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If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25
To walk in the peace, power, and provision of God, you must make the correct theological acquisition of the Spirit.
Theologies can both grieve or quench the Spirit – by explaining to God what He can’t do or telling God what He has to do. There are doctrines of Spirit cessation, teaching that all must speak in tongues, some thinking you have a lack of faith if no miracles, and accusations of false teaching against those who believe differently.
We are all disciples of Jesus.
How do you define discipleship? Some say a disciple is a mature believer. How do you define maturity? Others think discipleship is following Jesus. How do you know if you are following Jesus?
I believe a disciple follows Jesus step by step. This leads to obedience and maturity. The best definition of discipleship is found in Galatians 5:25:
If we want to enjoy life in the Spirit, let us walk step by step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 OGV
Jesus taught that He left the Spirit to teach us all things (John 14:26). Discipleship must involve the Spirit – not just teaching about doctrine, but an active relationship. It’s why I define a disciple as someone who keeps in step with the Spirit.
I summarize a good theology of the Spirit by the acronym S.T.E.P. There are four areas or actions that the Spirit has as a part of His relationship with us. If we live by S.T.E.P., we walk with Jesus into maturity.
Speaks. The Spirit of God speaks to us. The lifeblood of any relationship is conversation. Paul writes in Romans 8:14 that sons and daughters of God are led by the Spirit.
Teaching or training. After God speaks, there is often a time of teaching/training in preparation for His new assignment. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:17 that we have been given a Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Encourage. The Spirit, as our example, lends divine experience through His presence. Jesus said that He will give us a “paraclete” or a Spirit of encouragement who walks alongside us.
Pray. Yes, the Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26). Learning to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18 and Jude 20) is a lost art for most people in their praying. The Spirit is praying for you. It is possible to sense the Spirit’s direction in prayer and join the prayer. Wow!
The Spirit speaks, teaches, encourages, and prays. This is solid Biblical theology of the Spirit. Yes, learning but also experience. A balance between hesitancy that leads to quenching and over-enthusiasm that brings grieving.
Questions to ask:
- What has God said to me recently?
- What is He teaching me?
- Where do I find encouragement and peace?
- Am I praying right beside Jesus or out in front or lagging?
I was hiking as a young boy with my father. In the middle of a field, he stopped and said, “Stay behind me and walk in my footsteps exactly. I mean exactly. There is quicksand to the right and to the left.”
I walked in my Father’s steps.
We need to keep in step with the Spirit.