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The Holy Spirit, and therefore walking according to the Spirit,
may well be the hot topic of this century. With the limited space
here it is impossible to begin scratching the surface of this topic,
but I hope that these thoughts with the associated documentation
may be helpful in your study of God's word.
Those who believe on God (Rom. 4:5) have a faith that is obedient
to God (Heb. 11:8) and hence is accounted for righteousness (Rom.
4:5). Therefore this one is saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8)
- not saved by works (Eph. 2:9) yet working the works of God (Jn.
6:28-29; Eph. 2:10).
Those who have the faith of Abraham, the father of all those who
believe (Rom. 4:11), have entered into Christ (Rom. 6:3; 8:1) and
therefore do not walk according to the flesh but according to the
Spirit (Rom. 8:1). These individuals were baptized into Christ and
into His death to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4) - united with
Christ in death, crucifying the old man (Rom. 6:5-6). This individual
therefore reckons himself to be dead to sin and alive to God in
Christ (Rom. 6:11).
Individuals in Christ who walk according to the Spirit have been
freed from the law of sin and death and live according to the law
of the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2). Note some of the blessings this
individual receives from God in Christ:
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he has been adopted by God to be a son and hence a joint heir
with Christ (Rom. 8:14-17)
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the Spirit of God helps in weaknesses, making intercession
with unutterable groanings before the throne of God (Rom. 8:26-27)
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he is fully confident that God works all things together for
good (Rom. 8:28)
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he has the assurance that nothing can separate him from the
love of God and that he will more than conqueror his foes (Rom.
8:31-39)
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he has control over his members (the flesh) to live according
to the will of God (Rom. 7-8)
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therefore he presents his body a living sacrifice to God, holy
and acceptable to God (Rom. 2:1); bearing the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal. 5:16-26)
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he is not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing
of his mind (Rom. 12:3)
Those who have the faith of Abraham, and therefore obey God by
faith (Heb. 11:8), are walking according to the Spirit. These individuals
believe on God even when a thing is contrary to hope (Rom. 4:18-21;
Heb. 11:17-19) and they are therefore strengthened in faith (Rom.
8:20). These individuals are in Christ and living according to the
Spirit; therefore, they are no longer condemned (Rom. 8:1). Are
you in Christ?
Are you walking according to the Spirit? If so, you stand uncondemned
before God? Truly God has blessed us with every blessing in the
heavenly places.
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