on May 10, 2025
Walking in the Holy Spirit – Dr. Charles Stanley
Summary
The Holy Spirit is often overlooked in Christian teaching, yet His presence and work are absolutely essential for living a godly life. Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to truly understand God’s Word, to serve Him effectively, or to live in a way that pleases Him. From the very beginning of Scripture, the Holy Spirit is present and active, not as a mere force, but as a person—one of the three persons of the Trinity. He is our Helper, Comforter, and Teacher, sent by the Father to dwell within every believer. His role is not to draw attention to Himself, but to point us to Jesus, to remind us of God’s truth, and to empower us to live out that truth.
The Holy Spirit’s work is deeply personal. He convicts us of sin, assures us of our adoption as God’s children, and equips us with spiritual gifts for service. He intercedes for us in prayer, especially when we do not know what to pray. The Spirit’s indwelling presence is God’s seal upon our lives, a pledge that we belong to Him forever. This assurance is not based on our perfection, but on God’s promise and the Spirit’s ongoing work within us.
To walk by the Spirit means to live moment by moment in dependence on Him, sensitive to His promptings, and obedient to His leading. This is not a once-a-week or even once-a-day experience, but a continual, daily surrender. The Spirit guides us, warns us, and empowers us to resist the pull of the flesh, the world, and the devil. Our part is to set our minds on the things of God, to cultivate a mindset that is open and responsive to the Spirit’s voice. When we ignore or delay His promptings, we are not just being disobedient—we are acting in rebellion and hostility toward God.
The Christian life is not about self-effort or religious activity, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to express the life of Jesus through us. Whether in teaching, serving, parenting, or any other calling, it is the Spirit who makes us adequate. The invitation is simple: surrender, yield, and trust the Spirit to do in and through you what you could never do on your own. This is life at its very best, and it is available to every believer who desires God’s best.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but a divine person who indwells every believer. He is the one who interprets God’s Word, convicts us of sin, assures us of our adoption, and empowers us for service. To neglect the Spirit is to miss the very means by which God intends us to live and grow. [04:04]
- Walking by the Spirit is a moment-by-moment dependence, sensitivity, and obedience to His voice. It is not about sporadic spiritual highs, but about a continual posture of surrender and attentiveness. This daily walk is the only way to overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life that pleases God. [21:10]
- The Spirit’s promptings are often subtle but always purposeful. Ignoring or delaying His leading is not a minor misstep, but an act of rebellion and hostility toward God. True spiritual maturity is marked by an immediate and willing response to the Spirit’s guidance, trusting that He sees what we cannot. [26:19]
- Our mindset determines our spiritual trajectory. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit leads to life and peace, while a mind set on the flesh leads to spiritual death and hostility toward God. The battle is first won in the mind, and the Spirit enables us to cultivate a mindset that is aligned with God’s purposes. [34:28]
- The Spirit’s indwelling is God’s unbreakable seal and pledge of our eternal security. Our assurance is not rooted in our performance, but in the Spirit’s presence and promise. Even in our weakness and failure, the Spirit remains, interceding for us and drawing us back to the heart of the Father. [28:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - The Neglect of the Holy Spirit
[02:13] - The Necessity of the Spirit for Christian Living
[04:04] - Who Is the Holy Spirit?
[06:04] - The Trinity and the Personhood of the Spirit
[08:24] - The Spirit as Helper, Teacher, and Reminder
[10:18] - The Spirit’s Role in Conviction and Truth
[12:11] - The Spirit’s Indwelling and Assurance
[14:03] - Spiritual Gifts and the Spirit’s Empowerment
[15:59] - The Coming of the Spirit at Pentecost
[18:16] - The Futility of Fleshly Effort
[20:53] - What It Means to Walk by the Spirit
[23:44] - Sensitivity to the Spirit’s Promptings
[26:19] - Disobedience and Rebellion Against the Spirit
[27:33] - The Spirit’s Seal and Eternal Security
[31:05] - The Battle with the Flesh, World, and Devil
[34:28] - The Mindset of the Spirit vs. the Flesh
[38:48] - Setting Your Mind Each Day
[41:24] - The Difference of a Spirit-Led Life
[44:02] - Surrender and Yielding to the Spirit
[45:35] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking by the Spirit
---
### Bible Reading
- Galatians 5:16, 25
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh... If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
- John 14:16, 26
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever... But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
- Romans 8:11, 14-16
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you... For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God... The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:16 and 25, what is the result of walking by the Spirit?
2. In John 14:16 and 26, what roles does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will have in the lives of believers?
3. From Romans 8:14-16, what does the Spirit do to assure us of our relationship with God?
4. The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s promptings are often subtle but always purposeful. What are some examples given of how the Spirit prompts or warns us? [[24:28]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “To neglect the Spirit is to miss the very means by which God intends us to live and grow.” Why is the Holy Spirit’s presence so essential for understanding God’s Word and living a godly life? [[00:41]]
2. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force? How does this affect the way we relate to Him? [[06:04]]
3. The pastor describes walking by the Spirit as “moment-by-moment dependence, sensitivity, and obedience.” Why is this continual posture important, rather than just relying on spiritual highs or occasional experiences? [[21:10]]
4. The sermon says that ignoring or delaying the Spirit’s promptings is not just a minor misstep, but an act of rebellion and hostility toward God. Why do you think delayed obedience is equated with rebellion? [[26:19]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “To walk by the Spirit means to live moment by moment in dependence on Him, sensitive to His promptings, and obedient to His leading.” What is one area of your life where you find it hard to be sensitive or obedient to the Spirit’s leading? What would it look like to surrender that area this week? [[21:10]]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as our Helper, Comforter, and Teacher. When was the last time you asked the Holy Spirit for help or comfort in a specific situation? How did you respond to His guidance? [[08:52]]
3. The sermon warns that ignoring the Spirit’s promptings is rebellion. Can you think of a recent time when you sensed the Spirit nudging you to do (or not do) something? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [[26:19]]
4. The pastor says, “Our mindset determines our spiritual trajectory.” What are some practical ways you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit each day, especially in the morning? [[38:48]]
5. The Spirit’s indwelling is described as God’s unbreakable seal and pledge of our eternal security. How does this assurance affect the way you handle your failures or weaknesses? [[28:03]]
6. The sermon says, “The Christian life is not about self-effort or religious activity, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to express the life of Jesus through us.” In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of the Spirit? What would it look like to depend on Him more? [[18:16]]
7. The pastor encourages us to start each day by setting our minds on God. What is one new habit you could try this week to help you begin your day with a mindset focused on the Spirit? [[39:15]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Walk by the Spirit to Overcome the Flesh
To walk by the Spirit means to live each moment in dependence on Him, sensitive to His voice, and obedient to His promptings. This is not a once-a-week or occasional effort, but a continual, moment-by-moment surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. When you walk by the Spirit, you are empowered to resist the desires of the flesh—the part of you that wants to live outside of God’s will—and instead live a life that pleases God. This daily walk is the only way to truly live a godly life, as our own strength is never enough to overcome temptation or serve God effectively. [02:13]
Galatians 5:16, 25 (ESV)
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh... If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the pull of the flesh most strongly? How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in that area today, moment by moment?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit—Our Helper, Teacher, and Reminder
The Holy Spirit is not a distant force but a personal Helper who walks beside you, teaching you all things and reminding you of God’s truth. He brings to your remembrance the words of Jesus and guides you into all truth, especially when you feel uncertain or forgetful. When you rely on the Holy Spirit, you are never alone in your journey; He is always present to comfort, instruct, and point you to Christ. Trust that He will give you the words, wisdom, and courage you need, especially in moments when you feel inadequate or afraid. [09:08]
John 14:16, 26 (ESV)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever... But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: Is there a truth from God’s Word or a promise of Jesus that you need to remember today? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring it to your mind and help you live it out.
Day 3: The Spirit’s Indwelling and Assurance of Salvation
Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who gives life, leads, and assures us that we are God’s children. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we belong to God, giving us confidence and security in our salvation. Even when you feel weak or uncertain, the Holy Spirit is present to remind you of God’s promises and your identity as His beloved child. This assurance is not based on your perfection but on God’s unbreakable seal and pledge, guaranteeing your inheritance and eternal relationship with Him. [13:24]
Romans 8:11, 14-16 (ESV)
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you... For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: When doubts or fears about your salvation arise, how can you lean into the assurance the Holy Spirit gives you as God’s child?
Day 4: Set Your Mind on the Things of the Spirit
The battle for godly living begins in the mind. Setting your mind on the things of the Spirit leads to life and peace, while setting your mind on the flesh leads to spiritual death and hostility toward God. Each day, you have the choice to direct your thoughts—will you feed your spirit with God’s Word and truth, or will you allow worldly influences to shape your mindset? Start your day by intentionally focusing on God, asking Him to guide your thoughts and actions, and let the Holy Spirit empower you to live with a mindset that honors Christ. [35:06]
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Before you begin your day tomorrow, what is one practical way you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit rather than the things of the flesh?
Day 5: Surrender and Dependence—The Key to Spirit-Filled Living
Living a Spirit-filled life is not about striving in your own strength, but about total surrender and dependence on the Holy Spirit. God calls you to yield your will, desires, and plans to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for you. When you surrender, the Holy Spirit takes over—guiding, empowering, and enabling you to live out God’s purposes. This is the path to true peace, joy, and effectiveness in every area of life, whether at home, at work, or in ministry. The choice is yours: will you rely on yourself, or will you yield to the Spirit and experience life at its very best? [44:36]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area where you need to surrender control and depend more fully on the Holy Spirit today? What step of obedience can you take to yield to Him?