Correctly understanding the scriptural truth that the Holy Spirit is
God's power that can transform our lives helps us better understand
His purpose and will for us.
Paul wrote that "we must grow up in every way into him who is
the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15, NRSV). He also said, "Brethren,
do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but
in understanding be mature" (1 Corinthians 14:20).
This growth process involves overpowering the pulls of the flesh, replacing
them with the character of Christ. Where do we begin?
John tells us: "Those who are God's children do not continue sinning,
because the new life from God remains in them. They are not able to
go on sinning, because they have become children of God" (1 John 3:9, New Century Version) The converted Christian does not habitually
practice sin. He has, after all, determined to turn away from sin.
The sense here is not that, as a Christian, we will never sin (1 John 1:8), because we remain human and imperfect and can still be influenced
by our nature and the degenerate world around us.
Instead, the sense is that a Christian will not make it his practice
to sin. He or she will strive mightily to avoid sin, to the point of
fleeing circumstances where one might be tempted into wrongdoing (1 Corinthians 6:18).
