Proof of the Spirit's Presence

As part of last Sunday's sermon, I shared six ways to cultivate and experience the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. I adapted this list from the one that appeared in J. D. Greear's newly released book, Jesus, Continued...: Why the Spirit Inside You Is Better Than Jesus Beside You. I read this book in its entirety between Christmas and New Year's, and it was a tremendous encouragement to me spiritually. While I differ with Greear on a point here and there, any disagreements are relatively minor and are not substantial enough to keep me from giving a "thumbs up" on the book. In the brief video clip below, J. D. Greear tells us about his book and mentions the six ways we can experience the Spirit's presence:

If I had more time on Sunday, I would have talked not only about the Spirit's presence, but also about the proof of the Spirit's presence. Certainly a major indication would be the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, virtues such as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...." But we find additional evidence delineated in Ephesians 5. In verse 18 we find the command, "Be filled with the Spirit." This directive is followed by four proofs of the Spirit's filling. They appear as five participles (words formed from verbs but used as adjectives) in verses 19-21:

1. addressing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: The Spirit-filled Christian speaks God's truth to others in such a way that encourages them and builds them up in the Lord.
2. singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart: The Spirit-filled Christian has a heart that is fully devoted to God. He expresses this by "singing his heart out" to God, especially gathered with fellow believers for worship. 
3. giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: The Spirit-filled Christian has a life marked by gratitude. This gratitude persists even through unpleasant circumstances because it is God-focused and Christ-centered.
4. submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ: The Spirit-filled Christian selflessly serves others out of love and respect for Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine how different our church would be if each of us was truly Spirit-filled? Think about it! No wonder Scripture exhorts us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18) and "go on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1).

One thing is for sure: As we grow, it will show!