Category: Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit – Summary and Implications

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

A Summary

This series on the Holy Spirit highlights the close connection between living by the Holy Spirit and adopting the mindset displayed by Christ on the cross. Although there is certainly much more that can be said about the Holy Spirit, we cannot say any less. This aspect of the Holy Spirit is central to the teachings of the New Testament, yet it often goes unnoticed or receives minimal attention.

The study began by exploring the meaning of the word “spirit.” The Hebrew word “Ruakh” and the Greek word “Pnuma” both conveyed the basic meaning of “wind” or “breath.” Spirit refers to the air that enters and exits our lungs, sustaining life. It is the stuff that gives thoughts and ideas. A person’s spirit is expressed through spoken words as they are breathed out. If you want to describe a person’s mindset or way of thinking, you could use the word “spirit.”

                Part 1: What is a “Spirit”?

Not only do humans have a spirit, but God also has a Spirit. God’s Spirit is the source of all life. Just as a person’s spirit is closely connected to their spoken words, God’s Spirit is closely connected to His words. The first mention of God’s Spirit is found in Genesis 1:2, which states that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters”. In the very next verse, we read that “God said.” God’s Spirit has always been closely connected to His words.

                Part 2: The Holy Spirit in Creation

Throughout the Old Testament, there were special occasions when God’s Spirit filled certain individuals, such as judges, kings, or prophets. When God’s Spirit filled someone, it meant that that their words and actions could be attributed to God Himself. In other words, their words reflected the mind of God and were not solely a product of their own thinking.

                Part 3: When God’s Spirit Fills People

                Part 4: The Holy Spirit Gave Us The Old Testament

The prophets anticipated a day when God’s Spirit would no longer be poured out on a select few, but on all flesh (Joel 2:28-32). They anticipated a time when God would give His people new life, a new heart, and a new Spirit. Putting His Spirit in His people would enable them to walk according to His statutes and obey His rules (Ezek. 36:26-27). The prophets foresaw that God’s people would be changed from within, where they would obey Him from their hearts. Their spirit would be made new, so that their thinking would look like God’s as they walked in harmony with His laws.

                Part 5: Prophesies Concerning the Spirit

This anticipation is further developed in the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist foretold that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Himself promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples after his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit was described as “The Spirit of Truth” and a “Helper” who would teach them and bring to remembrance all of Jesus’s words (John 14:19-26). As in the Old Testament, the “Spirit” remained closely linked to the ideas, commands, teachings, and mindset demonstrated and taught by Jesus Himself. Although Jesus would return to the Father, His “Spirit” would be sent in his place.

                Part 6: The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus

                Part 7: The Holy Spirit in John

                Part 8: The Holy Spirit Raised Jesus From the Dead

                Part 9: Baptism With The Holy Spirit

After Jesus’s ascension, the promised coming of the Holy Spirit became a reality. The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Jews (Acts 2), the Samaritans (Acts 8), the Gentiles (Acts 10), and the disciples of John (Acts 19). This outpouring of the Spirit was accompanied by astonishing signs and wonders, including the ability to speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues served as observable proof that their words originated from God’s Spirit.

                Part 10: The Fulfillment of the Promise of the Spirit

                Part 11: Speaking in Tongues as a Sign of the Spirit

Throughout the book of Acts, the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit consistently connected with baptism. When God’s Spirit was poured out, those who believed the gospel responded with baptism. The connection between the Holy Spirit and baptism is explained throughout Paul’s writings, where he states that all Christians are baptized in the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).

                Part 12: All Christians are Baptized in the Spirit

                Part 13: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism

Through baptism, the Spirit is “given,” “sent”, or “poured out” into their hearts (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Rom. 5:5). The Spirit solves the heart problem highlighted in the Old Testament, as a person’s mind is transformed to live according to the Spirit. Through this transformation, the Spirit offers hope for new life (Rom. 8:1-9).

                Part 14: The Holy Spirit and the Heart

                Part 15: Life in the Spirit

Living according to God’s Spirit means aligning with God’s way of thinking. It requires focusing our  minds on the things of the Spirit and submitting to God’s law (Rom. 8:5-7). It means adopting mind of God, particularly the mind of Christ on the cross, being crucified and suffering with Him (Phil. 2:1-8).

                Part 16: The Fruit of the Spirit

                Part 17: The Spirit Links Christians to the Cross

                Part 18: The Mind of Christ

The Spirit did empower individuals for a time to work miracles, but the enduring work of the Spirit is seen when Christians live with Christ-like love. It is only through the Spirit, by embracing the wisdom of the sufferings seen on the cross, that Christians can confesses Jesus as Lord. All other teachings or ideas should be tested in light of the Spirit of God as seen on the cross.

                Part 19: The Spirit and Miraculous Gifts

                Part 20: The Holy Spirit and Confession

                Part 21: Test the Spirits

The Holy Spirit is the source of life, and the basis of the Christian’s hope of resurrection. However, this hope is contingent on our commitment to live by the Spirit in the present. It requires us to think with the mind of Christ and live not by our own wisdom but by the Spirit of God as demonstrated by Christ on the cross.

                Part 22: The Holy Spirit, Suffering, and Hope

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit is not merely an emotion or a feeling. Being led by the Spirit is not simply following our own hearts. To be led by the Spirit is to be guided by God’s thinking, words, and wisdom. It is a particular way of living that submits to God’s commands, even to the point of suffering and death. It involves loving others, even at the cost of our own lives.

The Spirit of God is clearly seen in the Spirit of Christ on the cross. As we set our minds on the things of the Spirit, we seek to imitate Him. As we live by the Spirit of His Son, who was sent into our hearts, the Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit first created life, the Holy Spirit is the foundation of our hope for new life in the resurrection. But this hope is contingent on living by the Spirit now, in the present, by sharing in Christ’s suffering.

Implications

  • To live by the Holy Spirit is more than simply following the Bible. But it is not less than that.

Old Testament Israel had inspired Scripture, yet the heart still needed to be changed (Deut. 10:16). The New Testament distinguishes serving in the new way of the Spirit from the old way of simply following a written letter (Rom. 7:6). Serving by the Spirit necessitates a new heart and mind (Ezek. 36:26). However, living by the Spirit does not mean we can cast off God’s words; to the contrary, it requires submission to them. Living contrary to God’s inspired word is characteristic of living by the flesh (Rom. 8:7-8).

  • To live by the Holy Spirit means to live in purity and holiness, denying our flesh.

As we live by the Spirit, our bodies become a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Our bodies must be treated as sacred space. Whoever disregards purity and holiness disregards the Holy Spirit.

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
  • The Holy Spirit is the key to unity.

No matter their background, Christians are one in Christ because they are baptized in one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). Unity and peace are experienced in the Spirit. (Eph. 4:3-4). In Philippians Paul emphasizes that fellowship in the Spirit is found only as we live with them mind of Christ, as seen in his humility on the cross (Phil. 2:1-8).

  • The Holy Spirit is the source of love.

God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). Love is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). God abides in us as we mimic His love on the cross.

In this is love, not that we have loved God that but he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 4:10-12
  • The Holy Spirit is God’s Power in Weakness

He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God.

2 Corinthians 13:3b-4:a

The power of the Holy Spirit was seen in the creation of the world and in the resurrection of Jesus, and He will be seen in the resurrection of all of those who are in Christ (Rom. 1:20; 8:9). The question is not whether the Holy Spirit is powerful, but how His power is experienced now. The power of the Holy Spirit is found not in human wisdom, influence, political power, or strength. It was human strength that nailed Jesus to the cross. But it was in this moment, when Jesus subjected himself to a place of supreme weakness, that the power of the Holy Spirit was seen most powerfully. We access His power as we share in His sufferings.

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11

Conclusion

Although is much more that can and should be said about the Holy Spirit, it is crucial for the church to grasp this key point. Living by the Spirit requires adopting God’s way of thinking, exemplified by the Spirit of Christ on the cross. Trying to obey Scripture is necessary, but it is insufficient in and of itself. Our hearts must be transformed by suffering and dying with Christ. Living by the Spirit by following the crucified Savior leads to unity, love, and hope for resurrected life in Him.

The Holy Spirit, Suffering, and Hope

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This post is the 22nd in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. Click here for other posts in this series.

The Holy Spirit and Hope

One of the primary blessings of the Holy Spirit is that Christians can enjoy hope.

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:5

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

Galatians 5:5

As noted previously in this study, it is only by the Holy Spirit that we have hope of resurrection from the dead.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:11

As Paul describes the future resurrection body for which we hope, he highlights that our future body will be “spiritual”.

What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:42b-44

Throughout his writings, Paul uses the word “spiritual” not to refer to disembodied, immaterial beings, but to describe fully embodied, tangible, material Christians who lived by and are guided by the Spirit, living with the mind of Christ.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are not spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

The Holy Spirit gives us hope, because the Holy Spirit is the one who resurrects the dead. In this sense, our future bodies will be “spiritual” in nature, as we live with the mind of Christ. As Paul puts it, in the resurrection we will “bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Cor. 15:49). Those who have the mind of Christ now, will bear the image of Christ in the resurrection. This hope of transformation in His image comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

And we all, we unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Suffering and Hope

The hope offered by the Spirit is, however, conditional.  This is demonstrated throughout the books of Romans, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians. If we are to have hope of bearing the image of Christ, we must be willing to look like Christ our willingness to suffer with him. Paul states this truth explicitly in Romans 8.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:16-17

Hope and suffering are tied together. Suffering with Christ is not an optional extra. It is the necessary and indispensable path to glorification. The Spirit given hope is that the ultimate fate of the humiliated and crucified Messiah will be the ultimate fate of those who are crucified with him. Hope is the conviction that those who share in the suffering of Christ will likewise share in the resurrection of Christ.

For those who live by the Spirit, suffering is not separate from hope, and hope is not separate from suffering. Suffering is not despair, nor is hope mere wishful thinking. That is because the Spirit serves as a bridge connecting suffering and hope. If we suffer in the Spirit of Christ, we will be raised by the Spirit with Christ. Suffering with Christ is the guarantee of our confident expectation, our hope.

Hope is Future Oriented

The hope provided by the Spirit is a confident expectation, but confident expectation is not the same as present realization. Hope is, by definition, future oriented.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:24-25

Although God has already in a very real sense “delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son” (Col. 1:13), this triumph is not yet fully complete. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, sin and death have already been attacked and defeated, but we still await the day when “he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and authority and power” (1 Cor. 15:23), when we receive the redemption of our bodies by the Spirit.

A Present Guarantee of Future Hope

Although the Christian’s hope is future oriented, the Spirit is the guarantee of that hope. Through the Spirit, we already have a foretaste of what is to come. Paul describes the presence of the Spirit by using the image of the “firstfruits” of a harvest, which is the beginning and guarantee of the full harvest which is to come.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:23

Similarly, Paul describes the Spirit in our hearts as a “guarantee,” “down payment,” or “first installment” of what is to come.

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5

As Christians live by the Holy Spirit in the present, they are guaranteed that God will bring the Holy Spirit’s work to completion in the future. As we share in the Holy Spirit, having the mind of Christ we are continually transformed into the image of Christ. As we think like Christ, we look like Christ. Ultimately, the Spirit’s work will be completed, as we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21), when we “bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Cor. 15:49). But we only have hope to be raised in the image of Christ in the future if we look like Christ by suffering with him in the present.

Groaning Together With the Spirit

Since we have the “firstfruits”, or the “down payment” of our future glory, there is a very real sense in which we can enjoy the righteousness and peace of the Holy Spirit in the present (cf. Rom. 14:17) But our present righteousness and joy and peace is not separate from suffering. To illustrate this point, Paul uses the image of a mother in labor with her child.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:22-23

An expecting mother patiently anticipates the day when her child will be born. Pregnancy is a joy, but it’s not easy. It is a time filled with increasing discomfort and pain. Then the day comes. It is a day of pain and suffering and torment and tears. But then, the pain is replaced with joy. The crying is replaced with tears of happiness. The groaning gives way to new life.

So also, by the Spirit, we presently suffer and we groan. But we have peace in our trouble, we endure with patience, and we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know what it brings. By the Spirit we suffer with the mind of Christ. And by that same Spirit, we will be raised with him. And so, through the suffering Spirit, we have hope.

Test the Spirits

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 21st in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. Click here all the articles in the series.

In 1 John 4:1, John challenges his readers not to believe every spirit, but to “test the spirits”. That is, he wanted them to closely examine the thoughts, ideas, and words being taught to them to determine whether or not they were from God.

In 2 Corinthians, we see Paul doing this very thing. In this letter, Paul examined the teachings and practices of the so-called “super-apostles.” Although these “super-apostles” were likely were very skilled in public speaking, they lacked the humility characteristic of Christianity and were disrupting the church in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:5-7).

Boasting In Weakness

Paul, however, lived with a different mindset. While these “super-apostles” boasted in their strengths, Paul posted in his imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, dangers, and hunger (11:21-29).

He said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Because these they lacked the humility and weaknesses associated with Jesus and the gospel, Paul claimed that their claims were completely illegitimate.

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

2 Corinthians 11:4

Not only did these “super-apostles” teach a different Jesus and a different gospel, but those who accepted their teaching had received a “different spirit” from the Spirit they received through obeying the gospel.

A Different Spirit

Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul teaches a gospel that is noticeably different from that of the false apostles. Rather than boasting in his own strengths, Paul shared in the suffering of Christ.

For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

2 Corinthians 1:5-6

The idea of sharing in the suffering of Christ sets the tone for all of 2 Corinthians. Paul goes on to say:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have this same Spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” so we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

2 Corinthians 4:7-14

There is much that can be learned about the Holy Spirit by reflecting on these verses. Observe:

  • Paul refers to his suffering as “sharing in the Spirit of faith.”
  • To “share in the Spirit of faith” is to “carry in the body the death of Jesus… always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake.”
  • When we “share in the Spirit of faith” by suffering with Jesus, we do so knowing that “he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” The one who raised Jesus, and the one who will raise us, is elsewhere in Paul’s writings identified as the Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11).

What we learn about “Spirit of faith” here in 2 Corinthians is the same thing we learn about the Spirit in Romans, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians. Namely, to share in the “Spirit” is to look, act, and think like Christ.

Notice how Paul states this explicitly in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Observe:

  • The Lord IS the Spirit
  • It is by the Spirit that we are transformed into the image of the Lord.

To live by the Spirit is to look like Christ. Since he suffered, we suffer. Since he loved, we love. Since he was faithful, we are faith. By the Spirit, we look like Him.

Now we can see why Paul would stress that the “super-apostles” demonstrated “another spirit.” That is, because they did not share in the humility and suffering of Christ on the cross. Instead of looking like the image of the Lord, they boasted in their own strength. Paul tested their spirit, and saw that it was not from God.

What This Means for the Church

Although we may always have unanswered questions about the Holy Spirit, one aspect of the Holy Spirit that is clear, and very important to grasp, is that we must look like Christ. Right in the middle of a long list of Christ-like sufferings and attributes, Paul mentions that we commend ourselves by the Holy Spirit.

As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger, by purity, knowledge, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God.

2 Corinthians 6:4-6

According to Paul, what sets Christians apart is that we believe that the “surpassing power belongs to God, not to us.” (2 Cor. 4:7). If we boast in anything at all, we are to boast in the things which make us weak (2 Cor. 11:30). We share in the Spirit only as we suffer with Christ (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

There are many today who focus on the exalted glory and power of Christ, yet without emphasizing the suffering which was necessary for him to achieve this glory. Christ was exalted as king was by suffering in the Spirit, and being raised by the Spirit. As soon as Christianity becomes an endeavor to wield our power and influence in the world, yet without doing it the way Christ did, by means of suffering, we cease to live by His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit and Confession

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit, Uncategorized

This article is the twentieth in an ongoing study of the Holy Spirit. Click here to read other articles in this series.

In 1 Corinthians 12:3 Paul says “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” John writes something similar in 1 John 4:1-3, which reads, “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.” Both Paul and John emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in recognizing and confessing the truth about Jesus and his lordship.

But what exactly do these scriptures mean? Does the Holy Spirit miraculously work on some people’s hearts to bring about this confession? If so, why doesn’t He miraculously work to change everyone’s hearts so that all will confess the same truth? What exactly is the role of the Holy Spirit as it pertains to the Christian’s confession about Jesus?

No One Can Say “Jesus is Lord” Except in the Holy Spirit

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

As discussed in the previous part of this study, the Corinthians had become so consumed by their spiritual gifts that they had forgotten to use those spiritual gifts in the way they were intended to be used. That is, they were not governing the use of their spiritual gifts with Christ-imitating love.

As Paul addresses this problem, he begins by reminding them of something very important. Being led by the Spirit must not be confused with simply being led by something.

You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.

1 Corinthians 12:2

Before the Corinthians became Christians, how is it that they had been led into paganism? We don’t know. Perhaps it was just an emotional pull in their heart. Maybe it was just how they were raised. Maybe they had been wrapped up in a cultural movement. We simply don’t know. But Paul’s point is clear. Whatever it is that led them into paganism, it clearly was not the Holy Spirit. People are led to believe certain things in many different ways, and not all of them are good. That is why Paul gave the Corinthians a test.

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:3

Just as the Holy Spirit had not been the one who had led the Corinthians into paganism, so also, when anyone says “Jesus is accursed”, it clearly was not the Holy Spirit leading them to say that.

Who is Paul talking about here? Who in Corinth was saying “Jesus is accursed,” and why were they saying it? Most likely, Paul was referring to the same people he referred to back in chapter 1, who rejected the word of the cross as foolishness.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

The idea that Jesus became the anointed Lord of the world, not by conquering his enemies, but by dying at their hands, is a concept that many struggled to accept. To them, the word about the cross sounded foolish. Or as Paul put it,

We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Why is it that some are able to see the wisdom of the cross, while others dismiss the cross as foolishness? According to Paul, the only way a person can wrap their mind around the wisdom of the cross is by the Spirit of God.

For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except by the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:11-16

There are many clarifying observations which can be drawn from these verses. First, notice once again the close connection between a person’s “thoughts” and their “spirit.”

  • “Who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person which is in him?”
  • “No one comprehends the thoughts of God except by the Spirit of God”
  • “Human wisdom” is contrasted with what is “taught by the Spirit”
  • Those who are not “spiritually discerned” are not able to “understand” the things of the “Spirit” of God
  • The only way we can “understand the mind of the Lord” is if we “have the mind of Christ.”

Paul identifies the “spiritual” person as one who discerns, and understands the mind of Christ. As we learn to think like Christ, we accept the things of the Spirit of God.

Secondly, we can see that for Paul, following the Spirit of God is a choice. We must choose to accept the “words” which are “taught by the Spirit” rather than accept the “words taught by human wisdom.” We can only accept the wisdom of the cross as we choose to accept the God-breathed words of God’s Spirit.

With this idea in mind, Paul’s statement a few pages later in chapter 12 makes a lot of sense. The only way a person can confess that “Jesus is Lord” is to learn to think like God. We do this when we choose to accept His words, and we choose to mimic the mind which we see in Christ on the cross. So long as we dismiss the suffering as foolishness we will never be able to confess that Jesus is Lord. As long as we think of suffering as a curse to be avoided, we will be led to the conclusion that Jesus is accursed.

Instead of retaliating against and defeating his enemies, Jesus conquered them by dying for them. We must learn to think about suffering and personal sacrifice the same way the Spirit of God does. Without that, we will never truly be able to confess that Jesus is Lord.

By This You Know the Spirit of God

John teaches that we should discern the Spirit of God by giving a very similar test.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

1 John 4:1-3

The people to whom John was writing were in danger of being confused, or worse, completely led astray by false prophets. The problem with a false prophet is that you cannot tell a false one from a true one, at least not at first sight. They seem devout. They seem sincere. They seem reasonable. They claim to be speaking a word from God. But John knew that not every teacher claiming to be from God actually teaches God’s words.

How can we tell the difference? How do we discern if a teacher’s ideas accurately reflect the mind of God or not? How do we “test the spirits”?

According to John, you must listen to their teachings very closely. Such people are not likely to come out and claim they are “anti-Christ,” but gradually their fatal flaw will be revealed. That is, when push comes to shove, they do not really believe that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.” Just as Paul’s opponents could not wrap their minds around the wisdom of the cross, so John’s opponents could not accept that Jesus’s death on the cross was actual, real, fleshly suffering and death. They could not accept that letting your flesh suffer was actually good news.

When they talked about Jesus, it was not the real Jesus, but a version of Jesus they made up for themselves – one that didn’t actually require the self-denial of the flesh. The Spirit of God, however, recognizes and embraces Jesus’s fleshly incarnation. Even though false prophets may sound convincing at first, they ultimately oppose Jesus as they oppose his fleshly suffering. The “spirit” they teach is described as “anti-Christ.”

The Significance of Confession

To confess that Jesus, who came, suffered, and died, in the flesh, is now the “Lord” is one of the most basic statements of the Christian faith (Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11). This confession is not simply about uttering the right words about Jesus, but really buying into the truth that the crucified Jesus really is the Lord. It is not enough to simply confess that we like a whole lot of things about Jesus. We must confess the real Jesus. The crucified Jesus.

Accepting the real Jesus is not easy. It requires that we accept the particular words, the words of God (1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13). It requires that we accept the mind of Christ, who suffered on the cross. We can only confess that Jesus is Lord by the Spirit of God.

The Spirit and Miraculous Gifts

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 19th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. To read other articles in this series, click here.

There is a often disconnect between the way the New Testament speaks about the Spirit and how the church speaks about the Spirit today. In the New Testament there is a major emphasis on the importance of applying the teachings and example of Christ to our lives (see Part 18). Today discussions about the Holy Spirit tend to focus on questions and debates about miracles.

When the Spirit was initially poured out, this was often accompanied by miraculous signs. These wonders served an important role. They signified that the Spirit had indeed been poured out in fulfillment of Old Testament promises (see Part 11).

Some of the Corinthians had been given miraculous spiritual gifts, but they had completely missed the point of these gifts. Instead of using the ability to speak in tongues to build up the church, Paul compared their noise to that of a “lifeless instrument” (1 Cor. 14:7). What was intended to be used as a sign for unbelievers (14:22) had become an occasion for mockery (14:23).

Into this situation, Paul introduces Christ-like love as the key rule by which spiritual gifts were to be exercised.

If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Without love, miraculous spiritual gifts are worthless (13:1-3). Love does not insist on getting its own way, but is patient and kind towards others (13:4-5). So it is with the exercise of miraculous spiritual gifts.  Spiritual gifts were not to be used to build up the individuals who practiced them, but rather to build up the church (14:1-5). The Corinthians were in need of a shift in how they thought about the Spirit.

Imitators of Christ

Paul’s emphasis on love stems from his encouragement for the Corinthians to mimic his example as he follows Christ.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

When Paul mentions “Christ,” he specifically has in mind “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 11:1 serves as the conclusion of his reply to the Corinthians regarding the question of eating meat offered to idols (8:1-11:1). Paul began this section of his letter by contrasting knowledge and love.

Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Corinthians 8:1

In the middle of this section, Paul presents himself as an example of relinquishing his own “rights” (9:4, 5, 6, 12, 18), and keeping his body “under control” (9:27), for the sake of benefiting others. He summarizes his own example as that of seeking the advantage of others before himself.

I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:33

That is what Paul means when he says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” which is the very next verse.

Love as a Work of the Spirit

As has been seen throughout the rest of the New Testament, Paul identifies the work of the Spirit as this kind of Christ-like love. First, Paul identified Christ as “him crucified” (2:2). Second, Paul urges people to be imitators of the crucified Christ by following his example as one who denies his own interests for the sake of others (11:1). Then, Paul defines love as patience, kindness, loving the truth, forbearance, belief, hope, and endurance, and as opposed to boastfulness, arrogance, rudeness, self-seeking, irritability, resentfulness, and wrongdoing (13:4-6). These contrasting characteristics are remarkably similar to the “works of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:19-23 (see Part 16).

By placing the “love chapter” (1 Cor. 13) right in the middle of his discussion of the miraculous spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14), Paul establishes self-sacrificial, Christ imitating love as the governing rule by which the Corinthians were to rightly use their spiritual gifts.

The Temporary Nature of Miraculous Spiritual Gifts

In the context of this argument, Paul emphasizes the significance of Christ-like love in contrast to the temporary nature of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit.

Love never ends. As for prophesies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Paul emphasizes that while spiritual gifts will cease, love never fails. Love will continue to be relevant long after the temporary gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues, and miraculous knowledge pass away.

Paul uses three images to describe the temporary nature of miraculous spiritual gifts.

The first image is that of a child growing into maturity (v. 11). Paul viewed prophecy, speaking in tongues, and miraculous knowledge as child’s play for the church. Paul urged the Corinthians to move on to the grown-up stuff, namely, Christ-like love, which would carry on into the maturity of the church. Even if it could be proved that the Spirit continues to give miraculous spiritual gifts today, this would prove nothing except that the church continues to exhibit the maturity of a child.

The second image is that of a mirror. In the first century, mirrors did not present a clear reflection as most mirrors do today. There were often blurry and misshaped, resulting in an imperfect reflection. This is how Paul viewed miraculous spiritual gifts. Yes, they served an important role, through which they communicated something important about God’s plan, namely that the promises of the Spirit had been fulfilled. But Paul saw that they day was coming when we would see God’s plan face to face rather than looking in mirrors. Just as mirrors are unnecessary when we can see face to face, so Paul saw the day approaching when miraculous gifts would be unnecessary.

Then Paul says the same thing in a third way. “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully.” The miraculous spiritual gifts did serve to communicate important knowledge, but the knowledge they communicated was incomplete in nature. Once the completed knowledge is present, the partial knowledge that results from miraculous prophecy and speaking in tongues would be unnecessary.

A Change of Focus

This passage served to direct the Corinthian’s attention away from the pursuit of miraculous spiritual gifts to the imitation of Christ’s love, which is itself a work of the Spirit. Paul wanted the Corinthians to think about the work of the Spirit beyond the miraculous experiences of those in the first century. The fact that love is more enduring made it all the more important for them to prioritize love in the center of their loves in the present.

Unfortunately, many today continue to be infatuated with talking about the Holy Spirit primarily in terms of miraculous gifts, speaking in tongues, and modern-day prophecy. To such, I believe Paul would point to his discussion in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and say, “I will show you a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31b).

The Mind of Christ

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 18th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. Click here for links to all the articles in this series.

According to Romans 8, it is only those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit who can please God (8:5-8). It is the Spirit who gives Christians the hope of resurrection (Part 15) and relates them to God as children and heirs with Christ (8:9-17). In this passage, Paul briefly, but explicitly, emphasizes that this hope is directly connected to the cross (Part 17). The Holy Spirit relates us to God as children only if we are willing to put to death the deeds of the body (8:13) and suffer with Christ (8:17).

The connection between the Spirit and the cross, mentioned only briefly in Romans 8, is emphasized continually throughout the entire New Testament. Recognizing this connection is critical if we are to rightly understand and apply the New Testament’s teachings about the Holy Spirit.

What Does it Mean to Be a Christian?

The key question Paul addresses in his letter to the Galatians is this: Who is Israel? Who are those who are to be recognized as God’s true people? The Spirit and the cross are at the very core of Paul’s answer to this question. Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes that God’s people are not identified by their fleshly characteristics. Israel is not defined as those who are circumcised as Jews, but as those who are in Christ.

But what exactly does this mean? What does it mean for our identity to be “in Christ”? Paul sums up his argument in a great climatic statement found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Although Paul does not yet mention the Spirit by name, he does speak of the indwelling of Christ – “Christ lives in me.” Even more specifically, Paul speaks of Christ in terms of his self-sacrificial love. Christ, who lives in him, is the Christ “who loved me and gave himself for me.”

According to Paul, to be “in Christ” means that Christ is “in” them, so that what is true of Christ is true of them. It would be reasonable to conclude, therefore, that a person in whom the crucified Christ lives would themselves be a person characterized by the same kind of self-sacrificial love we see in Christ.

But rather than stating this conclusion quite so explicitly, Paul develops this conclusion by discussing the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of the Crucified Son

Following the discussion of Christ’s self-sacrificial love, Paul’s co-crucifixion with him, and Christ living “in” him, Paul immediately reminds the Galatians that they too had received the Spirit.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?

Galatians 3:1-5

Paul says that the Galatians had “received” and “begun by” the Spirit, a reference to the time of their initiation into Christ. Moreover, Paul says that their conversion was in response to the message about Christ’s crucifixion. “It was before your eyes that Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.”

Once again, the Spirit is inseparable from what we see in Christ on the cross. It was initially the preaching of the cross that led to the Galatians reception of the Spirit. Moreover, Paul goes on to specifically identify the Spirit as “The Spirit of his Son.”

But when the fulness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying “Abba, Father!”

Galatians 4:4-6

Just as Paul was “crucified with Christ,” and now had Christ living “in” him, so too when the Galatians responded to the message about the crucifixion, they too received the Spirit of God’s Son who was sent into their hearts at the time of their conversion.

A Spirit of Self-Sacrificial Love

Both Paul and the Galatians had received the Spirit of God’s Son at the time of their co-crucifixion with him (i.e. baptism, Gal 3:27). Paul goes on to describe walking in the Spirit as a life of self-sacrificial, Christ-like, crucifixion-style, love and faithfulness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Galatians 5:6

Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13b

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is not law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:22-24

In other words, the past act of Christ’s faithful obedience and love, namely his crucifixion, is applied to the lives of those who are “in Christ” through the Spirit as they live with that same kind of faithful obedience and love (and joy, peace, kindness, etc).

The Mind of Christ

As was observed at the beginning of this study (Part 1), the word “Spirit” was always closely connected to a person’s words, or thoughts, or mindset. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a very particular mindset, namely that of Christ on the cross. This is emphasized not only in Romans and Galatians, but throughout the entire New Testament.

For example, in Ephesians Paul stresses the importance of maintaining the “unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3). Paul then urges the Ephesians to be “renewed in the spirit of your minds” (Eph. 4:24). That means putting away things like lying, anger, theft, and corrupt talk (Eph. 4:25-29), which according to Paul would “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). Instead, Paul urges the Ephesians to mimic the example of Christ, or more specifically, the example Christ on the cross.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Similarly when Paul reminded the Philippians of their “participation in the Spirit” (Phil. 2:1), he had something very particular in mind. It wasn’t the idea of following a still small voice in your heart. Nor did he reduce it down to simply following the Spirit-inspired scriptures. Paul reminded Christians to remember their participation in the Spirit so that they would maintain a particular Christ-like mindset.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:1-8

This was not just Paul’s viewpoint either. John also viewed the presence of God’s Spirit as the imitation of God’s love.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us His Spirit… So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:13, 16

By “love” John specifically had in mind the kind of love we see in Christ on the cross.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

1 John 3:16

The True Church

How then do we recognize the true people of God? The question is as relevant today as it was when Paul wrote Galatians. When all is said and done, this question can only be answered by going to the cross.

Not only was Christ crucified, but when Christians were baptized, they were put to death with him (Rom. 6:1-4). But this co-crucifixion did not end in baptism. Baptism was only the beginning. The whole world, with it’s fleshly passions and desires, must be crucified to the Christian, and the Christian must be crucified to the world (Gal 5:24; 6:14-16). When we live in this crucified way, we can say with Paul, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

This then, is at the very heart of the New Testament’s teaching about the Spirit. Christ’s church is not defined by their fleshly identity. They are recognized as such because they have been crucified with Christ. The cross is the dividing line between the Christ’s church and the world.  So it was in the first century, and so it is today. That is why Christians must keep in step with the Spirit.

The Spirit Links Christians to the Cross

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 17th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. For earlier parts of this series, click here.

In the first half of Romans 8 (vs. 1-11) Paul argues that it is the Spirit who gives hope for life after, and out of, death. Those who are in Christ have their life in the Spirit (Part 15). In the second half of the chapter, Paul describes the glorious inheritance which can be anticipated by God’s children (vs. 18-36).

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:23

The two sections are linked together by what Paul says in verses 14-17. It is the Spirit who identifies a person as a child of God, and as a child, then as an heir. It is because of the Spirit that we can anticipate an inheritance.

Once again notice that Paul refers to all Christians; not just Jews, not just Gentiles, and not just a few select Christians who had received miraculous spiritual gifts. Observe the use of the words “all”, the plural “you” (I use the word “y’all” in the quotes below), “our”, and “we”. Paul identifies children of God as “all” those who are led by Spirit, by whom “we” (that is, Paul and all those saints to whom he was writing) relate to God as father, and “we” all are joint heirs with Christ. Paul does not exclude any of the saints in Rome to whom he was writing (cf. Rom. 1:7).

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For y’all did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but y’all have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:14-17

According to Paul, it is the Spirit who relates Christians to God as children. First, Paul says “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (v. 14). Then he refers to the Spirit as “the Spirit of adoption,” by whom we cry “Abba Father” (v. 15).

How can we know if we are children of God? Because “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (v. 16). It is because of the Spirit that we are assured of our status as heirs with Christ.

Paul does not, however, describe this assurance as mere emotional confidence, or some sort of sentimental feeling in our hearts. It is important to note that the Spirit confirms our identity as children of God only as two conditions are met. First, we must be willing to put to death the deeds of the body. Secondly, we must be willing to suffer with Christ.

Dying with Christ

Immediately prior to Paul’s claim that “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God,” Paul explains what it means to be “led by the Spirit of God”.

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not according to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if y’all live according to the flesh y’all will die, but if by the Spirit y’all put to death the deeds of the body, y’all will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:12-14 (Emphasis added)

It is the Spirit who gives us resurrection hope (Rom. 8:9-11). But this hope is contingent on meeting a condition – indicated by the word “if” in the quote above – “if” we put to death the deeds of the body. Who are those who will live? Only those who put to death the deeds of the body. Who are those who are led by the Spirit? Only those who put to death the deeds of the body. Those who do not put to death the deeds of the body will die – the Spirit offers no hope to such persons.

Just as the Spirit of God was seen in Christ, as he chose to lay down his life (Rom. 5), so the Spirit of God can be seen in Christians when they choose to live with the same mindset – the mindset which puts to death the deeds of the body. It is a hard and painful experience to deny our bodies of what they tell us they want. But a life which is not focused on putting to death fleshly attitudes and actions demonstrates a spirit which is noticeably out of step with the Spirit of Christ on the cross.

A Christian’s existence must be continually characterized by dying with Christ.

Suffering with Christ

Moreover, Paul gives a second condition.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:16-17 (Emphasis added)

According to Paul, the Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God and heirs of Christ. But once again, Paul adds a condition, this time indicated by the word “provided.” The Spirit bears witness that we are children, and thus heirs, “provided” we suffer with Christ.

It is only by sharing in the death and suffering of Christ in the present that Christians are able to love and serve others as Christ did. It is not enough to say that a “spiritual” person is one who obeys the Spirit-inspired words of Scripture, although this is certainly true. The Spirit bears witness that we are children of God only if we are obedient to the point of, and through suffering, as Christ was. It is not simply a general attitude of obedience to Scripture – it is a degree of obedience that remains ready to abandon even life itself.

The Spirit, in other words, links Christians to the cross, and via the cross to Christ through suffering and death. The Spirit of God is in a Christian as they walk with the Spirit of Christ in their life (cf. 8:10). That is, as they share in the mindset (cf. 8:5-8) of Christ, who was willing to obey God even when it meant putting his own life to death for the sake of loving others.

It is this shared Spirit which marks Christians as God’s own children (8:14-17). But this is true only to the extent that their lives are marked by conformity to the mind, or “Spirit” of Christ on the cross.

The Fruit of the Spirit

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 16th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. To read other articles in this series click here.

According to Romans 8:3-8, there are two alternative ways of living. One can walk by the flesh, with a mind focused on the flesh, or one can walk by the Spirit, with a mind focused on the Spirit (see Part 15). In the book of Galatians, Paul stresses a very similar point.

Two Ways of Living

Paul spent a considerable part of his letter to the Galatians arguing that those who are in Christ are free, both from their pagan past and from the demands of the Jewish law.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

For you were called to freedom, brothers.

Galatians 5:13a

But Paul also emphasized that a Christian’s freedom comes with responsibility. A Christian’s freedom must not be abused as an opportunity to emphasize the flesh, but is for the specific purpose of loving and serving one another. Unfortunately, the controversies in the Galatian churches led to behavior that Paul could describe as “biting” and “devouring” one another.

Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Galatians 5:13b-15

It is then that Paul makes his point. If Christians are going to fulfill the commandment “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” there is only one way to do this. This cannot be accomplish by them in emphasizing, or finding their true identity in the “flesh” by getting circumcised. Emphasizing the flesh ultimately leads to a disastrous way of life. It can only happen by the Spirit.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealously, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:16-24

Crucified with Christ

Underneath these two contrasting lists (the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit) lies Paul’s understanding of what happens in baptism. Notice that Paul concludes his two lists by speaking of those who “belong to Christ Jesus” who have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” As noted previously (Part 12), Paul assumed that all Christians had been baptized in the Spirit and had the Spirit who was sent into their heart (cf. Gal. 3:2-7, 27-28; 4:4-7).

First Paul describes the condition he refers to as “in the flesh.” Those who find their identity by emphasizing their fleshly characteristics will ultimately produce the “works of the flesh.” But those who belong to Christ Jesus have gone through a “crucifixion” with him (cf. Gal. 2:20; Rom 6:1-4) . What they have “crucified” is the kind of life which is driven the passions and desires of the flesh. As a result of their “crucifixion” they now begin to bear new “fruit.”

The Spirit and Self-Control

It is important to note that the nine attributes described by Paul as the fruit of the Spirit (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control) are not characteristics which will develop by a person’s own efforts apart from the Spirit. But neither should we imagine these attributes as things which simply happen “to” a Christian without them thinking or intending to practice them. Christians must make up their minds to live this way. It is not a matter of simply being baptized, and then putting our bodies on autopilot mode while the Spirit takes over control.

If that were the case, there would be no reason for what Paul says next.

If we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

Similar to what Paul says in Romans 8:5-8, if we are going to walk by the Spirit, we must intentionally keep our minds focused on, and submissive to the path that the Spirit lays before us. Contrary to the idea of the Spirit taking control of someone’s mind or body, Paul says “self-control” is part of the fruit of the Spirit. A Spirit-filled, Spirit-led life is a self-controlled, self-disciplined life. It is a life which intentionally follows the footprints laid by God’s Spirit.

Paul’s point is that if we choose to follow the steps laid by God’s Spirit, God’s breath, God’s words, and God’s way of thinking (cf. Part 1), this is the kind of fruit we will see in our life. When Christians demonstrate these characteristics, it can only be attributed to God’s Spirit, because this fruit will not develop when we follow our own steps, or the steps of any other man.

The Importance of the Spirit

The point Paul makes is as relevant for the church today as it was then. There are many today who emphasize the need for love, patience, kindness, goodness, etc. with an attitude towards God’s word that deemphasizes doctrine whenever they fear it will lead to arguments or disagreement. There are others who are so passionate about defending “the truth” (or rather their party or sect’s definition of the truth; a false “truth” which is determined by their fleshly identity) that their lives are filled with fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, and divisions.

Paul’s answer to these two errors is short and clear. As Christians, we must be people who are determined to follow His Spirit, His breath, His words, and His way of thinking. If we live by the Spirit, our lives will bear His fruit.

Christians who are concerned with speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) do themselves a disservice when they do not ground in their teaching, as Paul did, in a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit.

Life in the Spirit

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This article is the 15th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. Click here to read the other articles in this series.

Romans 8 is of particular importance when it comes to understanding the Holy Spirit. Here Paul explains the role of the Holy Spirit in his own life, as well as in the lives of all other Christians (notice the words “us,” “anyone,” “we,” and the plural “you” used throughout the chapter).

In Romans 8, Paul identifies Christians as those “who walk… according to the Spirit” (v. 4). Later, Paul says that the sons of God are those who are “led by the Spirit” (v. 14; cf. Gal. 5:25). To understand Paul’s teachings about the Spirit in Romans 8, it is important to read these phrases in context, noticing the particular role they play in the actual argument of his letter – an argument that began back in chapter 7.

Romans 8 in Context

In the latter part of Romans 7, Paul has argued that the law promised life, but in reality brought death (Rom. 7:10-12). However, the life, which was promised by the law, was ultimately achieved through God’s Spirit, who gives resurrection life to all those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:11).

The beginning of Romans 8 serves as both the conclusion to chapter 7, and the introduction to what Paul argues later in the chapter. What Paul says is indeed very dense and tight packed, but not incomprehensible so long as we read carefully and with the big picture argument in mind.

Paul begins in by stating his main idea that he is going to make throughout all of chapter 8.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

Paul then begins to explain why that is so.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2

What Paul says in verse 2 is dense, and it would be difficult (though not impossible) to grasp what Paul means simply by dissecting the verse in isolation. But there is no need to worry. Paul explains it himself, beginning in verses 3-4.

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:3-4

Paul then unpacks this idea even further in verses 5-8.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5-8

Finally, in verses 9-11, Paul’s argument is fully revealed. (I have replaced the plural “you” with “y’all” to help my kinsmen think about this passage in their native tongue).

Y’all, however are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in y’all. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in y’all, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in y’all, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to y’all’s mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in y’all.

Romans 8:9-11

When reading the Bible, and especially when reading the writings of Paul, it is important to not stop at a single verse or phrase. Unfortunately, this seems to happen quite often, especially in Romans 8, and especially when it comes to the Holy Spirit. It is not uncommon to hear people speak of “walking in the Spirit” or “being led by the Spirit” and to assign to those phrases all kinds of imaginative meanings that, quite frankly, do not fit with Paul’s overall argument.

Paul’s Main Argument

Again, back to verse 1, Paul’s main argument is that, unlike those who continually try, and fail, to find life through the law of Moses (Rom. 7:7-20), there is no such condemnation for those who are in Christ.

Why is that? Because “the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (v. 2). Because “God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do” (v. 3). Because “Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (v. 5). And ultimately because “to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (v. 6).

That’s why there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus – Because it is by the Spirit, and only by the Spirit, that there is hope in resurrection life (vs. 9-11).

The result is, that the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled, and with it, the life that was promised by the law. This promised life is fulfilled, not in those who walk according to the flesh, but in those who walk according to the Spirit (v. 4).

Walking According to the Spirit

In the context of this particular argument, what does it mean to “walk according to the Spirit”? And how is it different from “walking according to the flesh”?

It is not, as many will apply the phrase, referring to someone who spends their life being led by some inner voice or emotional tug on their heart. Rather Paul tells us exactly what he means by this phrase.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5-8

According to Paul, the difference between those who walk according to the flesh and those who walk according to the Spirit is their mindset. What is their mind focused on? What are they thinking about all the time? Those who are focused on the flesh, that is, on pride, jealousy, or slander (see Rom. 2:29-32 for a detailed description) are those who walk according to the flesh. They are opposed to God. They cannot submit to God’s law, and they cannot please God. But those who focus on the Spirit have a mindset that is ready submit to God’s law. They can please God. They can enjoy life and peace.

We can see how all of this leads to the end of his argument: Those who have the Spirit dwelling in them will be raised from the dead (vs. 9-11). It is the Spirit who circumcises the hearts of believers (see Part 14), and it is the Spirit who can breath new life into those who were formerly dead, in parallel to how the Spirit gave life to Jesus (see Part 8). That is why there is no condemnation for those who are baptized into Christ.

In short, the Spirit is the Christian’s hope for life, because the Spirit is the one who transforms death into life. The Spirit is He who gives life after, and out of, death. But this hope is reserved for those who are in Christ, who live with their minds focused on the Spirit of God. Christians live, that is, they have their life in, the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit and the Heart

On By Tyler BoydIn Holy Spirit

This is article is the 14th in an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit. To read the other parts in this series, click here.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is of crucial importance for the Christian life. The New Testament everywhere assumes, and often states that all Christians have the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, there is no Christianity, and there is no church (see parts 12 and 13).

In the Spirit, all Christians are “baptized into one body,” and all Christians “drink” of “one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). “In the Spirit of our God” as well as “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” all Christians were “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” (1 Cor. 6:11). The Spirit was supplied to Christians at the beginning of their Christian walk “by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2b, 5). Anyone who does not have the Spirit does not belong to him (Rom. 8:9; 1 John 4:13), but those who do have the Spirit are sons of God and heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal 4:6-7). The Holy Spirit is directly tied to our hope for resurrection (Rom. 8:11).

Of particular importance is the way the New Testament describes a close connection between the Spirit and the heart. God has “sent” the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Galatians 4:6

God’s love has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:5

The Spirit in our hearts is given to us as a guarantee of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and has also put his seal on us and has given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Although the connection between the Spirit and the heart is noticeably important in the New Testament, there are many things about the connection that I struggle to understand. The confusion stems not so much from what the Bible says, but from many of the common phrases and explanations used by others. For instance, it’s not uncommon to hear people say things like “The Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart” or “working on my heart” or “I feel the Holy Spirit in my heart.” Others will go to great lengths to try to explain how the “Holy Spirit influences the human heart only through scripture” or “in conjunction with the word.” It’s easy to get bogged down when people start arguing over whether the Holy Spirit works “directly” or “indirectly” on the heart, both of which are descriptions that are foreign to scripture. Although I’m not convinced those who use such phrases are always in error, I struggle to know who’s right and who’s wrong, because I have a hard time knowing what they mean when they use such phrases.

There is, however, something very important about the connection between the Spirit and the heart that I find easy to understand, that is, how the Bible describes the human “heart” as being at the very root of the problem of mankind, and how the Bible points to the Holy Spirit as the solution to that problem.

The Heart Problem

One reason it is important to notice this Spirit-heart connection is because the Bible describes the condition of the human “heart” as being at the very root of the problem of mankind. It is the “heart” that was darkened by a failure to acknowledge God as God.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened…Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.

Romans 1:21, 24

In speaking of the Jews, Paul says it is the heart that has become “hard and impenitent.”

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Romans 2:5

On the other hand, if people are going to be saved, they must believe “in the heart” and obey “from the heart.”

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For the with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:9-10

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to that standard of teaching to which you were committed.

Romans 6:17

Logically then, if the problem with mankind is going to be solved, it will require that the “heart” be repaired. That’s why it is the “heart” that is need of “circumcision.” This is where the Holy Spirit comes into play.

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:28-29

The Need For a New Heart

Both Moses and the prophets spoke of the need for the heart to be circumcised.

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and no longer be stubborn.

Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD;
remove the foreskin of your hearts,
O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 4:4a

Both Jews and Gentiles are frequently described as having “uncircumcised” hearts (Jer. 9:25-26; Ezek. 44:7-9). But on numerous occasions the prophets spoke of a coming day, when God would fix the heart problem.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:33

I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn away from me.

Jeremiah 32:39-40

The Spirit as the Solution to the Heart Problem

Throughout the Old Testament, the “heart” was often viewed in close connection with a person’s spirit (cf. Deut. 2:30; Ps. 51:10, 17; 77:5, 8). This makes sense when we remember that the word “spirit” was used to refer to a person’s mindset, or the words that they were thinking (See Part 1). So it shouldn’t strike us as surprising that when Ezekiel spoke of God giving his people a “new heart”, he said this would happen when his people are given a “new Spirit.” The result of this “new heart” and “new Spirit” will be that God’s people will be able to walk in God’s statutes and keep his rules.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, so that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 11:19-20

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Ezekiel 36:26-27

This is the theme Paul builds on in the book of Romans.

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, not is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:28-29

In the Old Testament, Israel was identified by the fleshly sign of circumcision. Now, Israel is identified by the circumcision of the heart. As a result of having our hearts circumcised by the Spirit, we new serve “in the new way of the Spirit”.

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

Romans 7:6

As we read through other New Testament passages, we see this same idea emphasized time and time again. In Colossians, Paul identified the “circumcision made without hands” as baptism. This of course makes sense, given that Paul believed it was the Spirit who was active in baptism (Part 13).

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:11-12

In 2 Corinthians, Paul describes the Spirit as “writing” a letter from Christ on the Christian’s heart.

You yourselves are out letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Even if there are things about the Spirit and the heart that we do not understand, what is clear is that the Bible identifies the Spirit as the solution to the heart problem. If you want to recognize a true child of God, don’t look at their physical attributes. Look at their heart. According to Paul, a true Jew is identified by those who have a renewed heart. In continuity with the Old Testament prophets, Paul sees this renewal as a work of the Holy Spirit.