“They Do not Have the Spirit!” — SpiritFire for 03/29/2016
Key Thought
Having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us is the litmus test of whether we belong to Christ or not (Rom. 8:9; Act 19:1-7). Without the Spirit of God within us — enabling us to overcome our sinful nature (Rom. 8:12-13), transforming us to be like Christ (2 Cor. 3:18), and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) — people live by their “natural instincts.” This is called living by the flesh or living by our sinful nature (Rom. 8:5-8). This way of life is full of corruption, division, and hostility toward God, toward goodness, and toward God’s people. This is why conversion to Christ and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is so important. Living by our “natural instincts” means living in rebellion to God (Eph. 2:1-3). No one can live for Christ without the Spirit of God. The Spirit empowers us with “supernatural instincts” from God to live for Christ!
Today’s Prayer
Glorious and gracious God, thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins and then sending your Spirit to live within me to help me live to honor you. In Jesus’ name I offer you my thanks, my praise, and my heart. Amen.