Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss?
Paul writing to the Christ followers in Rome spoke about the newfound freedom that exists for those who are now daughters and sons of God. Yet Paul himself had mixed feelings with the struggle between his old life and the present reality of Paul’s new life (Romans 7:17-25). Considering this very real struggle, how does a person then experience the true freedom that is theirs in Christ? We are instructed to "Put on (clothe oneself)" with the new self, which was created of the truth (Jesus), in the likeness of God and let the Spirit, that now lives within and is joined with you (1 Corinthians 6:17), renew your thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:21-24). By this, establishing your spirit, soul, heart and mind in the reality of your new nature (1 Corinthians 5:17). True sustaining freedom as we walk every moment in humility (total dependence upon) and in harmony with the Spirit (John 16:13).
Ephesians 4:21-24 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.
2 Corinthians 5:17This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Galatians 5:16So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Walking in the Spirit. What is up with that anyway?
The phrase “walking in the Spirit” is one that has been around for some time in the church community. So, if this is your first exposure to biblical teaching or if you have been around the church for some time; what does “walking in the Spirit,” mean exactly? To address this question, we will look at the person and work of the Holy Spirit and the example that Jesus gave as He walked in relationship with the Spirit.
Living life with the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised us that He would not leave us alone but would send another (the same as Jesus was) advocate or helper for the sake of the unbelieving and the believer alike (John 14:16, 16:7-8). It is our relationship with the Spirit, we have been made spiritually alive by the Spirit (John 3:6, Romans 8:11), literally reborn by the Spirit (John 3:5) and He presently lives (has made a home) in the life of the follower (1 Corinthians 3:16), that we potentially (we must choose) to experience His guidance (John 16:13-15) related to all aspects of life.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
John 16:13-15 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'
Jesus and His relationship with the Holy Spirit
There were two significant events that we will look at which were pivotal as Jesus extended His ministry on earth. The first, which John the Baptist spoke about, “I (John) saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him (Jesus)”. The second happened when Jesus read from book of Isaiah in the synagogue (the synagogue was kind of like the church is today for the Jewish community back in the day) and established that this portion of scripture was presently fulfilled. The scripture began with” The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and He has anointed (establish and furnish) me”. Though Jesus was Himself God (John 10:30), He humbled Himself and set aside or emptied Himself of His divine privileges (Philippians 2:6-8) and came in human form as a servant. Jesus was truly a man filled by (Luke 4:1), led by (Matthew 4:1), and empowered by (Isaiah 61:1, Acts 10:38) the Spirit.
John 1:32 Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Philippians 2:6-8 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
Act 10:38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
