Fight the Good Fight of Faith, English Edition

 • Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Playing Your Part in God’s Unfolding Drama

content, we can come to know the mind of the Holy Spirit. The Christian’s offensive weapon to combat lies is the Word of God, the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6.17). Why is it important to weigh all statements we hear against the teachings of the Spirit’s sword, the Bible (see 1 Thess. 5.19-21)? As a new and growing Christian, it is important that you understand the gift of the Holy Spirit, which every one who believes in Christ receives. “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7.37-39). As a believer, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day Christ returns and redeems us (Eph. 1.13-14). At the proper time in history, God sent his Son to redeem us in order that we who believe might be adopted into his family as his children. Now, because we are his children, God sent the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Gal. 4.6-7). The Holy Spirit has called you to be free, to walk in his strength, to be informed and blessed by his Word. We are called to live free from condemnation, guilt, and blame. We no longer need to give in to our own selfish, sin-focused ways. We can form new habits of thought, experience new approaches to living, and have new ways of relating to others. Because the Holy Spirit lives within us, we are not obligated to follow the passions of our old sinful nature. You have a choice; you can live by those things the Holy Spirit wants you to do or, by the inclinations of your old sin nature. Whatever we choose, there will be a harvest (Gal. 6.7-9). Choose life! Walk in the Spirit and not by the flesh. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. Stay in his Word (the Scriptures), and talk to him constantly. Obey him promptly in all the things he asks you to do. Don’t be discouraged, either. The more you “keep in step with” the Holy Spirit, the easier it will be to listen to him, obey him, and follow his leading.

Connection

The Holy Spirit indwells me, giving me guidance and strength to do his work with freedom and confidence so that the Church may grow in unity and maturity to the glory of God.

Affirmation