When you become a follower of Jesus, you’re not just agreeing to try harder or live a better life. Something far deeper and more powerful happens. God gives you a whole new life from the inside out.

The Bible says that when we put our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We’re not left to figure things out or struggle on our own. We are made new, and we receive a new power to live God’s way.

Jesus told his first followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before they began their mission (Acts 1:4-5, 8). This wasn’t just advice. It was essential. Here are some of the key ways this life in the Spirit works in us:

We Are Born Again By the Spirit

Jesus told a religious leader named Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3). Nicodemus was confused, so Jesus explained that this is a spiritual birth. It’s being made new on the inside by the Holy Spirit.

When we come to Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are adopted as God’s children, and we share in his nature (2 Peter 1:4). You could say we receive spiritual DNA. We belong to God’s family now.

Another way of looking at this is the moment when we are adopted by the Father and become children of God (Romans 8:15-16).

We Can Be Baptised in the Holy Spirit

After Jesus rose from the dead, he breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). But he also told them to wait for something more—the Holy Spirit coming in power (Acts 1:8). This later experience is often called the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Just like baptism in water, this is about being immersed. But this time it is being immersed in God’s power. Sometimes this happens when people first believe, but for others, it comes later. The apostle Paul met some believers who hadn’t experienced it yet (Acts 19:1–6). If you’re unsure whether you’ve experienced this, talk with a mature Christian or church leader.

We Should Go On Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

The Spirit-filled life isn’t a one-time experience. Paul encouraged believers to “go on being filled” with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This means living in daily dependence on God’s presence and power.

How do we stay filled? Paul gives some clues: singing to God, giving thanks, watching our words, and being open to one another (Ephesians 5:19–21). A good habit is to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each morning—and then stay open throughout the day.

We Can Be Led by the Spirit

As children of God, we are meant to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). Many things can lead us in life — our desires and ambitions, the agendas of the crowd, the pressures of life — but the Holy Spirit wants to lead us from within.

Paul also talks about “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). The Spirit is not just a power or life-force. He is a person. The Spirit of Jesus, who walks with you daily. Learn to listen for his gentle nudges. It might feel strange at first, but over time, you’ll begin to recognise his voice.

We Will Then Begin To Bear the Fruit of the Spirit

As we walk with the Spirit and let him lead us, we begin to change. Paul refers to this transformation as bearing the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22–23). These include qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience and they reflect the character of Jesus. They start start growing in us as we learn to turn from our selfish desires, which Paul refers to as ‘the flesh’ or sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). Instead, we let ourselves be led by the Spirit.

We Can Use the Gifts of the Spirit

The Spirit also gives gifts — not just for our own benefit, but to help and encourage others. These include things like wisdom, healing, encouragement, and more (see 1 Corinthians 12). This is a big topic, so we’ll look at it in more detail in another post.

From the Bible

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16)

For Reflection and Discussion

1. Are you already aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your life? How do you experience it?
2. What is the difference between trying to follow Jesus by your own effort and doing it with the Spirit?
3. What might help you to grow in being filled with and being led by the Spirit?

Steps To Take

1. Ask the Holy Spirit each day to fill you.
2. Begin talking to the Spirit like a friend throughout the day until it becomes a habit. As you start, find little ways to prompt and remind you to do so.
3. Ask a mature Christian to pray with you about receiving more of the Spirit’s fullness.

Remember This

“You might as well try to see without eyes, hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as to try to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.”
— D.L. Moody

Recommended Resources

R T Kendall, Holy Fire – a clear and balanced teaching on the Holy Spirit’s role—including spiritual gifts and transformation.

Tyler Staton, The Familiar Stranger – Introducing the Holy Spirit to those who want an experiential spirituality

The Alpha Course: Who is the Holy Spirit? (Video) – Part of the popular Alpha series for those exploring Christianity—practical, welcoming, and easy to follow. alpha.org

The Bible Project: Holy Spirit (Animated Video) – A beautiful, short video showing how the Spirit works throughout the whole Bible. bibleproject.com