To find success in our spiritual lives in 2021 we must first, believe in Jesus. Next, we must live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Instructing His disciples before His death, Jesus explained the primary role the Holy Spirit would play in their lives and, therefore, our lives.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
John 14:18-21 CSB
Jesus’ words are loving, comforting, and direct.
Look closely what Jesus said: “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” Jesus makes clear: Obedience is the key to a full and joyful life in God’s Kingdom!
The question becomes, how can we live in obedience and experience this life? We live in obedience by living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s what Jesus said: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me. “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:23-26 CSB
It seems many Christians believe living in the power of the Holy Spirit means ONLY signs, wonders, and supernatural power are present in our lives. That is certainly part of living in the Spirit. However, the primary reason Jesus sent the Holy Spirit was to instruct us in the truth so we can obey.
The question is: How do we live in the Spirit?
We live in the Spirit by:
1. Surrendering our lives daily to Him.
If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:35 CSB
2. Listening To Him.
My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27 CSB
3. Doing what he says.
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 1:22 CSB
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us and remind us. Therefore the Holy Spirit must speak to us. It is not usually an audible voice by which the Holy Spirit speaks. He directs us in our Spirit. Remember, when we believe in Jesus, God gives life to our spirits. It’s here—in our spirits—where we receive instruction and direction from God’s Spirit—The Holy Spirit.
We receive peace when we live in the Spirit. Directly after He explained the Spirit’s primary role in our lives, Jesus tells us we receive peace as we live in the power of the Holy Spirit. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Peace is a direct result of living in truth. Living in truth is a direct result of living in the power of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth.
If you want peace in 2021 then it’s time time to live in the power of the Spirit and rely on the comfort he provides as he directs us into truth and protects us from the lies of the enemy, which by the way, lead to destruction and ultimately death.
-PB