The Apostle Paul - “Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach Him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)
A spiritual person is someone who is liberated by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual person is no longer chained to the chariot wheels of the world’s system, and he/she will forever be a puzzle to the world. Because of the Holy Spirit, the value system of the spiritual man is operating correctly. He is set free from the bondage that has enslaved the thinking of the natural person. This truth sets the spiritual person free. And not only is a spiritual person free, but he also has new power in their lives.
Before His ascension, Jesus said, “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” (Acts 1:8) When we are filled with the Spirit we will have the power to (1) understand God’s Word and ways (John 14:26), (2) discover God’s will (Acts 16:6-9), (3) undertake God’s work (Acts 6:3), (4) become bold witnesses for the Lord (Acts 1:8, 4:31), (5) be great spouses, parents, employers, or employees (Ephesians 5:18 - 6:4), (6) overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), (7) defeat the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20), (8) utilize our spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), (9) Overcome negative people and ‘giant problems’ in our lives (1 Samuel 16-17), and (10) perform miracles in the name of the Lord (Acts 3:1-10, 6:8, 14:3).
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the power we need to accomplish all of these things described above. If we haven’t had the power to do the Lord’s will, overcome fear, discouragement, temptations, and trials, or to be a bold witness for God, it’s because we haven’t been drinking enough from the river of the Holy Spirit. It’s because we’ve been living life daily by our own strength and ability rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul writes, “The Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). After we surrender our lives to Jesus, we should become more loving, joyful, patient, and kinder than we were previously. These godly changes that take place in our lives are a result of the Holy Spirit transforming us. As the Bible teaches, “The Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like Jesus…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Followup Activity - In your journal or on a piece of paper, write out Galatians 5:22-23, then circle each of the fruit of the Spirit. Do you feel as if each one is present in your own life? If so, write out a prayer of thanksgiving. If not, write out a prayer to the Lord, asking the Holy Spirit to work in and through your life so you might produce this fruit. If you are leading your family through this devotion, lead them through this same exercise.
Prayer for Today - Lord, help me to live in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to draw close to You each day and to display the fruit of the Spirit in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.