LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
VI. THE PRACTICE OF LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
Since living in the spirit is so crucial to our Christian experience, how then should we practice this in our daily life?
1. BY CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD
“No one can say, Lord Jesus, except in the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3b
When we say, “Lord Jesus,” with a proper spirit, we are in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, to call on the Lord Jesus is the simplest way to turn to the spirit to enjoy and experience the Holy Spirit.
2. BY PRAYING
“Unceasingly pray.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
To pray unceasingly does not mean that we continue to pray for many things. It means that we contact God in our spirit so that we live in an atmosphere of prayer all day long. In this way we enjoy His anointing.
3. BY PRAY-READING THE LORD’S WORD
The word of God is spirit; it is also God Himself. When we pray with the Lord’s Word, our minds will be preserved to be set on the spirit.
VII. THE RESULT OF LIVING IN SPIRIT
1. OVERCOMING THE FLESH
“Walk by the Spirit and you shall by no means fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
2. FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW OF GOD
“That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to flesh, but according to spirit.” Romans 8:4
3. ENJOYING LIFE AND PEACE
“The mind set on the spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6b
EXPERIENCING CHRIST
In this lesson we will help you to know more concerning this living person, that you may enjoy Him more and apply Him to your daily life in a practical way.
I. THE SUBJECTIVE CHRIST IN OUR EXPERIENCE
The New Testament reveals Christ in two aspects:
1. THE OBJECTIVE ASPECT
Christ resurrected and ascended to be the Lord of all.
“God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36
Today He is our High Priest in the heavens interceding for us.
“Having therefore a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus.” Hebrews 4:14
One day He will come back from the heavens.
2. THE SUBJECTIVE ASPECT
Christ resurrected to become the life-giving Spirit to enter into the believers’ spirit to become their life and to transform them.
“And we all...beholding and reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image... even as from the Lord Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Finally, He will be magnified in us, so that for us to live is Christ.
“Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death; for to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1:20-21
As the ascended and glorified Lord, Christ is objective; but as the indwelling Spirit within us, He is subjective, experiential, and enjoyable.
II. CHRIST IS THE PORTION OF THE SAINTS
1. CHRIST IS THE UNIQUE PORTION GIVEN BY GOD TO THE SAINTS
“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you for a share of the portion of the saints in the light.” Colossians 1:12
The word portion in Greek can also be translated “lot.” This is based on the background of the good land recorded in the Old Testament. God gave the good land to His chosen people to be their inheritance and enjoyment.
“A land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.” Deuteronomy 8:7-9
The good land with all its riches is a type of the all-inclusive Christ as everything to us.
2. ENJOYING CHRIST AS GOD’S PORTION FOR US
“God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
God’s desire is to dispense Himself in Christ into us. For this He has called us to partake of and enjoy this all-inclusive Christ.
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