READ: Gal. 5:13–26.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. – Rom. 8:14
The Holy Spirit has been given to us as believers as a pledge in our hearts. Through Him Christ lets you know: “I am your Redeemer, I gave My life for you. I love you, I am with you.”
We realize that this is a completely undeserved privilege. For we are just as sinful as others who do not believe.
But how can you notice the indwelling of the Spirit? Paul writes: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God.” It comes down to this: the Holy Spirit must take the lead in your life, and you must know yourself to be dependent on God. The Holy Spirit must have the final say in your life. Then you will continue to fight against your sinful flesh.
Gal. 5 names the fruits of the sinful flesh, which stand opposed to the fruits of the Spirit: all kinds of debauchery, immorality, and idolatry, but also things we might condemn less quickly: enmities, quarrels, envy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, dissension. About these, Paul says: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).
That changes when you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. That is the result of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It is also His leading that brings forth other fruits in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
But how do you receive the Spirit and His guidance? That requires sincere faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, and faith through which you are born again. You then believe that He purchased you with His blood as His possession.
John says about this (John 1:12): “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
How do you know that the Holy Spirit dwells in you?
Sing: Hymn 36:4 (1984) / 47:4 (2014)