UNDER THE SPIRIT’S INFLUENCE

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)

The Holy Spirit dwells within me. These are wonderful words. All who live by faith in the Son of God may truthfully say this. Anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ does not belong to Him. (Romans 8:9 ESV)

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth because He is the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures are the true words of God. (John 16:13 ESV) The Holy Spirit persuades us that the Bible is the source of truth about Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches us all things and reminds us of the words of Jesus. (John 14:26) The Spirit guides us in our everyday lives and helps us to avoid those things which displease God. Jesus said:

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:7-11 ESV)

The Spirit of truth will guide you into all the truth, for He will speak the words of God. He will glorify Jesus Christ, by declaring all that is His to you. (John 16:13-14 ESV) The Christian is never alone because the Holy Spirit dwells within him. For those whom Jesus suffered and died, the Holy Spirit confirms the promise of eternal life. The Spirit’s presence is manifested by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV) Therefore, we should submit ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His power in our lives. Paul writes:

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18 ESV)

I think drunkenness, as it is used here, illustrates the surrender of the mind and soul to sinful worldliness. It is life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. True joy is living under the inspiration and influence of the power of the Spirit of God. Those who are filled with the Spirit overcome the discouraging influences of the world.