Life encompasses more than physical existence and includes humanity’s relationship with God. Spiritual life is only attainable through faith in the redeeming work of God in Jesus Christ and is a foretaste of believers’ future life in the new heaven and earth. Living in the Spirit means following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and being open to his gifts and empowerment.
Exploring the Essence of Spiritual Life
It is new life Ac 5:20 Also see: Ac 11:18; 2Pe 1:3; 1Jn 3:14
Life is indeed true. 1Ti 6:19
It is eternal life Ro 5:21 Also see: Da 12:2; Mt 19:29; Jn 6:27; 1Jn 5:11,20
It is abundant life Ps 16:11; Jer 17:8 Also see: Ps 1:3; Jn 10:10
Exploring the Source and Essence of Spiritual Existence.
Spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit Jn 3:6,8 Also see: Eze 36:26; Jn 3:3,5-7; Ro 8:11; Tit 3:5-7
Spiritual life unites believers to Jesus Christ Eph 2:4-5 Also see: Ro 6:3-5; 8:10; 1Co 12:13; Col 2:13; 1Jn 5:12
Spiritual life makes believers the children of God Jn 1:12-13 Also see: Deut 30:20; Mt 6:9; Ro 8:15; Jas 1:18; 1Jn 4:7; 5:1
Spiritual life brings people to know God Jn 17:3 Also see: Mt 11:27
Spiritual life brings about faith Jn 3:15; 20:31 Also see: Jn 3:16,36; 5:24; 6:40; 11:25
Keeping in step with the Spirit
A new way of life is made possible Gal 5:25 Also see: Ro 8:5-6,9-16; Gal 5:16-18,22-24
Bondage to the written law is ended Ro 2:29. Also see: Ro 7:6; 8:2; 2Co 3:6; Gal 5:17-18
Obedience to God is made possible Ro 8:4 Also see: Eze 36:27; Ro 8:13; Gal 5:16; 1Th 4:7-8
Deepening unity is encouraged Eph 4:3 Also see: Col 2:13; Php 2:1-4
Strength and encouragement are received Ac 9:31
Gifts for those living in the Spirit
Gifts are given for building up the church 1Co 12:4-11 Also see: Ro 12:6-8; 1Co 12:27-30
Visions are given Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Rev 1:10,12-13; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10
Miracles are worked Mt 12:28. Also see: Ac 10:38; Ro 15:19; Gal 3:5
Ministry is enhanced 2Co 3:6 Also see: 2Co 3:7-9
Those living in the Spirit receive revelation and guidance
God is revealed as Father Gal 4:6. Also see: Ro 8:14-16
God’s purposes are revealed 1Co 2:9-10 Also see: Ro 15:13; 2Co 5:2-5; Gal 5:5; Eph 1:17-18
Guidance is given to believers Ac 8:29. Also see: Ac 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 16:6-7; 20:22-23
Help is given to pray Ro 8:26-27; Eph 6:18; Jude 20
The Holy Spirit sanctifies those in whom he lives
Through the Spirit, Jesus Christ lives in believers Eph 3:16-17
The Spirit transforms believers 2Co 3:18 Also see: Ro 15:16; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2
The fruit of the Spirit is seen in believers’ lives Ac 13:52; Ro 5:5; 8:6; 14:17; 15:30; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:8; 1Th 1:6
Examples of life in the Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ Mt 4:1 pp Mk 1:12 Lk 4:1; Mt 12:18,28; Lk 4:14,18; 10:21; Ac 10:38
Simeon Lk 2:25-27
Peter Ac 4:8; 10:19,44
Stephen Ac 6:5,10; 7:55
The first Christians Ac 4:31; 6:3-5; 11:24,27-29; 13:1-3; 15:28
Say this prayer: Father in heaven, Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. Come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.