LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 8:1-14
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit... For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:16-25, John 14:16-17, Ezekiel 36:26-27, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, Ephesians 5:18
INTRODUCTION:
The Christian life was never designed to be lived in human strength. Life in the Spirit is the divine enablement that makes us walk in victory, holiness, and divine purpose. It is a Spirit-led journey that transforms our character, empowers our witness, and aligns us with God’s will.
Many believers today struggle in their walk with God because they try to live spiritual lives through fleshly efforts. The Spirit of God was given to be our Helper, Guide, Comforter, and Empowerer. To ignore Him is to live beneath our divine potential.
To walk in the Spirit means to live under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit. It is a daily surrender and a consistent fellowship with God through His Spirit. When we live in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our lives, and we begin to manifest the power and character of Christ.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES NEW LIFE
Living in the Spirit begins with the new birth and leads to a transformed life.
a) The Spirit gives life where sin brought death
Romans 8:2 – For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
b) The Spirit regenerates and renews the inner man
Titus 3:5 – By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
c) He breaks the power of condemnation
Romans 8:1 – There is now no condemnation... who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
d) He makes us partakers of the divine nature
2 Peter 1:4 – That by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature...
Biblical Example: The transformation of Saul to Paul
When the Holy Spirit came upon Saul, he was changed from a persecutor to a preacher (Acts 9:17-20).
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS FOR DAILY LIVING
The Spirit is not just for church services; He is our companion in daily life.
a) He gives us strength to overcome sin
Galatians 5:16 – Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
b) He leads us into all truth
John 16:13 – Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.
c) He enables us to love, forgive, and serve
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...
d) He provides wisdom and counsel
Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of wisdom and understanding...
Biblical Example: Stephen
Full of the Holy Ghost, Stephen lived powerfully and died boldly for Christ (Acts 6:8-10; 7:55).
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT DEVELOPS CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER
Walking in the Spirit moulds us into the image of Christ.
a) He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us
Galatians 5:22-23 – Love, joy, peace, longsuffering...
b) He corrects and convicts us of sin
John 16:8 – He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
c) He helps us crucify the flesh
Romans 8:13 – If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
d) He transforms us into the likeness of Christ
2 Corinthians 3:18 – Changed into the same image from glory to glory... by the Spirit.
Biblical Example: The early believers
They were known for their love, unity, and holiness through the work of the Spirit (Acts 2:42-47).
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS AND GUIDES THE BELIEVER
To live in the Spirit is to be sensitive to divine direction.
a) He leads us in the will of God
Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
b) He reveals God's purpose and plan
1 Corinthians 2:10 – God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit...
c) He prevents us from walking into danger
Acts 16:6 – They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.
d) He speaks and gives instructions
Revelation 2:7 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith...
Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
The Spirit directed Philip to where ministry was needed (Acts 8:29-39).
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US FOR SERVICE AND WITNESS
No believer can fulfil God’s assignment without the Spirit's power.
a) The Spirit gives us boldness to witness
Acts 1:8 – Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...
b) He releases spiritual gifts for ministry
1 Corinthians 12:7 – The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
c) He anoints us to preach, heal, and deliver
Luke 4:18 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...
d) He brings signs and wonders to confirm the Word
Mark 16:20 – The Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
Biblical Example: The disciples at Pentecost
They were transformed into bold witnesses by the power of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4, 41).
CONCLUSION:
Life in the Spirit is a call to higher living—a life of power, purity, purpose, and divine presence. It is not reserved for a few but is the inheritance of every believer in Christ. When we yield daily to the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live victoriously and represent Christ effectively.
Let us pursue intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Let us hunger for His leading and power. In a world full of fleshly distractions, living in the Spirit will keep us strong, focused, and fruitful. Choose today to walk in the Spirit—and experience life as God intended it.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and power.
2. Help me to walk daily in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
3. Produce in me the fruit of the Spirit for godly character.
4. Guide me into all truth and divine purpose by Your Spirit.
5. Empower me for boldness and effectiveness in ministry.
