Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

As mentioned earlier, our Creator has revealed Himself in three divine persons. The Holy Spirit is the third person who has a significant role in the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells in born-again Christians the moment our Christian lives begin. He enables us to live a righteous and faithful life. He opens our minds, provides comfort and strength, and guides us at challenging times. Therefore, every born-again Christian should maintain a constant friendship with the Holy Spirit, or as the scripture says, “to have fellowship” with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts and produces godly qualities in us. In a later chapter, we’ll explore the Gifts and the Fruit of The Holy Spirit in more detail.

When Adam and Eve believed in Devil’s lies, they believed in him and fell under his dominion. Curse took over the whole earth and spread quickly. Consequently, people lived dishonorable lives filled with all kinds of malice. We, too, are born with a sinful nature, and when we grow up, its fruit appears in our lives:

“Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.” Galatians 5:19-21

By faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit enters into our lives, and we see its beautiful fruits. When we compare our new lives with our past, we appreciate the power of the Holy Spirit. Praise God for our new lives! Through fellowship with Holy Spirit,our despicable habits and replaced with God-honoring and people-loving attitudes. This transformation is called the “Fruit of the Holy Spirit.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts!”  Galatians 5:22-24

Isn’t that wonderful? The transforming power of the Holy Spirit may not be entirely noticeable at the beginning of our spiritual journey. But it doesn’t take long to see results. Indeed, our old habits and selfish and lustful desires of the past may sometimes tempt us. Still, the Holy Spirit gives us exceptional power to overcome such cravings:

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:2

We may occasionally fail, but that is part of our growing experience. Sometimes we fall because we don’t take little challenges seriously, yet we get up on our feet quickly. But sometimes, we fall so badly that we may doubt our faith. Many Christians have experienced significant defeats in their lives, and some may have lost hearts or felt as if they weren’t good enough. That is why we should always trust the Lord wholeheartedly. If we ever experience defeat, we should find a quiet place, get on our knees, pray, and confess to the Lord. The Holy Spirit will restore our confidence and provide comfort. The Scripture says:

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

Let’s keep in mind that we live in a fallen world and often do wrong things unknowingly. The Holy Spirit reveals them one at a time so we can admit and grow spiritually. Accepting our wrongdoings is a sign of strength and spiritual maturity!  So, every time we make a mistake, admit it, and correct it, we move forward and up one level! Through such experiences, we appreciate the power of the Holy Spirit that promotes the willingness, desire, and strength to do good things:

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.” Philip 2:13.

Please click on “Reviving Lives” to continue.

Questions: 

1. We are born with a sinful nature
2. When the Holy Spirit empowers us, we can overcome the power of sin that leads to wrongdoings.