4 Minute Read + Scripture readings

Today’s Bible Reading:

1 Kings 1
Galatians 5
Ezekiel 32
Psalms 80

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Galatians 5:16 (CSB): “I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

While biblically informed Christians would say that they believe in the Trinity, they might also acknowledge that not all members of the Trinity are treated equally. We talk about God the Father, and God the Son (Jesus), but we don’t as readily talk about God the Holy Spirit.

I think that Christians in my corner of Christianity have observed for decades how other Christians have distorted the working of the Holy Spirit. We have observed how people claim to be “slain in the Spirit” or they claim that they are filled with the Spirit when they engage in uncontrollable laughter, or barking like a dog, or rolling around on the floor, or speaking in tongues. We see that that run the other way … away, even from what the Bible clearly teaches as truth.

When we read Galatians 5:16-26, we come to understand that walking by the Spirit isn’t a suggestion. It’s certainly not something we can run away from, nor would we want to. It is a blessed command.

Essentially, we are made aware that simply because we are saved doesn’t mean that we now have what it takes to live a Christ-honoring life. Instead, we are reliant upon the third Person of the Trinity to enable us to pursue Christlikeness and live out the life God has called us to live.

What are the signs that we are filled with the Spirit? Well, we will bear nine character qualities as recorded in Galatians 5:22-23. Further, we will demonstrate three specific activities as recorded in Ephesians 5:18-21.

So, my friend, you and I should take a serious look at passages like Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 5:18-21, and Romans 8. We should read through the book of Acts and see how the Spirit led those early saints to be bold, courageous, faithful, fruitful, and so much more. We really need some of that these days.

If you want to dig a little deeper into this topic, consider reading Bill Bright’s (the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) articles on “The Wonderful News of the Spirit-Filled Life.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, I desperately need what Your Holy Spirit can do. I look and see how much more effective the early saints were. I observe that they saw You do some incredible things, some of which You did through them. While I realize that much of what happened in the book of Acts was solely to be experienced at the early stages of church, I realize that Your Holy Spirit still desires to empower and direct anyone who will do what it takes to be controlled by Him. I want that. I need that. And I will work toward that. Amen.

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