Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
This passage of scripture clearly states that true Christians are united through The Spirit of God, in addition to being united in the truths of His word. It is worthy of note that the Apostle Paul begins by saying that the righteousness of the law must be fulfilled in those who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. The Holy Spirit is never given to any of us with the intention that we should continue to live a life of sin, for this defeats the very purpose of God's salvation, whose sole purpose is to save us from sin, not in our sins. Herein lies one of the very great misconceptions in modern Christianity that is productive of great evil, for many people are now being taught that an entire change of lifestyle, purposes, and the principles we adopt are not necessary, if only we believe in Christ. But the scripture is crystal clear concerning those who claim to be children of God, in that they must have The Spirit of God dwelling on the inside, or else they are none of His. And furthermore, The holy Spirit is given with the sole purpose of enabling us to obey God in every particular, not only in some areas as is currently taught in many Christian circles. Let's read:
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus" ...... 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
When we are truly united in The Spirit, the results of His presence will be made manifest in a life that is being constantly transformed and renewed by His grace, and the fruits of the Spirit will be seen and felt in our interaction with one another, in very real and practical ways. Thus when we come across fellow Christians who have the same kindred Spirit, something inside us will click, just as was the case when Jesus and John the baptist approached each other whilst they were still in their mothers' wombs. At this time they were not yet born, neither had they attended any church services, but because they possessed the same kindred Spirit, they both leaped for joy, as Mary and Elizabeth greeted each other. Let's read:
Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Christ specifically stated that He Is the vine and we are the branches, and as such fruit should borne in our persons through the effectual working of The Spirit within our hearts. The Holy Spirit therefore never leads us into disobedience, and whoever claims to have the Spirit of God, whilst deliberately leading a life that is contrary to God's revealed will, cannot be speaking the truth, but is rather bearing false witness before God and man. This solemn deduction is made according to scriptures. Let's read:
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance" .... 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
In our day many Christians may make claims of having The Holy Spirit, while at the same time living a promiscuous life, or otherwise indulging in soul-destroying habits such as smoking and drinking, or worst yet, even leading "Alternative" lifestyles. We need to be certain that the unity of the spirit that is to bind us together is not compromised by us living according to our own terms and conditions, but is rather firmly established by conforming us to the progressive revelations of truth and duty, as given in God's word. Whatever our profession might be, let it be permanently settled in our hearts that the unity of the Spirit that Christ ardently sought to produce in His followers, will be productive of good and not of evil, and therefore the many spurious claims of having the Holy Ghost which abound today, ought not to deceive us, nor cause us to be led astray.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates the true meaning of unity in The Spirit, and may we be partakers of the Holy Ghost, so that our lives and characters might be transformed by His renewing power. Let's read:
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore" ..... "beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!