior. As you see that happen, you know that God is indeed working in and through you now with His Spirit. You should start to exhibit the characteristics of “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22–23; cf. Eph 5:9; Mat 7:16, 20) instead of the fruit of the flesh (“deeds of the flesh,” “desires of the flesh”; Joh 1:13; 3:6; Rom 8:5; 9:8; Gal 5:16, 19; Eph 2:3; 1Jn 2:16).

THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK

While you received a new nature when you were born again (2Co 5:17), you still have your old carnal, fleshly nature as well. The two now live together and are in constant battle—the flesh actually “wars” against the spirit (see Rom 7:23). You will see a continual struggle between the “natural man” (your old fleshly nature, 1Co 2:14) and your “new self” (your new spiritual nature, Eph 4:24; Col 3:10; cf. 2Co 5:17) even after you are born again (Mat 26:41; Gal 5:16–25; Rom 7:14–25). Now, I confess that writing this chapter is much easier than actually changing one’s behavior; it can be exceedingly hard to exhibit “the fruit of the Spirit” at all times, in all situations, and in every encounter and interaction you have with others, for as it is written, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38).

Nevertheless, others around you should begin to see visible changes in your behavior, attitude, moods, language, and actions as “the Spirit of God” (Rom 8:14; 1Co 3:16) starts to “work in you” (Php 2:13) and you now live for “the glory of God” (1Co 10:31; 2Co 1:20; 4:15) instead of the glory of self (1Co 9:23; cf. 2Co 10:5; Php 4:8; Jas 3:14–16). These changes won’t happen all at once; they occur with hard work as you “press on to maturity” in Christ (Heb 6:1; cf. Heb 5:11–14; 1Co 14:20; Eph 4:11–16).[4] If others aren’t seeing any visible changes in you over time, that is a red flag that your commitment to Christ may not be where it needs to be. I’m certainly not where I’d like to be in many areas, but I press forward each day, walking toward Christ. It takes deliberate “attention” (1Ti 4:16; Heb 2:1; 2Pe 1:19; cf. 1Co 16:13; 2Co 13:5; 1Th 5:6; 2Ti 4:5; 1Pe 1:13; 4:7; 5:8–9), personal “discipline” (see 1Co 9:25–27; 11:32; 1Ti 4:7–8; Heb 12:1–13; Col 2:5; 2Th 3:7–11; 2Ti 1:7), moderation (2Ti 1:7),[5] and “self-control” (see Act 24:25; 1Co 7:5; 9:25; Gal 5:23; Tit 1:8; 2Pe 1:6; cf. 2Ti 1:7; 3:3 ESV), along with reading and meditating on the Word of God “daily” (Act 17:11; cf. Mat 4:4; Psa 1:2) and a solid prayer life in order to effect change in your life.[6]

NOT BY MIGHT OR POWER BUT BY MY SPIRIT

While changing your behavior can be difficult to do, understand that once you are born again, the very same Spirit of power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you (Rom 8:11; Joh 15:1–10; Gal 2:20; Eph 3:20), and you are now living “by the Spirit” (Act 20:22; Rom 2:29; 8:13–14; 1Co 2:13; 12:3; Gal 3:3; 5:16, 25; 2Th 2:13; 1Jn 3:24; cf. Mat 4:1; Luk 4:1), not by your own strength, might, or willpower (Zec 4:6; Joh 15:1–10; Eph 6:10; Php 4:13; 2Co 12:9–10; cf. Joh 14:16; 16:7; Rom 8:13, 26, 31–39; 13:14; 1Co 10:13; 16:13; 2Co 6:1–10; Gal 5:16–17; Eph 3:20; 6:13; Php 1:6; 2Ti 2:13; Heb 12:2; 1Jn 4:4; 5:4; Isa 40:31; Jud 24; 2Ch 16:9; Lam 3:22–23; Psa 34:15; 46:10; 103:14). Any changes that you see occurring in yourself, your ability to be obedient, and any “good works” you might do come only from “the Spirit of God” (Rom 8:9, 14; 1Co 3:16) “abiding in” you, as we see it written:

• “I [Jesus] am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Joh 15:5).
• “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not” (Rom 7:18; cf. Mar 10:18; Mat 26:41; Luk 18:19; Jas 1:17; 1Jn 2:16; Psa 16:2).
• “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Php 4:13).
• “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Co 12:10).
• “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Php 2:13).
• “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2Co 4:7).
• “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2 KJV).
• “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zec 4:6).

Therefore, “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:12–14; cf. Heb 6:1) with “confidence” (see Php 1:4; 1Jn 4:17), “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:3), knowing that it is “by the Spirit” (Act 20:22; Rom 8:13–14; Gal 3:3; 5:16–25; 1Jn 3:24; cf. Mat 4:1; Luk 4:1) that you “can do all things” (Php 4:13; Joh 15:4–5; 16:33; 2Co 3:4–5; 12:9–10; Eph 3:16; Col 1:9–12; cf. Psa 121:2; Isa 40:29–31; 41:10; 45:24) and “endure to the end” (see Mat 24:13; Mar 13:13) so you can hear, “Well done, good and faithful slave [servant NKJV] … enter into the joy of your master [Jesus]” (Mat 25:21, 23; Luk 19:17) on “the day of judgment” (1Jn 4:17) and receive your “crown of glory” from Christ (1Pe 5:4; cf. 2Ti 4:7–8; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 3:11). Not only has God forgiven your sins, but He also gives you the necessary means, wisdom, guidance, power, and strength to exhibit “the fruit of the Spirit” and make it all the way to eternal life (Php 1:6; Psa 23:1–3).[7] Amazing!

NO UNWHOLESOME WORD

Regarding changes in personality and behavior that result from living in the Spirit, the biggest areas for me were that I became:

1. More patient (although this has been an extreme test for me);
2. No longer vulgar in language (speech and writing);
3. Without anxiety (calmer and more peaceful as I trusted in the Lord instead of in myself or other men);[8] and
4. More tolerant and less judgmental[9] of others (having now seen my own wretched sinful nature and behavior more clearly, but even further, seeing how kind, compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, and full of grace and kindness the Lord has been with me).

In particular, item 2 is an indicator of how closely I’m walking with and “abiding in” Christ, for my speech gives me away—whether for good or bad. When I am abiding closely in Him, I find that all vulgarity is removed from my language. But if I’m slipping up in my walk or not spending time in the Word each day, I notice that my speech wants to start to slip back to my old habits.[10] A person’s language, therefore, is a huge sign of where they are in their faith and walk with the Lord. I’ve noticed that many who profess faith in Christ still frequently and repeatedly use vulgar and obscene language, but brother or sister in Christ, that just should not be, for as it is written, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth” (Eph 4:29; cf. Mat 12:36; Rom 12:14, 21; 1Co 4:12–13; Eph 5:4; Col 3:8; 4:6; Php 1:27; 1Th 5:15; Jas 1:26; 3:2–13; 1Pe 2:23; 3:9; Pro 4:24; 8:13; 10:19; 12:13; 13:3; 15:1; 17:27–28; 18:23; 21:23)![11]^, [12], [13]^, [14]

Additionally, we are no longer to engage in “filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting” (Eph 5:4), that is, not participating in or repeating dirty or crude jokes nor laughing at them with others.[15] And still further, a Christian’s speech should include “only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear,” even when facing those whom you disagree with and those who are persecuting, ridiculing, disparaging, or mocking you, and so on (Eph 4:29; cf. Col 4:6). Remember that it is written, “That [for] every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment” (Mat 12:36)—careless words are anything that doesn’t glorify God or lead others towards salvation.[16]

Now, don’t get me wrong. I still mess up at times in all of the above areas. But when I do, I pick myself back up, commit to doing better next time, and let His Spirit continue molding and guiding me for the better. For it is written: “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22–23). Keep going forward no matter what (Heb 10:38), pressing into Christ even more each day. Remember, the Christian life is a process, not an event, and as you continue to move forward and mature in the faith, He makes you more and more like Him (Mat 5:48; Rom 5:1–5; 8:29; 2Co 3:18; 1Co 15:49; Joh 17:19, 23; Col 3:10; 1Jn 3:2; Php 1:6; 3:21; 4:13; Jas 1:4).

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

Further to the above, it is written that we are “ambassadors for Christ” (see 2Co 5:20; cf. Php 1:27; Eph 6:20) and members of “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (1Pe 2:9), so our language and behavior should reflect the dignity of such a position at all times (Php 1:27)—we must “walk worthy” of the name of God (see Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1Th 2:12). Yes, we are actually diplomats for God here on earth, and that means we are to act in a dignified and polite manner at all times (and with an appropriate level of formality for the situation at hand), regardless of differences of opinion, their political beliefs, whether you agree with others or not, whether they disagree with you or not, and irrespective of how they act or behave toward you (1Pe 2:23; cf. 1Co 4:12–13; Rom 12:21; Mat 5:44; Luk 23:34; Act 7:59–60; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 2:23; 3:9).[17] Despite being “in the last days,” when society, in general, can be rude, impolite, and unloving (2Ti 3:1–5; cf. Rom 1:28–32), and even though many of us grew up in such an environment ourselves (so we naturally want to revert back to it almost by instinct), we must, nevertheless, exercise self-control in our speech and actions.

Let me give you an analogy that might help. Imagine you are in a high-level business meeting with executives of another company, negotiating a million-dollar deal for your company. Your language (and behavior) would be polite, suitable, and appropriate for the occasion, and you wouldn’t say things that might insult or offend them; furthermore, you certainly wouldn’t be verbally abusive in any way, because that might harm your chances of closing the deal. That analogy is closer to reality than you might realize, because that “million-dollar” item we are dealing with is another person’s soul and eternal destiny, which God highly values (Luk 15:7; Joh 3:16). Every interaction you have with someone else is an opportunity to either help or hurt their chances of turning to Jesus and inheriting eternal life (Mat 12:36). And while we are to firmly and boldly stand for and declare the truth, we must do so with all appropriateness and edifying speech as diplomats of God so that our words and actions bring glory to God.

Moreover, realize that others around you are watching your new life as a professing Christian very closely, and they will continue to do so, especially those who do not yet know Christ. They are looking for any sign of “hypocrisy” in you or that you are not genuine in your profession of faith (see Mat 15:7–8; 22:18; 23:13–15, 23–29; 24:51; Rom 12:9; Gal 2:13; Jas 3:17; 1Pe 2:1).[18] Be mindful that your life is now a living testimony to others—it either glorifies God or embarrasses Him (1Co 10:31; Rom 2:19; Mat 5:14). We are to be a witness to others as we “let our light shine before men … and glorify our Father [God]” (see Mat 5:14–16; cf. Php 2:15). It is further written that we should let our “yes be yes and no be no” (paraphrase, Mat 5:37; cf. Jas 5:12). So be true to your word, acting with honor, integrity, dignity, personal discipline, moderation, self-control, goodness, righteousness, thankfulness, truth, honesty, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, meekness, trustworthiness, and humility in all matters. Be dependable to do what you say you will do, treating everyone with kindness and fairness just like God and Jesus and “[walking] in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1Th 2:10–12; cf. Col 1:10). Your behavior and actions often speak (witness) louder than your words.

A CHRISTIAN TRUSTS IN THE LORD

Next, a Christian is to unconditionally “trust in the Lord” (Pro 3:5–6; Psa 4:5; 31:5–6; 37:3–7; 40:3; 115:9–11; 125:1; cf. Luk 23:46; Rom 4:18–22; 2Co 1:9; 4:13–14; Eph 1:13; Php 1:6, 14; 2:24; 1Ti 1:15; 2Ti 2:11; Heb 12:2; 1Pe 2:23; 4:19; Psa 31:5; 56:3, 11; 62:8; 91:2; 143:8; 146:3–5; Pro 22:19; Isa 55:9; Jer 17:7–8) completely at all times, in all places, and for all things like a child trusts his parents (Mat 11:25–26; 18:3–4), even for life itself (Rom 14:7–8; Mat 10:29–30, 39; Php 3:7–11; Joh 12:25) according to God’s will (Mat 6:10; 26:42). We trust God in good times and bad, in times of safety and peril, and in the big things of life and in the small things.[19]^, [20] We do so knowing that every syllable of Scripture is there for a reason and that every single word of Scripture and promise that God has made to us will come true—God never lies (Tit 1:2; Num 23:19; Heb 6:18; Rom 3:4; Jas 1:17) and God’s Word will never return void (Isa 55:11; 45:23; cf. 2Ti 3:16–17; Heb 4:12).[21] It will always accomplish what it sets out to do, even if it appears to us that it is idle or that it won’t, and even if it takes a long time.[22] In fact, we may not even see its result in our lifetimes, but it will still come to pass.[23]^, [24] Therefore, we trust in God because even “if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Ti 2:11–13; cf. Rom 3:3; 1Th 5:24; 2Th 3:3; Psa 89; 91:4; Isa 25:1; Lam 3:22–23; Num 23:19; Heb 6:18; Jas 1:17; Mat 24:35).[25]

A CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS THANKFUL

Furthermore, a Christian should always have an attitude of—

• “Praise”[26] (Luk 19:37; Act 16:25; Rom 14:11; 15:11; Eph 1:12, 14; Php 1:11; Heb 13:15; 1Pe 1:7; Rev 19:5; cf. Psa 47:6–7; 61:8; 63:4–6; 71:8, 23; 95:2; 96:1–3; 103:1–2; 146:1–10; 150:6; Isa 25:1),
• “Gratitude” (Col 2:7; 1Ti 4:4; Heb 12:28),
• “Rejoicing in hope” (Rom 12:12; cf. Mat 2:10; 5:12; Luk 1:14, 47, 58; 10:21; 13:17; Joh 3:29; 4:36; 8:56; 14:28; 20:20; Act 5:41; 8:8, 39; 11:23; 13:48, 15:31; Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16; Psa 2:11; 9:14; 13:5; 31:7; 32:11; 35:9; etc.), and
• “Thanksgiving” (see Luk 2:38; 17:16; Act 27:35; Rom 14:6; 1Co 15:57; 2Co 2:14; 4:15; 1Th 5:18; 1Ti 2:1; Col 1:3; 3:16–17; 1Th 1:2; 5:18; Heb 13:15; Rev 4:9; 7:12; 11:17; Psa 7:17; 26:7; 28:7; 30:4, 11–12; 95:2; 107:31–32; 138:1; Isa 25:1; cf. Rom 1:21)

—to the Lord, at all times, in all things, and under all circumstances (Act 5:41; 16:25; Rom 5:3), for you have been “rescued” and “redeemed” from “the wages of sin [which] is death” (see 1Pe 1:18; Col 1:13; Rom 6:23) and “born again” to have “newness of life” in Him (see Joh 3:3–7; Rom 6:4; cf. Rev 20:6). What a wonderful gift to receive, wholly unmerited and undeserved (Eph 2:8–9; Rom 3:10, 23). Let us, therefore, be forever mindful of and grateful for that gift, daily thanking the Lord no matter what comes our way.[27]^, [28]

SEEK THE THINGS ABOVE

Additionally, as a “child of God”[29] living in the Spirit, we are to “keep seeking the things above, where Christ is [in heaven], seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:1–9; cf. Php 4:8; Gal 6:7–8; Jas 4:4; Rom 14:10–12; 2Co 4:18; Rev 2:23; 20:12–13; 22:12). It is further written that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Php 3:20). You should see that you have new desires, not for the lusts, fame, fortune, and power “of this world”[30] but for “the things above” (Col 3:1–2) and the things “of Christ” (Mar 9:41; Rom 1:1; 10:17; 15:16, 29; 1Co 2:16; 6:15; 11:1; cf. 2Ti 4:10; Mat 6:19–21, 24), as He promises to “give you the desires of your heart” (Psa 37:3–6; cf. 2Ti 3:12; 2Th 1:11; Heb 11:16; 1Pe 3:10). For example, you should now desire “to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2Pe 3:14; cf. Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22; Act 24:16; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; 2:15; 1Th 5:23; Jud 24; Rev 14:5) more than you desire (and lust after) the things “of this present world” (2Ti 4:10; cf. Tit 2:12; 2Pe 2:10, 18). It is an amazing transition to watch happen in oneself.

Scripture also warns that excessive care and concern for the material things of this world (i.e., “treasures,”[31] materialism) can pose a great risk (1Ti 6:10) to your eternal salvation (Mat 6:19–24; 13:7, 22; Mar 4:7, 18–19; 10:25; Luk 3:14; 8:7, 14; 9:25; 12:15–21, 33; 16:13; 18:18–25; Act 20:35; Php 4:11; 1Ti 3:3; 6:6–10, 17; 2Ti 4:10; Heb 13:5; Jas 5:1–6; Pro 11:4, 28; 23:4; 28:6, 11). Those material things (and the relentless lust and pursuit of them) can hinder your ability to focus on God and thus steer you back into sinful behavior and “idol” worship (see Act 15:20, 29; 17:16; 21:25; 1Co 12:2; 2Co 6:16; 1Th 1:9; 1Jn 5:21; Rev 2:14, 20; 9:20). We are not to idolize the things “of this world” (money, wealth, fame, power, possessions, etc.), for they are “snares” (see Rom 11:9; 1Ti 3:7; 6:9; 2Ti 2:26) that can draw us away from following Christ. Anything we put above God is an idol to us.

“The love of money” (1Ti 3:3; 6:6–10; Heb 13:5; cf. Mat 6:19–24; 13:7, 22; 19:16–24; Mar 4:7, 18–19; 10:25; Luk 3:14; 8:7, 14; 9:25; 12:15–21, 33; 16:13; 18:18–25; 22:3–6; 18:24–30; Act 5:1–11; 16:19; 20:35; Php 4:11; 6:6–10; 1Ti 3:8; 6:9–10, 17; 2Ti 3:2; 4:10; Tit 1:11; Jas 5:1–6; 1Pe 5:2; 2Pe 2:2–3; Pro 11:4, 28; 23:4; 28:6, 11; 2Ki 5:20–27; Eze 33:31; Ecc 5:10), in particular, is called out as something to be very wary of (i.e., beware of relentlessly pursuing it and “trusting in the abundance of his riches” instead of God, see Psa 49:5–6; 52:7; cf. 1Ti 6:17; Php 4:19; Jas 1:9–11; Psa 62:10; Pro 11:4, 28; Job 31:24; Jer 48:7; 49:4).[32]^, [33] Let us also learn to be “content” with what the Lord has given us, as the apostle Paul was (Php 4:10–13; 1Ti 6:6–10; Heb 13:5; cf. 2Co 12:10; cf. Luk 12:15–21; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; Rom 1:29).[34]

DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD

And last (but not least), make sure you are steering clear of the carnal and base behavior of the unsaved man, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1Pe 4:1–2), for “if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom 8:13; cf. Rom 12:1) and “the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom 8:6–7). You are now living for (and in) Christ—you are not to continue living as a heathen does (1Pe 4:3; Rom 12:1–2). This important subject is covered more thoroughly in the next chapter.