The Work of the Holy Spirit
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:24-25
The work of the Holy Spirit is called sanctification. To sanctify means to set apart. It is a term used in Scripture to speak of something or someone set apart for God. When the term is used regarding the Holy Spirit’s work, it can speak of all His work or of the specific aspect of having us live holy lives filled with fruits of faith. Fruits of faith are anything that a believer does that flows from faith and conforms to God’s Word. Therefore, a fruit of faith is empowered by Jesus Christ’s ruling in our hearts, motivated by God’s love, and guided by God’s Word. The Holy Spirit leads us to live lives that are set apart for God with fruits of faith.
The apostle Paul reminds the Galatians of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctifying us. Those who belong to Christ are believers, such as us. They put to death their sinful flesh with its passions and lusts. Jesus has put sin to death, and now we daily put to death our sinful flesh by contrition and repentance. With our sinful flesh put to death, we live to follow the will of God as found in His Word. But before we take any credit for our sanctification, we need to be reminded that the Holy Spirit leads us to hate sin and to live lives that are pleasing to God, filled with fruits of faith. The Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification causes us to live as believers on this earth.
Holy Spirit, all divine, Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol-throne, Reign supreme, and reign alone.
See, to Thee I yield my heart, Shed Thy life through every part;
A pure temple I would be, Wholly dedicate to Thee.
The Lutheran Hymnal 234:5-6