We are considering the walk of the believer. Before we can go deeper into the subject of the believer’s walk in the Holy Spirit, we must see their position in Christ. The walk in the Spirit is for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is impossible to walk in the Spirit without a position in Christ.
Romans 8:1 NKJV There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
What does “those who are in Christ Jesus” mean?
To be “in Christ” means that a person has put their faith in Christ and has changed positions. Redemption and salvation has delivered them from the life and condemnation of sin. They are not of the world or the kingdom of death, but they are in Christ. The born again believer has been so identified with Christ that everything that belongs to Christ is theirs. Identification with Christ places the believer in Christ’s victory that overcomes the world.
Several figurative expressions are presented in the New Testament that refer to the believer’s identification with Christ.
Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is the Head and we are the body.
Our identification with Christ makes everything that pertains to Christ available to us, the believer.
Christ lived, died, and rose again. To be “in Christ” means the believer is crucified with Christ and abides in resurrection life in Christ. Christ has become our Representative, Agent, Substitute, and Mediator in life, death, and resurrection. When we truly believe in Jesus Christ, we are identified with Him.
His victory has become our victory. We are reckoned and credited to be “in Christ” by God.
God has attributed Christ’s life and victory to us.
When we put true faith in Christ, God identifies us with Christ and sees us in Him. Not only have we died in Christ, we have also been made alive in Christ.
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) We were crucified with Him and raised to new life in Him.
To be in Christ means a believer walks, lives, and has their being in Christ.
They are in union with Christ. They have put their whole life upon Christ (their sins, failures, successes, hopes, past, present, and future). All they will ever be has been put into Christ’s hands. As we consider the various figurative expressions of our relationship and identification with Christ, we see how we gain life, fruitfulness, victory, righteousness, and a myriad of other benefits from this connection. The Apostle Paul simplified this in the statement: Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ…”
There are multiple benefits for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- There is no condemnation – (Romans 8:1)
- Redeemed in Christ (Romans 3:24)
- Alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11)
- Eternal life in Christ (Romans 6:23)
- In Christ free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)
- In Christ we are members of one spiritual body (Romans 12:5)
- Sharers in Christ’s work (Romans 16:3, 9)
- We are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- Grace of God is given in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:4)
- In Christ we have hope beyond death (1 Corinthians 15:18)
- We are bold to speak the truth in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:17)
- We have been made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- We have liberty and freedom in Christ (Galatians 2:4)
- We are justified and declared righteous in Christ (Galatians 2:17)
- In Christ, we are recipients of the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:14)
- By faith we are sons of God in Christ (Galatians 3:26)
- We are all one in Christ regardless of race, gender, or social condition (Galatians 3:28)
- In Christ we are recipients of every spiritual blessing in heaven (Ephesians 1:3)
- We are seated in the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
- We are created for good works in Christ (Ephesians 2:10)
- In Christ we are brought near to God (Ephesians 2:13)
- We are fellow heirs with the Jews of the promises (Ephesians 3:6)
- In Christ we are forgiven by God (Ephesians 4:32)
- We are encouraged in Christ (Philippians 2:1)
- God’s peace will guard your heart and mind through Christ (Philippians 4:7)
- All of our need is provided for in Christ (Philippians 4:19)
- The dead in Christ will be part of the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
- We have the promise of life in Christ (2 Timothy 1:1)
- We shall obtain salvation which is in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10).
To live and walk in Christ means that we do not “walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” (Romans 8:1, 4).
When we are “in Christ,” we have passed from death into life. “In Christ” is life everlasting (John 5:24) and life more abundantly (John 10:10). As we begin knowing and reckoning that we are identified in Christ, we must “walk according to the Spirit.” All of these blessings and more are for those who are without condemnation.
Romans 8:1-2 NKJV There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
What is the “law of the Spirit of life?”
The “law of the Spirit of life” is not a written command, but the manner in which the Holy Spirit works in our lives to break the dominion of sin and death. The rule of the Holy Spirit’s action brings about the accomplished work of Christ in the believer. So, from “within the believer,” the Holy Spirit applies the life (energy, being, spirit, love, joy, peace…) that is in Christ to those who believe in Him.
What is the “LIFE that is in Christ”?
- John 1:4 — “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
- John 10:10 — “I am come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
- John 11:25 — Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life…”
- John 14:6 —“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
- 1 John 5:12 — “He who has the Son has life…”
The law of the Spirit of life is in Christ Jesus.
Anyone who becomes a partaker of Christ’s salvation receives this NEW LIFE that is in CHRIST. This “new life” is characteristic of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to empower and equip believers.
How does the Holy Spirit give life?
Jesus said, “You shall receiver power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8). The word “power” (dunamis) means “ability, efficiency, might. It is the strength, power, and ability to function. The nature of the rule of the Holy Spirit empowers and equips believers for holy living. This power and life of the Holy Spirit brings release from the power, rule, or law of sin and death through Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:2 NASB95 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
The rule or power of the Spirit of life in Christ has freed us. The Holy Spirit frees the believer to live as Christ lived, to live in His victory. The same “Spirit of life” that was in Christ is working in us. The Holy Spirit frees us from the power and energy of sin and death and frees the believer to live as Christ lived. The life of victory that was in Christ can be lived out in us. The dynamic and active energy of life that was in Christ is given to the believer by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus frees us from the power and energy of sin and death. So, the believer lives with the conscious awareness that they have been set free.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
The Law could not do what the Spirit does.
Why was the law not able to make a person righteous? Was the law too weak to make us righteous?
Romans 8:3-4 NKJV For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
How can the Holy Spirit make us righteous before God?
First, the Holy Spirit applies Christ’s righteousness to those who believe (trust, know, reckon, rely on) that Jesus Christ is their Savior.
The Holy Spirit takes the righteousness that belongs to Christ and applies it to believers and thus fulfills all righteousness in us. The sinless perfection of Christ’s righteousness is attributed to our account.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Second, righteousness is only fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit.
The Spirit gives life and fulfills the righteous requirement of the law to/upon/in those who no longer follow their sinful nature but follow after the Spirit, (Romans 8:1, 4). We are enabled to do this by the power of the Spirit Who works in us.
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
When we live by the power of the Spirit, our desire is to honor Christ as the guiding principle of life. If we trust Christ for righteousness, God gives us His righteousness. If we trust Christ to carry us through life’s situations, then God gives us surpassing victory through Christ. If we trust Christ for healing, God heals our bodies. If we trust Christ in our life, He becomes our portion.
The Holy Spirit in the believer changes our mind and the way that we think.
Romans 8:5-8 NKJV For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Proverbs 23:7 NKJV For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
We may be ruled by a carnal mind or a spiritual mind.
The carnal mind is the mind of the flesh or body.
The carnal mind accommodates the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists seventeen (17) of the works of the flesh. The carnal mind focuses on fleshly and worldly urges, desires and lifestyle. As a result, the carnal mind may focus on or be consumed with sex, power, money, property, recognition or position in life. The carnal mind may also be focused on the welfare, comfort and culture of life since it is concerned about this present life with a disregard to one’s spiritual condition. The focus of the carnal mind is on personal good works, ceremony, and ritual with little focus on relationship with God. The carnal mind is not necessarily base, immoral, or vile but it is not focused on God first. The carnally minded person may focus on morality, cultured life, being good, but still ignore or refuse God.
The spiritual mind has been renewed by the Spirit of God.
The spiritual mind is the natural mind that has been renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:2 NKJV And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The renewal of your mind is a direct result of the Holy Spirit transforming the heart and mind. To be spiritually minded an individual must be possessed or controlled by the Holy Spirit. From within, the Spirit of God lives, leads and guides the believer’s life. He works within the heart and mind “to will (desire) and to do God’s good pleasure,” (Philippians 2:13). The Holy Spirit is present to keep our mind and thoughts focused on things that please God.
How does the Holy Spirit keep our mind and heart?
He helps develops His character and fruit in believers.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
The work of the Spirit in our heart and mind keeps us focused on knowing, believing and understanding God and His will. He is therefore active in conforming or transforming our mind, heart and will to the mind of Christ, (Romans 8:29). The Holy Spirit is active in bringing our imaginations and thoughts to the obedience to Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Holy Spirit has been sent to abide in us to guide and help conform us into the image of Christ.
Romans 8:6 NKJV For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
There are definite results of having a carnal mind or a spiritual mind.
The carnal-minded person has the reward of death.
The carnally minded person is dead and separated from the life of God. We cannot be carnally minded and gain the reward of God’s blessing now and eternally. The carnal mind dwells in the realm of death because it is opposed to God. God is holy, righteous and pure. The carnal mind is opposed to God by its nature and behavior. The carnal mind is destined to death, God is life.
The spiritually minded person gains life and peace.
They receive the reward of assurance and confidence. They have spiritual fruit, (Galatians 5:22-23). They have peace with God and possess the peace of God. They have confidence that they will share in Christ’s glory.
Only the Spirit of God can penetrate the carnal mind and transform it from its passions and lusts.
Romans 8:9 NKJV But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
When the Holy Spirit makes His home in the believer, He begins transforming them by renewing their mind. The Holy Sprit gives the believer the testimony that they belong to and have their being in Christ.
