Living In The Spirit Vs Walking In The Spirit Pdf
As Christians, we often hear the terms "living in the Spirit" and "walking in the Spirit," but what do they actually mean? In this article, we will explore the differences between the two and how they can impact our spiritual lives.
What is living in the Spirit?
Living in the Spirit refers to a life surrendered to God's will and led by the Holy Spirit. This means that our thoughts, actions, and desires are aligned with God's plan for our lives. It is a state of being where we are empowered to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Living in the Spirit is not something that comes naturally to us as humans. It requires a constant surrender to God and a willingness to be transformed by Him. It means letting go of our own desires and submitting to His will. When we live in the Spirit, we are able to overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life that brings glory to God.
What is walking in the Spirit?
Walking in the Spirit is similar to living in the Spirit, but it refers specifically to our daily actions and habits. It means that we are actively seeking to follow God's will in every aspect of our lives. We are not just passive recipients of the Holy Spirit's leading, but we are actively choosing to walk in obedience to God's Word and guidance.
Walking in the Spirit requires discipline and intentionality. It means we are constantly seeking God's will through prayer, reading His Word, and seeking wise counsel from other believers. When we walk in the Spirit, we are able to resist the temptations of the flesh and live a life that is pleasing to God.
Living in the Spirit vs. Walking in the Spirit
So, what is the difference between living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit? While they are similar concepts, living in the Spirit refers to our state of being, while walking in the Spirit refers to our daily actions and habits. Living in the Spirit involves surrendering our lives to God and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, while walking in the Spirit involves actively seeking to follow God's will in every aspect of our lives.
Living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit are not separate concepts, but rather they are two sides of the same coin. We cannot truly walk in the Spirit if we are not first living in the Spirit, and we cannot continue to live in the Spirit if we are not actively walking in obedience to God's will.
Benefits of Living in the Spirit and Walking in the Spirit
Living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit have numerous benefits for our spiritual lives. When we are living in the Spirit and walking in obedience to God's will, we experience:
- Freedom from sin: When we live in the Spirit and walk in obedience to God's will, we are able to overcome the desires of the flesh and resist temptation.
- Peace and joy: Living in the Spirit and walking in obedience to God's will brings a sense of peace and joy that cannot be found in the world.
- Fruit of the Spirit: When we live in the Spirit and walk in obedience to God's will, we bear fruit that brings glory to God and blesses those around us.
- Guidance and direction: When we are living in the Spirit and walking in obedience to God's will, we can trust that He is leading us down the path He has for us.
Conclusion
Living in the Spirit vs. walking in the Spirit may seem like subtle differences, but they have a significant impact on our spiritual lives. When we surrender our lives to God and actively seek to follow His will, we experience the freedom, peace, and joy that can only be found in Him. Let us strive to both live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, so that we may bear fruit that brings glory to God.
