Chapter 3
The Holy Spirit is with you

God does not give you new life and then leave you to sustain it alone. The Holy Spirit is God, the personal presence of God in his people. Christians confess one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not an impersonal force, an emotional high, or a reward for reaching an advanced level of faith.

Jesus promised the Spirit to his disciples as he prepared them for his departure. The Spirit would teach and remind those first witnesses of Jesus’ words. Through their apostolic testimony in Scripture, he still points the church to Jesus. He does not lead us to disregard the Bible or replace Christ with a fascination about spiritual experiences.

Romans 8 says that everyone who belongs to Christ has his Spirit. You do not have to wait for an unusual sensation to begin depending on him. The Spirit assures God’s children of their adoption, helps them pray, and empowers them to resist sin. Christians differ about some spiritual gifts and experiences; speak with church leaders as you learn. No particular emotional experience is required to prove you belong to Jesus.

To walk by the Spirit is to rely on his help and follow his direction. Galatians describes the fruit he grows, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This growth is often gradual. The Spirit’s power may be evident when you apologize, refuse a dishonest shortcut, or stay patient in an irritating conversation.

Dependence involves action. Ask for help, attend to Scripture, and take the step that obedience requires. If you have harmed someone, asking the Spirit for peace does not replace telling the truth and making appropriate repair. God’s grace supplies power for a changed life.