As Christians we often hear the phrase ‘walk in the Spirit’. The problem, of course, is to define what that means exactly.
We live in a day and age where the Spirit-filled life has been boiled down into ‘hearing the voice of God’ or ‘having an impression’. These things are not life in the Spirit. In fact, quite the opposite—‘impressions’ and hearing voices are generally dangerous!
So what is life in the Spirit? What does it mean to ‘walk by the Spirit’ (Gal. 5:16)? What does it mean to be ‘filled with the Spirit’ (Eph. 5:18)?
Crying out
The answers to these questions begin with the question of what the Spirit of God is doing in the hearts of God’s people.
In two important passages, the Apostle Paul teaches us what the Spirit is constantly doing.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God… ~ Rom 8:15-17a
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” ~ Gal 4:7
Both of these texts talk about the Spirit in us. In Romans 8, Paul says that we cry out “Abba! Father!” by the Spirit. In Gal 4, Paul says that the spirit of Jesus cries out this same thing in our hearts.
So which is it? Does the Spirit cry out, or do we? The answer is….yes! The Spirit cries and we cry because the Spirit is in us.
And what are we crying out? That God is our Father. That we are His children!
Now, this is not the only thing that the Spirit is doing, but it is a critical component of the Spirit’s work in our lives.
Children of God, Bearing Fruit
The Spirit is constantly reminding us that we are children of God. That He has adopted us, and that He loves us.
Why is this such a critical thing for us to know and believe?
Just think to yourself—what do you feel when you really believe that God is your Father? What happens in your heart?
Love for Him.
Joy in His Fatherly care.
Peace for the future.
Patience because of His patience with you.
Kindness that mirrors His kindness.
Goodness for His sake.
Faithfulness to Him because He is faithful to you.
Gentleness to others.
Self-control for His glory.
In other words, what? The FRUITS of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)
