In our Life in the Spirit series, we have seen that the Holy Spirit gives us new life as God’s forgiven, loved, and justified children. Jesus has already won this for us by His grace, and the Holy Spirit makes this new life real in us every day.
Because of this, we are called to live by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides, shapes, corrects, and strengthens every part of our lives. That is why Paul says, “Be careful how you live” (Ephesians 5:15). He then gives practical examples of living faithfully: loving and worshipping God, treating others with love and honesty, respecting authority, and avoiding sinful behaviours such as drunkenness, selfishness, and unloving actions (Ephesians 5:3–6:9).
The gospel changes how we live. God has shown us mercy, grace, and love that we could never earn. In response, we want to love Him with all our hearts and live in ways that honour Him.
If God has given us new life through the Holy Spirit, we should expect that to be seen in our daily lives.
Do we see that happening?
We all need to keep being filled with the Holy Spirit and the grace and love of Christ that He brings (Ephesians 5:18). Growing in the Spirit is a lifelong calling for every Christian.
Jonathan.