The Big Picture: spirit

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Words are Spirit: Living and Walking in the Truth

The concept of "the Spirit" is often shrouded in mystical confusion, relegated to the realm of inexplicable feelings or unpredictable emotional surges. Yet, if we look to the King James Bible, we find a definition that is both concrete and profoundly transformative. To truly understand the nature of the Spirit, we must anchor ourselves in the direct declaration of Jesus Christ: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (Jn.6:63). Here, the mystery is solved. The Spirit is not an atmospheric presence or a vague energy; the Spirit is the Word of God in operation.

This scriptural fact establishes that the Word of God is the delivery system for divine life. To "receive the Spirit" is not to be overcome by an outer force, but to receive the holy information, instruction, and doctrine of Christ into the heart. The Bible describes this process not as a human effort, but as the "washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Tit.3:5). This regeneration is the total overhaul of the inner man by the power of the Word. This is the foundation of our spiritual existence—our "position" or standing before God.

However, a critical distinction exists between "living" and "walking," a distinction that Paul emphasized heavily to the churches in Galatia. To "live in the Spirit" refers to our spiritual quickening—having our status changed from an orphan of the world to a son of God. This is a positional reality secured by the internalization of life-giving words. Yet, Paul presents a secondary challenge: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal.5:25). This command implies a striking possibility: a person can be "alive" by the Spirit—possessing the correct doctrine and having been saved by the Word—and yet fail to "walk" by that same Spirit.

Understanding the Heart, Soul, and Spiritual Transformation

To understand the difference between the heart and the soul, one cannot look at them in isolation. Instead, we must view them through the lens of the complete biblical structure of a human being: spirit, soul, and body. By understanding how these parts function together, we can see the distinction between the "outer man" and the "inner man" and how the Word of God transforms a believer.

The Tri-Part Structure

According to Genesis 2:7, God formed man of the dust of the ground (the body) and breathed into him the breath of life (the Spirit). When this divine Spirit animated the lifeless flesh, the person became a "living soul".

The Body: This is the physical, inanimate container or "outer shell".
The Spirit: This is the breath of life from God, the animating force that makes the body a living entity.
The Soul: The soul is the resulting entity produced when the body is animated by the Spirit. It serves as a container—initially a "blank slate"—that is filled over time with character, personality, and knowledge.

The Soul, The Heart, and The Two Minds

A New Heart versus a New Man

Ezekiel 36:25-27 declares: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”

This passage belongs to Israel’s prophetic program. It is not addressed to the Body of Christ, but to the nation of Israel under the covenants and promises given to them. To understand it rightly divided, we must place it in its proper context.

Israel’s Prophetic Doctrine

The promise of sprinkling clean water is covenantal language tied to Israel’s purification. Under the Mosaic law, ceremonial washings were required for uncleanness (Num.19:17-19). Ezekiel’s prophecy points forward to a national cleansing when God will purify Israel from idolatry and prepare them to enter the kingdom.

This promise is directly echoed in the preaching of John the Baptist and Peter. John preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4), and Peter declared at Pentecost: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). In Israel’s program, water baptism was not symbolic but required for forgiveness, in line with Ezekiel’s prophecy of cleansing. It was the outward act of repentance and purification, preparing the nation to enter the promised kingdom.

Understanding Romans 8:26‑27 and Paul’s Pattern for Prayer Today

Prayer is often misunderstood among believers who rightly divide the Scriptures. Many sense that prayer under grace feels different from the prayer promises given to Israel, yet they struggle to explain why. Romans 8:26‑27 opens the door to this understanding, and Paul’s epistles provide the full framework for how prayer functions in this present dispensation. This study brings the entire picture together—what prayer is, what it is not, what God promises, what He does not promise, and how the Spirit intercedes for us when we “know not what we should pray for as we ought.”

The Spirit’s Intercession: What Romans 8:26‑27 Actually Teaches

Paul begins with an honest admission: “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought” (Romans 8:26). This is not a rebuke but a description of the normal Christian experience under grace. Our knowledge is limited, our perspective is partial, and our understanding is often incomplete. Yet God has made provision for this weakness: “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” These groanings are not a prayer language, nor are they sounds we produce. Paul says they “cannot be uttered,” meaning they are silent, internal, and divine. “He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27). This is the foundation of prayer under grace: we pray honestly, and the Spirit silently shapes and aligns our requests with God’s will, not with our limited understanding.

As an example of God working in us, Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” This verse beautifully illustrates how God energizes and directs our desires and actions according to His perfect will.

Why Prayer Under Grace Is Different from Israel’s Kingdom Prayer

Two Men, One Life: Choosing Spirit Over Flesh

Every believer lives with a strange tension—two men pulling in opposite directions within the same body. Not two identities, but two personas: the flesh man and the spirit man. The one is stubborn, self-preserving, and allergic to truth. The other is reborn in Christ, surrendered, and hungry for righteousness. This isn’t a metaphor; it’s reality. And the journey of sanctification is the daily decision to silence one and yield to the other.

Scripture teaches that the old man is already condemned. He cannot be rehabilitated. Romans 6:11 tells us to "reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." The flesh can’t be improved—it must be starved, reckoned dead, and displaced by the life of Christ. You don’t fight the flesh with willpower; you deny it fuel and make space for the Spirit.

Transformation doesn’t happen because we feel like changing—it comes as the Word renews our mind. Romans 12:2 urges, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…" When truth gets into your heart, it rewires how you think, how you choose, and how you respond. The process is not instantaneous, but it is intentional. Without the Word, the default is always flesh. But with it, the Spirit gains influence—and the fruit of change begins to show.

The Word Transforms Us from Iniquity and Godliness

We are all walking according to one of two principles: iniquity or godliness. There is no middle ground. Every soul born into this world arrives with no understanding, yet over time, we all develop a way of thinking—a wisdom shaped by education, culture, and influences from the world. The problem? This wisdom is not God’s.

Scripture tells us that through the course of this world, men walk according to the prince of the power of the air, the very spirit that operates in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). This world system does not lead anyone toward truth or righteousness but toward iniquity—away from God’s way of thinking. The only solution? Transformation through the renewing of the mind.

Many people walk in a form of godliness while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). They attend church, sing in choirs, and outwardly practice religion, but the true working of Christ within is absent. They maintain a visible form, yet there is no inward transformation. True godliness is not built on effort, but on transformation—the inward formation of Christ, as His Spirit is poured into our hearts through faith.

The Important Meaning of “Prove” and “Reprobate” (Part 2)

See Part 1 here.

“That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2 (KJV)

“God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” — Romans 1:28 (KJV)

These two words—prove and reprobate—represent not only two ends of a spiritual scale, but two pathways diverging in the heart of every believer. To understand them is to understand what God is seeking in those who follow Him—and what He sorrowfully abandons in those who turn away. Each word, in its origin and its usage, carries weight, purpose, and warning.

“Prove” – dokimazō

The Greek word translated “prove” in Romans 12:2 is dokimazō, which means to test, to examine, and to recognize something as genuine after scrutiny. This is not casual affirmation—it’s rigorous discernment that leads to spiritual confidence. Paul uses this word often to describe the responsibility of the renewed mind: to be spiritually perceptive, careful in judgment, and eager to affirm that which is good, acceptable, and perfect in God’s eyes.

Our Ongoing Transformation through God's Word

Salvation is not just about believing the gospel and receiving the forgiveness of sins—it is the beginning of a lifelong transformation. The moment we trust in Christ, our eternal destiny is secured, but God does not stop there. He begins a good work in us, and that work must continue and grow as we yield to His Word and walk in the Spirit.

Paul assures us in Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

This good work is not about our outward circumstances; it is about the inner renewal of the believer. God is shaping us, preparing us, increasing us for our vocation in the Body of Christ. We are not passive in this process—we must engage with His Word, studying our doctrine, allowing it to work in us, and choosing daily to walk by its instruction.

Renewed Day by Day

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:16

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

What Does It Mean to 'Not Be Under the Law?'

Paul’s teaching that believers are “not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14) has often been misunderstood, sometimes leading people to believe they have no moral obligations or restrictions whatsoever. But the reality is far richer. To truly grasp this concept, we must explore four key aspects: freedom from the Mosaic Law as a means of justification, walking in the Spirit through the Word of God, avoiding legalism and condemnation, and understanding the common misconceptions about the law.

Righteousness by faith, not by law

First, being free from the law means grace believers are no longer required to follow the Mosaic Law to attain righteousness. Paul explains this beautifully in Galatians 3:24-25: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Before Christ, the law served as a guide, teaching people about sin and their need for salvation. Its purpose was not to save, but to point them to Christ. However, now that Christ has come, believers now live under grace through faith in Him, not under a rigid law system for righteousness. Romans 6:14 clearly states: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This doesn’t mean that sin is now acceptable, but rather that righteousness is a result of faith, not legal adherence. Through His death and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the law so that believers could be declared righteous through His finished work, not through personal effort.

Dying to self so that Christ may be magnified

When discussing sanctification in my Bible study groups, I often emphasize a fundamental truth: our flesh is unsalvageable. Nothing can be done to redeem it—it is lost, corrupt, and, as Scripture declares, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Even God Himself did not choose to sanctify the flesh; instead, He gave us something entirely new. In Christ, we are regenerated within our spirit and made part of a brand new creation. We are not rehabilitated versions of ourselves. Romans 6:6 affirms this: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

Therefore, we must stop striving to train the flesh or make it better. Instead, we must acknowledge what Romans 6 and 7 reveal—that our flesh is crucified with Christ, dead to sin, and delivered from the law, confirmed expressly in Galatians 2:20.

Sanctification is a daily process, a continuous dying to self so that Christ may be magnified within us, 1 Corinthians 15:31. But how do we die to the flesh? By filling ourselves with the Word of God, renewing our minds, and yielding in obedience to its influence. Romans 12:2 instructs us: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Each time we surrender to God’s Word, our flesh dies a bit more. Each time we yield to the working of the word within our minds and hearts, Christ in us is magnified a little more. This is an increasing process that should occupy our lives daily. This increase ensures that the good works resulting from this process of transformation are not of our own works or efforts, but God working in us. Philippians 2:13 assures us: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” His Word, alive and active within us, is what produces righteousness—not our own striving or strength.

This is our reasonable service—our gratitude and love for the One who redeemed us. As we yield to His Spirit and live by His Word, we walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8:1).

Thanks be to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has given us new life in Him.

Living From the Inside Out: A Spiritual Blueprint

Through faith, we grow and mature into love for all the saints. Once we reach this point, we are ready to receive the spirit of wisdom, revelation, and the knowledge of Him. However, this wisdom does not come passively—it is not something we merely receive. Paul wrote these words, and his prayer, having fulfilled his part in revealing them, is that through this revelation, believers may receive the spirit and have the eyes of their understanding enlightened.

Now, let’s consider this understanding:

Man is a three-part being—body, soul, and spirit. But at his core, man is a living soul. As Scripture says:

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

The soul possesses both a body and a spirit. Through the body, the soul comprehends the physical world—it sees, tastes, hears, and experiences the material realm. But just as the body allows the soul to perceive the physical, the soul can only understand spiritual truths through the spirit part of his three-part being.

This is how a person receives understanding—through the spirit, not the body. Many people attempt to operate in the wrong order, seeking spiritual truths in a physical manner. But this is backward; we must operate as God designed us—spirit first.

Romans 7: Growing Towards Sanctification

The journey of a believer begins with justification through faith in Christ, as described in Romans 5:1. However, justification is not the end—it is merely the beginning. Many believers, due to a lack of spiritual knowledge, mistakenly believe they can live for God while still being carnal and yielding to sin. This was the issue with the Corinthian church. Though saved and called saints, they remained entangled in sin and immaturity.

As explored in our previous post on Romans 6, Paul taught the Corinthians that the first step to spiritual growth was to reckon themselves dead to sin and yield to the Word of God, which produces fruits of righteousness. Now, in Romans 7, we discover the next logical step in our spiritual journey: being delivered from the law. This is a critical moment of spiritual growth, where we learn to rely not on our human efforts but on the transformative work of God’s Word and Spirit within us.

Delivered from the Law: The Next Step in Spiritual Growth

When a believer recognizes that they cannot live for God while yielding to sin, as Romans 6 teaches, human nature often tempts them to take matters into their own hands. The inclination is to attempt to overcome sin through self-discipline, rules, and law—believing this will produce righteousness. But this is a grave mistake! As Paul teaches in Romans 7, the law cannot save us; it only reveals our sin and, paradoxically, increases its hold due to the law of sin in our flesh.

The one true church of God

Adapted from a teaching by Paul Lucas

The true Church of God is defined in Scripture as a congregation of believers set apart for God's purposes through their faith in Jesus Christ. This Church transcends denominational labels or physical gatherings and is grounded in God's eternal plan, as stated in 2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

God's calling is described as holy and purposeful, and those who are part of His Church are sanctified in Jesus Christ. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:2, the Church consists of "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." This sanctification implies that believers are set apart to walk in God's will, fulfilling the divine purpose established before the foundation of the world.

While there are many churches and religious groups globally, not all are part of the true Church of God as described in Scripture. Being part of the true Church requires being in Christ and living according to God's holy calling. Simply joining a physical church does not guarantee membership in this spiritual body. As Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Believers who are in Christ are called to understand and fulfill this divine purpose. Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." It is the duty of every believer to align their lives with God's plan, striving to live in obedience to His calling while growing in their faith and understanding. Only through such a commitment can one truly walk in accordance with the holy calling God has extended to His Church.

He who delights in the Word of the Lord shall be blessed in all of his ways

Paul's 9-church epistles make up our grace curriculum which lays a foundation and then increases the grace believer, who commits to studying the curriculum, in knowledge, in spiritual growth, and in faith. I have been studying and writing a lot of material concerning this topic for bible study messages, for blog posts, and for YouTube videos, but the other day I came across this Maranatha song that inspired me tremendously in my labour in the word of God. This post is simply to share this song with you.

Take a moment of time to get quiet and let this song just utterly bless your socks off. The words are so perfect for what I am studying, and I hope it will bless you as much as it did me.

God bless.

Click the link below for the song on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNYvKtEziuI

Our connection with God is through His words

Statement on Social Media

This can be taken however y'all see fit, but I have not read the Bible through and through and don't feel it's necessary to reach God. I know that we are all connected to a higher being, and if we just shut up long enough to listen, we can speak directly to source. This doesn't take away from those who do read or need to read in order to find faith and examples to love by, just that it's not the only way. And I still don't understand why doing good things in the world have no bearing on one's spiritual growth.

My Reply

I understand that the person who wrote this is sincere in their reply but I'm responding to this statement, and in particular, the bolded part, because it retracts from the great value and importance of the word of God in the lives of believers. The word of God is our ONLY source of light and salvation. It is our ONLY source of truth, strength, hope, connection, and faith. There is no other source on the face of this earth to help us know and understand God, and everything else we do to connect with God should be based on the words and spirit that emanate from the bible (KJV), else it is in vain. The rest of this post validates this point I make.

How to walk with Christ and do good works that pleases God

STATEMENT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA:

What I believe is meant by, walk with Christ, is literally in that all one has to do to become one with Christ or God, is doing good things. If we become like the image of God, ie the perfect example to follow, then we are by proxy becoming God. The more we do that is God-like, the closer we move upward. Even Christ said we could do even greater things than he did

MY REPLY:

‘Good works’ are good, but it counts for nothing if it is your own works. Paul says in Gal.2:20-21,

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

“I live, yet not I, but Christ.” How does that happen? Only one way: By the word of God that dwells in you richly, Col.3:16, which renews your mind and influences your thoughts and ways. You cannot become transformed into the image of Christ without the knowledge of our doctrine getting embedded in your mind and its subsequent application. As the doctrine steadily increases and starts to transform you, it is then that Christ lives in you, producing the fruits of righteousness, Rom.7:4

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

The importance and value of spending time in God's word

Friends, this world is a busy place with many distractions that have no value in the context of the spiritual and eternal things we have been called to. We are instructed to walk by faith, not by sight. Faith is the knowledge and spirit one gains when spending time in the written word of God, which as Jesus says, is God's Spirit and life, Jn.6:63. In addition, it is the truth and the wisdom of God, and the ONLY thing in this world that can help us escape the vanity and voidness of this shadow of reality.

I'm not trying to be poetic or dramatic. I am absolutely serious. If we deny ourselves time in our God-given doctrine, Romans to Philemon, our minds veer quickly back into carnal behaviours which is at enmity with God. We deny ourselves the strength and fortitude of a sound mind, we deny ourselves the peace and comfort of God's promises, and we deny ourselves the knowledge of God's will and the opportunity to walk in the spirit and power that God affords us through that knowledge.

This is a simple reminder and heartful encouragement, to use the opportunities you have to spend time in God's word, and fill your spirit with the nourishment it needs, not only to take hold of this temporary day, but to prepare oneself for the reality of an eternal life in the ages to come, where those with a renewed mind and transformed heart in the word and will of God, will share in increasing reward and glory in the government of the heavens under Christ. Paul emphasises the benefits of knowing and living by God's word by writing the following to Timothy,

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.", 1Tim.4:8.

Allow me to inspire you by this list of 10 passages from Paul's epistles that encourage the validity of a steady intake of God's spirit and truth and to keep your minds on things of greater value and purpose than what this world has to offer.

Romans 8:1-4 KJV - No condemnation

Romans 8:1-4 KJV
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Therefore

The word ‘therefore’ indicates that what is about to be written is based on something that preceded it. Thus, to fully understand what Paul is about to say about ‘no condemnation’, one must be aware of what was discussed before this statement. The ‘no condemnation’ is applicable only to those who are ‘in Christ’, and ‘who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit’. Thus, to determine what is meant by ‘in Christ’, we must have knowledge of Romans 1 to 5 concerning justification, which seals us ‘in Christ’, and we must have knowledge of Romans 6 to 7 concerning sanctification, which teaches us how to walk after the Spirit. Simply put, if you do not have a knowledge and understanding of Romans 1 to 7, this verse will be void of truth and value in your life. When you come to the word ‘therefore’, it is an important indicator to make sure you are well versed with the information that precedes that statement.

No condemnation

People's imaginations concerning 'receiving the Holy Spirit' (Example #4)

This post is written for the sole purpose of illustrating the ignorance of sound doctrine on social media these days. My aim is to emphasize the absolute necessity of studying the Bible for oneself and seeking answers from the source instead of relying on imaginations or opinions given by people, who may be sincere, but are as ignorant as the one who asked the question to start with.

So, let's begin by stating the question that was asked in the beginning of a social media thread,

QUESTION: "How can Christians catch the Spirit?"

Below is the fourth of a few answers that were supplied to this question on social media. They appear to be sincere but are unfortunately completely false or have parts that are from the imaginations of men who have not sought out the truth in the Word of God. I add comments as to why the answer is wrong and what the Word of God actually says about it.

False Imagination #4

Christians can get the Holy Spirit by letting the love of God shine in their life each day. Love is key. Show love to everyone and the spirit of God will dwell in you!

My comments:

Start this lesson series here:
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 16 of 16 - There is therefore now no condemnation)

Brief summary of sanctification

Due to the holidays, there has been a long break between this new post and the previous post in this series. It is fitting therefore to briefly recap the key points from this study before I wrap up with Romans chapter 8.

If you have followed this study, you may recall that Romans 1 to 4 deals with the concepts of justification, a free gift of God to those who choose to believe in the cross work of Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation. Paul then writes a transitional chapter, Romans 5, that rounds off justification and starts to introduce sanctification, the second part of a believer’s full salvation experience.

The primary purpose of this study is to inform believers of sanctification which is either ignored, or neglected, due to poor spiritual teachings in the modern church. Salvation does not stop at justification. Though justification saves our souls unto eternal life, sanctification is a continuation of salvation that transforms us into living sacrifices for God’s purpose while we occupy this life, Rom.12:1-2, but also saves us from loss, 1Cor.3:15, and towards the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil.3:14, in the ages to come: which is a measure of the glory of Christ, Rom.8:18; 1Cor.15:41; 2Cor.3:9; 2Cor.4:17; Eph.1:18; Col.1:27; 1Th.2:12; 2Th.2:14.

Paul elaborates on the concept of sanctification in Romans 6 and 7. I refer to the contents of these two chapters as the definition, or two pillars, of sanctification, which involve the knowledge of being dead to sin and being delivered from the law.

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