HOW DO I KNOW THAT GOD’S SPIRIT IS IN ME?
Sakkie Parsons
In an email sent to me, someone asked: “How do I know that God’s Spirit is in me?”
I thought I’d share my response with you—perhaps you know someone who is also wondering about this.
Now, many complex arguments can be made on this topic, but I believe we should look at the Bible with a childlike attitude.
As I understand it, the Bible was written for ordinary people like you and me. Jesus Himself said:
Matthew 18:2–3 (AMP)
He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
There are people who claim that you only receive the Holy Spirit once you start speaking in tongues. But as I understand it, speaking in tongues is one of the gifts that God can give—not the only one.
Even in Paul’s time, some people highlighted speaking in tongues above other gifts. The same happens today—some claim that tongues are the only evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit.
Now, I do say that speaking in tongues is a sign that the Spirit of God is in you, but not the only sign. Paul wrote about this, and I’ll quote just a portion here. You can read the rest when you have the time.
1 Corinthians 14:1–4
1 Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].
2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement and consolation.
4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church [promotes growth in spiritual wisdom, devotion, holiness, and joy].
Let me be clear: I’m not saying that speaking in tongues has no value—certainly not! I simply say that I know more people who have God’s Spirit in them but have never spoken in tongues, than those who have received the gift and do speak in tongues.
Also, people who do speak in tongues are not more holy or more favored than those who don’t. By God’s grace, I have received the gift of tongues, but I know many who haven’t—and who, frankly, live out their Christianity better than I do.
To me, it is childishly simple to know whether I have God’s Spirit in me.
I’ll now quote some portions from God’s Word. Take the first two and examine yourself—you will know if God’s Spirit lives in you.
Then take the following verses and allow God’s indwelling Spirit to shape them fully in your life:
Acts 2:37–39
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is for you and your children and for all who are far away [including the Gentiles], as many as the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
Now, the abilities the Holy Spirit gives:
1 Corinthians 12:1–11 (AMP)
1 Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers].
5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served].
6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working, but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.
8 To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit;
9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit;
10 and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.
11 All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.
Take special note of verse 3:
1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
Let me add here: No one who truly has God’s Holy Spirit in them will use the name of Jesus as a curse word or in anger. The Spirit of God within you will only allow you to use that Name with the highest reverence and love.
Also, if you’re still unsure because you don’t speak in tongues, then read again:
1 Corinthians 12:10–11
10 and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy […], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.
11 All these things […] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.
Ephesians 5:1–11
1 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];
2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
3 But sexual immorality and all moral impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith].
4 Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].
5 For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person—for that one is [in effect] an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin].
7 So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin].
8 For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light].
9 for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth,
10 trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].
11 Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];
Galatians 5:22–26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.
25 If we claim to live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].
26 We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.
Luke 6:43–45
43 For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit.
44 For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit. For figs are not picked from thorn bushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a briar bush.
45 The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.
In the end, when you strip it all down to the bone, the simplest test is this:
Can you honestly say—and truly believe—“Jesus is Lord”? Not just Lord in general, but Lord of your life and Lord in your life?
Because remember:
“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
Greetings,
Sakkie