The Spirit’s Presence means not simply that “God is there” but more importantly that “God is Here.”
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit”. Galatians 5:25
The most important part of this verse is that you are moving. Keep in Step only happens if there is movement. You cannot keep in step standing still.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t transform us and then leaves us in that present state. He is not a momentary presence that does a little work and then goes on. He is abiding and an empowering presence every minute. His work of transforming a person is never done.
Have you ever read a bible verse many times, over the years, and all of sudden your mind’s eye just pops open with an understanding of those words that you have never seen before? You are being transformed by the Spirit. And do not think that that understanding will not change again as you accept more of the Spirit’s transforming power. There are new truths to understand in every word of God.
The very minute that you listen to the world and say “I got it” or “I understand it” and begin to believe that you are good with the present understanding. You have grieved the Holy Spirit.
There are two parts to this walking with the Spirit.
First, to walk by the Spirit means putting off the old way of life. You must cast off old core beliefs. You must cast off what man tells you is true religion. You must be willing to let go and be led into new truths.
Second, to walk by the Spirit is to put on a new way of life, to be “led by the Spirit.” It’s to be under his control and direction. It’s not just the absence of sin; it’s the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Remember the Greatest is LOVE!
Paul’s word for “walk” is stoicheo, which means walking in a line and proceeding under another’s control. You are not in control of the walk! You are not in control of the direction of the walk. The only thing you are in control of is whether you walk or not. You can choose to grieve the Holy Spirit by not putting off the old self and allowing any transformation. You must let go of the baggage you brought to the table.
“What you learned was to fling off the dirty clothes of the old way of living, which were rotted through and through with lust’s illusions, and, with yourselves mentally and spiritually re-made, to put on the clean fresh clothes of the new life which was made by God’s design for righteousness and the holiness which is no illusion.” Ephesians 4: 22-23 JB Phillips
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes, “Be filled with the Spirit.” Curiously, he’s writing to a group of believers whom he has just said already had the Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13–14). So why would he tell those who have the Spirit to now be filled with the Spirit? It means we’re to seek a continuous and abiding relationship with the Spirit. It is an ongoing and never-ending transformation.
The most important point is to remember. The Holy Spirit does not walk with you! You are walking under the control of the Spirit.
Today let go of the baggage of past teaching and man-made doctrines and religion. Go to your knees and put your life in step with the Spirit. Let Him have total control.
Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.
Prayers and Love for all.
Larry
