View source for Next Part Other Ways to Exercise God’s Spirit

Christ stated, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). In Mt 5:15, He illustrates how a candle is not hidden, but instead placed on a candlestick—for all to see. Your actions should be the same!

In addition to prayer, study, fasting and meditation, there are other ways to exercise God’s Spirit.

Consider Acts 5:1-42  “We ought to obey God rather than men…we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to them that OBEY Him” (Ac 5:29, 32). By obeying God, we receive more of His Spirit, which in turn enables us to obey God more. Like the principle of cause and effect—where every action produces a reaction—this pattern is continuous.

Another way to stir up God’s Spirit is by overcoming and enduring trials and tests. Most are familiar with the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

While this is usually used in the physical, it can also be applied to the spiritual. I Corinthians 10:13 explains how God does not allow one to be tested more than one can handle. Trials are difficult. Peter calls them “the trials of your faith” (I Pet. 1:7). But diligently following God—and seeking His will during a trial—will help you grow and make you a stronger Christian.

Serving others also helps one grow in God’s Spirit. Notice Christ’s serving attitude. Not only did He serve others, He served those that others avoided—the poor, sick and maimed. Christ’s attitude was not, “I am the Son of God, serve Me!” Instead, He helped others.

To grow in Christ’s same Spirit, we are to have this same humble, serving attitude.

Another way to increase God’s Spirit within you is to support and follow God’s government and authority in the Church.
Luke 7:1-10 records the story of the centurion who had a servant that needed to be healed by Christ. Notice the centurion’s attitude, starting in Lk 7:7: “Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto You: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

This man demonstrated great faith—one of the fruits of the Spirit (we will cover these later). Paul stated, “And He [Christ] is the head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence” (Col. 1:18). By obeying and supporting God’s government in His Church, we also demonstrate faith to God and Christ—the Head of the Church!

Through these works, we can be sure that we are stirring up God’s Spirit within us. James 2:14-17states that faith alone is of no profit, if we do not produce good works! Through these, our light cannot be hidden. However, there is more.

===The Fruits of the Spirit===
Like a great river current, the Holy Spirit flows into us—and springs from us through good works (Eph. 2:10; I Tim. 5:25; II Tim. 3:17; Heb. 10:24). Paul states, “…though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (II Cor. 4:16). We are to renew—replenish—God’s Spirit every day. If we do not, we risk completely losing this power that flows from us!

Many are familiar with the typical courtroom scene: Judge, jury and audience watch as lawyers present evidence in order to state their case. Doing this allows the jury to make a decision based on proof.

In this same manner, we should present evidence of God’s Spirit in our lives!

Before receiving God’s Spirit, the disciples seemed unaware of, even lost to, what Christ was teaching them. They fell asleep several times while Christ fervently prayed (Matt. 26:36-46). They were dumbfounded that they could not cast out a demon from a child (Mark 9:28). Even Peter, who later became an apostle, denied Christ three times (Matt. 26:69-75).

However, after receiving God’s Spirit, the Bible records: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart…And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:31-33).

With the Holy Spirit leading and guiding them, the disciples were now apostles, speaking “the word of God with boldness.” God’s power made a great difference in their lives.

Notice what Paul wrote to the Galatians: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Bible describes the process of producing “fruits” in one’s life. Like a branch on a tree, a Christian is connected to Christ—the Vine and Root—through the Spirit (John 15:1-27). And, just as a tree needs rich sap to produce good fruit, a Christian needs God’s Spirit to produce “good fruits.”

Adding insight to this, James states, “But the wisdom that is from above [through the Holy Spirit] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be in treated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:17-18).

===These are the fruits—the products—of God’s Spirit.===
If you lack any of these, you may be running short of the Holy Spirit. This would then lead to the “works of the flesh”—adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, ravelling's, boastings (Gal. 5:19-21; James 4:16). In John 15:1-27, Christ explains that those who produce these will be “cast…into the [lake of] fire” (Jn 15:6).

In Romans, Paul tells us to “…rejoice in hope of the glory of God…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (5:2, 5). Love is a fruit of the Spirit. But this verse explains that “the love of God” is given through His Spirit.
But what is the love of God?

Romans 13:1-14 answers: “…love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rev 13:10). Through God’s Spirit, love is spread in our hearts, empowering us to obey—fulfil—the law, showing true love towards God and fellowman. Without it, this is not possible.

Timothy was exhorted to “…stir up the gift of God [the Holy Spirit], which is in you by the putting on of my hands [through baptism]. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:6-7).

The apostle John writes, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…he that fears is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18). Opposed to the spirit of fear, God’s Spirit is one of power, love and of a sound mind. A sound mind is secure, safe, unafraid, complete, undisturbed and based on valid reasoning.

Recall that Christ called the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines comfort as “to sooth in times of affliction and distress.” In a world of unsettling troubles, fears and worries, we can lean on God’s Comforter for support.

God also comforts us through His Word. Christ, the living Word (John 1:1, 14), demonstrated this same trait by comforting people through His actions and words.

===With this same Spirit within us, we should do the same.===
A sound mind, hope, comfort, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control and freedom from fears—these are missing in most people’s lives. Yet, by utilizing the tools of Christian growth, and stirring up the Spirit, your life and conduct will reflect these fruits.

But, much like you would inspect the tires and engine of a car to ensure that they are in proper working order before taking a long journey, you must inspect and examine your life daily. God’s words should be reflected in your conduct and personal life. Analyze yourself for evidence of God’s Spirit in your life!

===Increase God’s Spirit Within You===
If you use the tools for Christian growth, God’s Spirit will grow and swell within you. With it, you will notice its fruits slowly developing in your life (this is also exercising the Spirit). If not, odds are you may be neglecting to pray, study, fast and meditate. If this is the case, do not let it continue! Remember, the Holy Spirit is the empowering force behind a Christian.

Picture a beautiful red sports car. The chrome rims are polished, the tires are shining, the red paint glistens from waxing, the leather interior is soft and smooth. Now imagine lifting the hood, only to discover that there is no engine! The main component that causes the car to operate is gone! Although it looks appealing and attractive, without an engine to provide power, it is useless.

This world’s Christianity operates in the same manner. It looks appealing. It appears right and good. It claims to follow God, but is oblivious to His truth and His Spirit. It shines and glistens—but is empty and powerless, missing the key component to true Christian living.

The same applies to those who quench and grieve the Spirit. If you are baptized, and believe that simply receiving God’s Spirit is enough—you are gravely mistaken!

Remember, if a muscle is not exercised it will wither and shrink. So also will this incredible power be quenched—grieved—and diminish if not exercised daily.

Remember, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” (Col. 1:16-17). A portion of this same power is given to us.

Notice Christ’s promise to you and me: “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you” (Acts 1:8).

With it, we can do all things through God. After all, what task is too great for Him?

What will you do with the small amount of Himself that God has personally placed inside you? Will you use the tools of Christian growth—prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation? Will you build upon them and exercise God’s Spirit (the fifth tool), producing fruits as Christ did?

Will you stir up the Spirit and allow it to grow within you and lead you into all truth—or will you quench it, grieve it and cause it to diminish?

Although you may not experience earth-shattering miracles like the apostles did, do not underestimate the impact that the Holy Spirit will have on your life! Remember, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
Do not let this precious gift slip from your grasp!
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