Living Under The Influence Of The Spirit Series

LIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 4:31

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:5-14, Galatians 5:22-25, John 14:16-17, Isaiah 11:2

INTRODUCTION:

Living under the influence of the Holy Spirit is the divine standard for every believer. It is not a spiritual luxury, but a daily necessity. In Acts 4:31, we see that after the believers prayed, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and the result was boldness, power, and supernatural manifestations. This was not a one-time event; it was a lifestyle of continuous spiritual influence.

Being under the influence of the Holy Spirit means allowing the Spirit to dominate your thoughts, guide your decisions, inspire your speech, and empower your actions. Just as a person under the influence of alcohol exhibits behaviours shaped by that substance, a Spirit-filled believer reflects the character, power, and purpose of God.

In today’s carnal and corrupt world, believers need more than knowledge; they need divine influence to live victoriously. When the Holy Spirit has full control, there will be fruitfulness, boldness, holiness, and supernatural results that glorify Jesus Christ.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT?

To live under the influence of the Spirit is to yield continually to His control and direction.

a) It is a life of surrender (Romans 12:1-2):

A Spirit-influenced life is not self-willed but surrendered to the desires of the Holy Spirit.

b) It means walking in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16):

You make choices that align with God’s Word, not the flesh or the world.

c) It involves bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23):

Love, joy, peace, and other godly virtues become evident in your life.

d) It results in a Spirit-led lifestyle (Romans 8:14):

You don’t live by human reasoning alone; you’re led by divine direction.

Biblical Example: Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost, wisdom, and faith. Even while being stoned, his life reflected Jesus because he lived under divine influence (Acts 7:55–60).

2. EVIDENCES OF A LIFE INFLUENCED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are unmistakable signs in the life of anyone under the Spirit’s influence.

a) Boldness in the face of opposition (Acts 4:31):

The Spirit gives confidence to speak and act without fear.

b) A hunger for God’s presence and Word (Psalm 42:1):

Spirit-filled people yearn constantly for more of God.

c) Victory over sin and the flesh (Romans 8:13):

The Spirit empowers you to say “no” to ungodliness.

d) Sensitivity to spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 2:10–12):

You begin to perceive what God is saying and doing around you.

Biblical Example: Peter, who once denied Christ, became fearless and powerful after being filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:14–41).

3. HINDRANCES TO LIVING UNDER THE SPIRIT’S INFLUENCE

There are behaviours and attitudes that weaken or block the influence of the Holy Spirit.

a) Carnality and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:1–3):

A carnal mind cannot accommodate spiritual influence.

b) Disobedience to divine promptings (Isaiah 63:10):

When you ignore the Spirit’s voice, His influence reduces in your life.

c) Unforgiveness and bitterness (Ephesians 4:30–32):

These sins grieve the Spirit and limit His flow in your life.

d) Neglect of prayer and fellowship (1 Thessalonians 5:17):

The Spirit’s fire dwindles when we stop fellowshipping with God and other believers.

Biblical Example: Samson grieved the Spirit through disobedience and lust. Eventually, the Spirit left him, and he became an ordinary man (Judges 16:20).

4. HOW TO LIVE DAILY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT

It requires spiritual discipline, desire, and dependence.

a) Daily communion with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14):

Spend time in worship, prayer, and meditating on the Word.

b) Constant infilling (Ephesians 5:18):

Don’t rely on yesterday’s experience. Ask for fresh infilling daily.

c) Prompt obedience to His leading (Acts 8:29–30):

The more you obey, the more you grow in intimacy and influence.

d) Stay in a sanctified environment (Psalm 1:1–2):

Keep company that enhances the Spirit’s voice and fire in your life.

Biblical Example: The apostles constantly prayed, fasted, and obeyed the Spirit, making them vessels of revival and transformation (Acts 13:1–4).

CONCLUSION:

To live under the influence of the Holy Spirit is to live above defeat, sin, confusion, and weakness. The Spirit empowers you for righteous living, effective service, and bold witnessing. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, you need the influence of the Spirit to remain focused, fruitful, and faithful.

You must choose daily whether you will be influenced by the world or by the Spirit. Yielding to the Holy Spirit is the pathway to a victorious and purposeful life. Ask for His help, listen to His voice, and let Him take full control of your life.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2. Holy Spirit, I yield myself to Your control today.