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ten evidences

"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"  (Galatians 3:1-3 ESV)




In studying this passage in Galatians, I was thinking, what are some of the evidences that the Holy Spirit is at work in lives of believers?  This is not exhaustive, I'm sure, but here are ten...

When we experience conviction of sin, not mere guilt and desire to escape punishment, but an awareness of sin against God which draws us to Christ for forgiveness and reconciliation – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (John 16:8-11)

When Jesus Christ becomes attractive to us, and we begin to see him as impressive, powerful, beautiful, and glorious (John 16:14; 1 Cor. 1:23-24) – this is the work of the Spirit. 

When God’s love is so understood and felt in the heart that we are moved to call out to God as our Father – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (Rom. 5:5; Gal. 4:6) 

When we joyfully believe and confess that Jesus is Lord – this is the work of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 John 4:2-3) 

When we have felt the truthfulness of the gospel concerning Jesus Christ and inwardly experience the authority of God’s word – this is the work of the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13)

When we have freedom, even boldness, to speak of Christ to others – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 1:8; 4:31).  

When we are receiving insight and understanding into God’s word, so that we are sensing its truth, power, and application to us – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.   (1 Cor. 2:12; Eph. 1:17-18; 1 John 2:27; 4:6)

When we turn away from fleshly desires, and are being led and empowered to manifest God’s character in our lives – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (Rom. 8:1-17; Gal. 5:16-23)

When we truly desire to sing God’s praise and join with believers in corporate worship – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 5:18-20)

When our service to others brings God’s blessing to the body of Christ, and gifts that he has given us work supernaturally to build up others – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  (1 Cor. 12:4-11)



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