This month we will conclude our series with this seventh installment on the regenerational effects of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. We have looked at conviction for sin, desire to worship, love, hunger for the Word and prayer, the desire to serve and concern for the lost. Our focus has been distinguishing between those who attend church and those who are truly born again: the true Church. This week we will focus on the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
In our third week we looked at the fruit of love as it applies to our disposition towards others. The effort was to show that those who are regenerated are being transformed to demonstrate the nature of Jesus toward others. The Scriptures make clear that the Holy Spirit, abiding in the born again believer, will produce a spiritually fruitful nature. When Paul wrote to the Galatians he gave a list of developing characteristics. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:22-24)
Christians are expected to live as witnesses to the resurrected Christ. We are responsible to represent the Lord as His ambassadors and speak, live, love and serve on His behalf. God would never ask us to rise to such a task without equipping us to do so. Thus, God by the power of His Spirit, in the work of regeneration, comes to dwell in us, permanently abiding with us and empowering us to “be His witnesses” everywhere we go.
As born again believers we are called to cease living in and for the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to make manifest the life of Christ in us. Paul the Apostle wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not 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.” (Romans 12:1-2) The challenge every born again believer faces is the daily choice to surrender afresh to the nature of Jesus and allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit to grow and be demonstrated in our lives.
Having discussed this and all the previous points, we are forced to ask the question. Are you truly born again? Have you made Jesus Lord of your life? Are you able to recognize the working of the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, surrender your all to Jesus today. Ask Him to transform your life and cause you to be born again! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. (Regenerated by the Power of God)
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Paul