What actions demonstrate living a life led by the Holy Spirit? The Promise of Spirit Baptism “ I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) John’s words point forward to Jesus’ gift: an immersion not merely in water but in the very presence and power of God’s Spirit. This new, Spirit-given life naturally produces visible actions that reflect His influence. Receiving and Remaining in the Spirit • Acts 1:5—Jesus repeats Mark 1:8, linking Spirit baptism to power for holy living. • Acts 2:38—Repentance and faith in Christ open the door to this gift. • Ephesians 5:18—“Be filled with the Spirit” is an ongoing command, calling for continual surrender. Actions That Reveal a Spirit-Led Life • Obedient living—Luke 4:1 shows Jesus “full of the Holy Spirit” choosing the Father’s will; Spirit-led believers likewise obey Scripture promptly. • Regular confession and turning from sin—Romans 8:13, by the Spirit “you put to death the deeds of the body.” • Love-motivated service—Galatians 5:13, serving one another through love, empowered by the Spirit. • Joyful, Christ-centered worship—Philippians 3:3, believers “who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus.” • Bold witness—Acts 1:8 promises power to testify about Jesus “to the ends of the earth.” • Generosity and compassion—Acts 4:31-35 links Spirit filling with sacrificial sharing. • Discernment of truth—1 John 2:27, the anointing teaches and guards from deception. The Spirit’s Fruit Versus the Flesh’s Deeds Galatians 5:16-25 contrasts two lifestyles: • Deeds of the flesh: immorality, strife, envy, etc. • Fruit of the Spirit: – Love—self-sacrificing actions toward God and neighbor – Joy—glad confidence in God regardless of circumstances – Peace—relational harmony and inner rest – Patience—enduring wrongs without retaliation – Kindness—tangible acts of goodness – Goodness—moral integrity and generosity – Faithfulness—dependable, covenant-keeping character – Gentleness—strength under control – Self-control—Spirit-empowered mastery over desires Daily Walking in the Spirit • Begin each day acknowledging dependence on Him (John 15:5). • Feed on Scripture; the Spirit authored it and uses it (2 Timothy 3:16). • Pray in the Spirit—aligning requests with His will (Ephesians 6:18). • Yield moment-by-moment decisions to His prompting (Romans 8:14). • Stay in fellowship with other believers for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Give thanks continually, a hallmark of Spirit fullness (Ephesians 5:20). Spirit-Empowered Witness and Service • Acts 6:3—choose servants “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” • 1 Peter 4:10-11—serve with strength God supplies, so He receives glory. • Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12) operate for the common good, not self-promotion. Guarding Against Hindrances • Do not grieve the Spirit through bitterness, slander, or unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:30-32). • Do not quench the Spirit by resisting His promptings (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Test every spirit; cling to what is true (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11). Living Overflowing Lives John 7:38-39 pictures Spirit-filled believers as rivers of living water blessing others. As the Spirit baptizes, fills, and leads, He produces unmistakable actions—obedience, love, holiness, and power—that testify Christ truly reigns within. |
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