We are now on the last blog for this 4-part series about the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is at work throughout the Christian life, beginning with salvation and continuing as He guides, strengthens, and helps believers grow in their walk with God. In our recent blogs, we have explored His important role and the many ways He equips us to live faithfully as followers of Christ. You can read more in Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life!.
In this blog, we continue that journey by considering our response to the Holy Spirit and our responsibilities as believers. As we seek to understand His work in our lives, we must always return to Scripture as our foundation. Our feelings and experiences may change, but God’s Word remains true. Through Scripture, we learn who the Holy Spirit is, how He works, and how we are called to walk faithfully with Him each day.
Believer’s Responsibilities to the Spirit
Christians’ actions toward the Spirit fall into two categories: what to do and what not to do. According to Scripture, the Spirit dwells in believers permanently from the time of belief unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14); the full use of the Spirit’s power is available throughout life.
What not to do!
- Grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) – Believers grieve the Holy Spirit when they live in ways that are contrary to God’s Word, particularly through sinful attitudes, words, and actions.
- Suppress the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) – We should not resist or hinder the Spirit’s work by ignoring God’s truth or choosing our own desires over obedience to Scripture.
These warnings remind us that although the Holy Spirit remains with believers, our choices can affect how fully His work is expressed in our daily lives. Instead, we are called to respond to God with humility, obedience, and a willingness to follow His Word.
What to do!
- Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25) – The word ‘walk’ (peripateoo, περιπατεω) refers to our way of life or daily conduct, especially in the moral sense. To walk in the Spirit means living in obedience to God’s Word and allowing biblical truth to guide our choices and actions.
- Be mature (filled) in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) – This verse contrasts being drunk with being filled by the Spirit. Alcohol can influence a person’s thinking and behavior, while believers are called to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
In contrast, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit! The Greek word for ‘fill’ is πληρόω (Pleroo), which has an abstract meaning of being mature or complete. For mature Christians, their old actions are no longer possible because the Spirit has changed them. Therefore, unlike being drunk, when actions are controlled by alcohol, a mature believer acts according to the Spirit (i.e., the Bible; John 14:26; John 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- Be zealous towards the Spirit (Romans 12:11) – Believers should actively pursue the things of God with eagerness and devotion. This includes seeking the truth found in Scripture and allowing it to shape our lives.
- Put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13) – The Holy Spirit helps believers overcome sin, while this verse also highlights our responsibility to respond in obedience. As we turn away from sinful actions, we experience the Spirit’s gracious help in living according to God’s will.
So to help you remember, we act like a ‘cat’ to the Spirit, an easy way to remember these four responsibilities is the mnemonic MEWS:
M – Mature in the Spirit
E – End sinful actions
W – Walk in the Spirit
S – Seek the things of the Spirit
How do believers put these actions into practice? Although Scripture does not provide a single step-by-step formula, the New Testament consistently points us to actively know God’s Word, apply its truth, and respond in obedience. As we do, we grow in our walk with the Spirit and become more mature in our Christian life.
Through this process, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms the believer’s mindset as we witness God at work, grow in our understanding of His Word, experience answered prayer, and see His power changing lives. As we continue to walk with Him, we are shaped into greater spiritual maturity (2 Corinthians 3:18).
What an encouraging truth! God has given us wonderful promises and abundant resources to help us live fruitful lives. These blessings equip us not only to serve Him faithfully, but also to experience greater joy, peace, and confidence in our daily walk with Him.
Join us next time as we continue our discussion of the major themes of Scripture.
William C. Stewart, MD
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