Have you ever asked, “How to live by the Holy Spirit?”
There are many ways in which we can live; we all have freewill and we get to choose. But how do we live well? By this I mean according to the word of God, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in true freedom- that God has for each and every one of His children. If you believe that Christ died for you and rose again on the third day, then that is you!
Are you living by the Spirit?
How would you know if you are?
We will look at Galatians 5 verse 16 to 26 from the New Living Translation (NLT).
Fruit of the Holy Spirit
It’s about the fruit that we have. This is a metaphor by the way- not the kind that grows on trees, that you might have in the fruit bowl!
The Spiritual fruit is what you produce, demonstrate and experience. This fruit is noticeable to ourselves and to others. It’s a reflection of what’s happening in our heart, mind and spirit. This fruit grows “riper” as you grow with God, the Father, Son- Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that produces this fruit in you. This fruit is:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (v22b-23a)
Do you see these fruits in other believers?
Do you demonstrate these yourself?
How to Live by the Holy Spirit
Firstly, it is important to think about what not to do! For instance, if we are following our fleshly desires we will ultimately produce bad fruit. It is clear what these desires, temptations, even active behaviours may be:
sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. (19b-21a)
As you can see, these will not only affect those around us but will impact on our own lives too. There’s nothing freeing about that! If you are wanting to live in full freedom then you need to be living by the Spirit. You are not free to carry out any of the above if are are wanting to produce good fruit and live by the Holy Spirit (v17). But you have been given freewill and so you need to choose and make the decision how you want to live.
By fleshly desires or by the Holy Spirit?
You can choose to let the Holy Spirit guide your life. It’s up to you to let Him though (v16).
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (v25)
Notice the word “every.” Not just some parts of your life! For instance, you may let Him be part of our lives at work, home and hobbies but not in the area of relationships.
This means ALL areas of life. Surrender and submit each area to the Lord and listen to His response. Listen and look for the guidance and leading from the Holy Spirit. Offer everything to Him. Read the word, the Holy Bible and be led by that too.
It’s about communication too, pray and involve Him in your decisions ask Him to lead you and show you what path to take and to keep the doors closed for the people, places, jobs etc., that aren’t from Him for you.
Ask “Does it truly align with the word of God?”
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. (v17)
There may be struggles, temptations and difficulties in doing this. Life can be a spiritual battle. But persevere, offer everything to the Lord.
Are you are struggling with particular chains that are holding you back from living life and walking with the Holy Spirit? (For instance; behaviours, habits, un- forgiveness, limiting beliefs, thoughts.)
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