Who Is the Holy Spirit? Part 3

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit in the Christian life? Pastor Walt McFadden explains that many people live primarily by emotions, circumstances, and natural desires, but spiritual maturity comes from living according to God’s Word … rather than feelings. Walking in the Spirit is not about outward religious performance or strange behavior; it is a daily lifestyle of trusting and obeying God in every area of life. Walking in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to influence every part of life … including relationships, decisions, behavior, and even finances. It is the opposite of living according to the flesh, which Pastor Walt describes as humanity’s sinful appetites and old identity apart from God. What is the difference between legalism and true holiness? Holiness is not simply following external rules or trying to appear religious; it is becoming more like Christ. The goal of the Holy Spirit is transformation into Christ’s image, not self-improvement for human recognition. Pastor Walt emphasizes that Christians are already declared righteous and holy through Christ (justification), while also continually being transformed (sanctification). Believers are described as new creations whose old selves have been crucified with Christ. Pastor Walt explains that many Christians struggle because they still identify with past sins and failures instead of embracing their new identity empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, believers are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered to live with love, peace, joy, and self-control. The Holy Spirit is active and personal. Rather than merely convicting people of sin, the Spirit actively works within believers to strengthen, guide, and transform them. Pastor Walt describes the Holy Spirit as an agency carrying out God’s work in believers’ lives … helping them in weakness, shaping their desires, and drawing them closer to Christ. God remains in control despite life’s struggles. Christians are urged to trust God, rely on the Holy Spirit daily, and focus on growing in Christlikeness rather than being trapped in guilt, fear, or religious legalism

Visit Walt McFadden at Cityview Church