Do you ever feel like your faith isn’t what it should be?
If so, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: it’s not striving that transforms us—it’s the Holy Spirit.
This month, we’re sharing Dr. Stanley's teaching on the Spirit-filled life and how real transformation comes not from our efforts, but from His wonderful, transforming power working within us.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Some people believe that a Spirit-filled life is indicated by religious activities—attending church, reading the Bible, praying, giving money, and witnessing. The Holy Spirit does empower these activities, but they can also be done through self-effort.
A more accurate description of a Spirit-filled believer is found in Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Spirit-filled believers are identifiable by personal qualities, not merely by their works. As we walk in moment-by-moment submission to the Lord, He produces fruit in us that’s reflected in both our character and our conduct.
A basic principle of the Christian life is that we can’t live it on our own.
Jesus presented this in the most beautiful, unforgettable way when He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
You and I have been grafted into the vine of Christ—we are part of Him now.
Just as sap flows through a vine and into its branches, the Holy Spirit flows through us, producing holiness and good works. Branches bear fruit not by their own effort, but by what flows through them. This speaks to our absolute dependence upon Him for the Spirit-filled life.
One sign of a Spirit-filled life is that when the bottom drops out, we respond in a godly fashion.
Think about what that looks like: He supplies love when we don't feel loving, joy when grief surrounds us, peace in the middle of conflict, kindness when we’re accused or treated harshly. Even self-control when everything seems to be working against us.
The Spirit-filled life is a life of trust.
What that comes down to is trusting the Spirit of God with every circumstance we face. He is completely capable. He never said we had to be—thank God for that.
That doesn't mean we'll never fail, of course. Paul himself knew what it was like to fall short—you can see it all through Romans. He never claimed to be sinless or without struggle.
Another sign of the Spirit-filled life is that we recover quickly.
There will be times when you lose your temper, give in to temptation, act unkindly, or speak harshly. But when that happens, respond to the initial promptings of the Spirit so that He doesn't have to go to great lengths to get your attention.
Confess your shortcomings, take the necessary steps toward correction, then thank the Spirit for showing you that your shortcomings don’t fit your identity.
The Christian life was never meant to be a constant struggle toward impossible standards.
Peace and contentment come not through work done in our own strength, but by abiding in Christ, living in the Spirit, and bearing fruit that glorifies God—all by the power He supplies from on high.
When the Spirit of God produces fruit in your life, it will be noticed.
You’ll be aware of the difference, and others will start to see it, too. There’s no need to worry about struggling to meet His expectations—not when we can abide in Christ and watch the Spirit work. He’s promised to guide us moment by moment, day by day.
Dr. Stanley’s letter reminds us that the Spirit-filled life unfolds one day at a time.
It's not about grand efforts or long-term striving, but simple dependence on the Holy Spirit. As you go about your week, practice staying connected to the Lord right where you are—that's where you’ll hear His voice and respond to His leading. Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. September is Founder's Month, when we celebrate Dr. Stanley's life and honor his birthday. We’re grateful that through his legacy the good news continues to reach people around the world. Thank you for your partnership in the Lord’s work.