Welcome back to our 4-part series on the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the Christian life. In recent weeks, we have explored His work in our salvation and the help He provides in our daily walk with God. You can read more in Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life!.
In this blog, we will examine the work of the Holy Spirit as it relates to our obedience to God. As we seek God through His Word and apply biblical truth in our lives, we can experience these important aspects of the Spirit’s work. Our understanding of the Holy Spirit should always be based on Scripture rather than on feelings or personal experiences. God’s Word provides a reliable foundation for understanding how the Spirit works in a believer’s life.
Believer-dependent roles
Two key passages help us understand the work of the Holy Spirit that is experienced in connection with a believer’s obedience: Romans 8:13-16, 26 and Ephesians 6:10-17.
Romans 8:13-16
- Stops sin (v.13) – As believers obey God, the Holy Spirit helps us put to death sinful actions and desires.
- Leads us (v.14) – Many Christians believe this biblical concept but may not understand how the Spirit leads. In short, the Spirit uses a believer’s knowledge of God’s word to them (please see below passage in Ephesians 6). Indeed, the Bible often tells us to be people of knowledge and understanding, for example in Paul’s prayers for others (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9). Please see the chapter over God’s leading.
- Comforts believers that they are God’s children (V.16) – The Holy Spirit provides believers with assurance that they belong to God, giving them confidence in their relationship with Him and hope regarding eternity.
Ephesians 6:10-17
The powerful “armor of God” passage is essential to understanding the Christian life. Using the imagery of a Greek soldier, it shows how believers can stand firm and draw on God’s strength by putting on the spiritual armor He provides. For Christians who wonder how God’s power is experienced in daily life, these verses offer a clear biblical picture.
This passage also helps explain the role of the Holy Spirit. His work is closely connected with each piece of the armor, with these same truths reinforced throughout other passages of Scripture.
- Truth (the belt to prepare us, v.14) – Developing a mindset of truth is a “fruit” or result of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and provides mental preparation for making proper decisions and actions.
- Righteousness (the breastplate, v.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and can perceive and reject sin (Ephesians 5:9).
- Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle, v.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).
- Faith (the shield, v.16) – Another result of the Spirit is faith in which we should make all decisions and God desires (Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 14:23).
- Eternal security (the helmet, v.17) – The sound knowledge of security of salvation protects our mind in the face of trouble in this world; its function is from the Spirit (Romans 15:13).
- The Bible (the sword, v.17) – The power of God in the Christian walk is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible.
What a beautiful encouragement these truths give us! The Holy Spirit is not distant from our daily lives. He is actively at work, helping us grow, guiding us toward what pleases God, and strengthening us to live by His power.
As believers, we are invited to walk closely with God and respond to His Word with obedience. As we do, we become more aware of the Spirit’s work in our lives and more able to experience the strength, guidance, and help He graciously provides.
God’s desire is for us to know Him more deeply and to grow in holiness. In His grace, He has not left us to do this on our own. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and everything we need to keep growing in our walk with Him.
Join us next time as we discuss our own responsibilities to the Spirit dependent on our obedience.
William C. Stewart, MD
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