Before the ascension of Christ, he said;
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:16-17
The comforter here is the Holy Spirit that was poured down to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and did miracles.
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So, what is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is that part of God that enforces his works. The Bible makes us understand that God, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit work for one purpose (John 10:30).
The Holy Spirit is the helper sent by the Almighty God to teach us righteousness and judge our hearts. The Holy Spirit receives instructions from God.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.
When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, it gives us unimaginable powers to run away from sin and pursue righteousness.
In other words, the Holy Spirit makes us Live in the Spirit.
What Happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon You?
The Holy Spirit is powerful and a comforter. The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to ensure God’s words come to pass. To receive the Holy Spirit, you must understand God’s ways and repent.
When the Spirit comes into our lives, we have a new power. The power to understand righteousness and to run away from sin. The Holy Spirit also brings unique Gifts into our lives.
To some, he brings the gift of speaking in tongues. To others, he brings healing, miracles, and prophesying. And to some, the gift of faith and wisdom.
In all, the Holy Spirit is powerful and lets you discern sin each time the devil tempts us.
Click here to see more powerful bible verses about the Holy Spirit.
Walk in the Spirit: What did Paul Mean?
While writing to the Christian in Galatians, Paul made reference to the things of the flesh and those of the Spirit. In Galatians 5: 25, he said
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
Paul was previously called Saul in the Bible. He was a persecutor of the early-day Christians. He was a faithful believer in Jewish laws and was Blameless (Philippians 3: 5, 6).
Then God revealed himself to him, redeemed him, and he received the Holy Spirit. Immediately he received the Holy Spirit; he became a new person – forgetting his old ways as a persecutor of the Christians at that time.
The Holy Spirit kept him a prisoner, and he enforced the word of God to the Gentiles. Through him, Jesus Christ revealed his purpose. Paul himself said
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12
Through him, a former persecutor of the church, God revealed his purpose and commandment.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul changed his ways. He followed Christ and was able to discern the ways of life and that of death.
Paul understood the sins of this world are numerous. He knew the devil would tempt him to fall for the things of the flesh. He understood we might not be able to do things we wish to do because of the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:17
In all, he said, we must overcome the things of the flesh and walk in the Spirit.
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How to walk in the Spirit
Since we must walk in the Spirit, the question should now be, How can we live and walk in the Spirit?
Paul was very clear in what he meant. He wanted us to accept Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, be baptized, live a righteous life, and run away from the things of this world.
If we have accepted that Jesus died for our sins, then we must walk the way he walked on earth. We must behave like him and shun the things of the flesh.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
The things of the flesh are all the wrong things you can think about. Your body lusteth after them, and they can lead to eternal damnation. Paul himself said, if we do the things of the flesh, it means we are not walking in the Spirit and will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God
Galatians 5:19-21
If we lust after the flesh, it means that we have no understanding of God’s purpose, and he will not save us. However, if we must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must shun the lust of the flesh. Through this, we will be saved.
How to know you are walking in the Spirit
If you’ve accepted Jesus died for you, you must follow his ways and commandments. Through this, we can receive God’s promise.
One easy way to always stay on the side of Christ is to examine yourself always. Paul himself said
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13: 5
Therefore, we must at all times ask ourselves if we are living according to God’s purpose. Are we living in sin? Do we believe in the truth of the Gospel? Are we living a righteous life?
When the Spirit of God comes into your lives, there must be a change in your behavior. You begin to recognize sin easily, and you are careful not to annoy God. Here are the qualities you display when walking in the Spirit.
1. Love
Love is a cardinal feature of a Christian. In fact, you can not claim to know God without accepting you must love him. Loving Christ means you recognize and obey his commandments. Jesus Christ said, “we should keep his commandments if we love him.”
Also, you must love your neighbor as yourself. All the Jewish laws are now being fulfilled in one word – “Love.”
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14
2. Faith
When the Holy Spirit comes upon your life, you understand the purpose of God. Your faith in God becomes well established, and you follow him with all your heart.
Through faith, we can do all things as Christians. If you do not believe in the power of the almighty God, then you have no faith in him and cannot walk in the Spirit.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Other signs to show you are walking in the Spirit are Meekness, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, temperance, peace, and Joy.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
What are the Benefits of walking in the Spirit?
One may ask, are there any benefits of walking in the Spirit? Yes, there are. Here are two main advantages of Living in the Spirit oF God
1. Blessing and protection on earth
Walking in the ways of Christ keeps us in his promise. God has promised to bless us. He has vowed to protect us no matter what. If we seek his kingdom first, inevitably, all other blessings will be added in no time.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you
2. Eternal glory with Christ
The ultimate of every Christian is everlasting life. A life of no sorrow, sickness, or death. If we keep his commandments, we are assured of God’s promise of eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24
Living in the Spirit vs. walking in the Spirit
Is there any difference between living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit? Yes, there is.
Paul’s admonition says that if we live in the Spirit, we should walk in the Spirit (Gal 5: 25). In other words, it is possible to live in the Spirit yet not walk by the Spirit.
Live in the Spirit: what does it mean?
On accepting Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes upon your life, showing you the difference between Good and evil. Then, when you are tempted, he reveals to you the right thing to do.
For example, when you are about to steal, the Holy Spirit tells you it is wrong. He tells you not to do it since it is against God’s commandments. If you accept the Holy Spirit’s advice and don’t steal, it means you are allowing the Spirit to walk through you.
Accepting Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one thing; allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you is another. To inherit God’s Kingdom, you must let the Spirit guide you.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life Galatians 6:7-8
Therefore, knowing Jesus Christ does not exclude you from the temptations of the devil. However, because you’ve accepted Jesus Christ when you are tempted, you must do the right things always.
Live & Walk in the Spirit Bible verses
By the grace of God, I have compiled a list of bible verses about walking in the Spirit. Read and be blessed.
1. Romans 8:4-5
in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
2. John 6:63
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
3. 1 Peter 4:6
For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
4. 2 Corinthians 3:6
who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
5. Romans 8:10
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
6. 1 Corinthians 15:45
Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
Akatakpo Dunn
Dr. Akatakpo Dunn is a dedicated follower of Christ, an active member and speaker, and an ongoing learner of the Scriptures. Passionate about his faith and serving others, he is committed to sharing his spiritual journey and insights to inspire and uplift fellow believers. He has been active in the church for more than 23 years. Through The Faithful Christian Blog, Dr. Dunn combines his love for God, philanthropy, and Scripture, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to grow in their faith. Follow me: on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
