The Spiritual Life
Ephesians 5:18
The Importance of the Spiritual Life
- Dr. Schafer's emphasis on combining theological curriculum with spiritual life
- The necessity of a right relationship with the Holy Spirit for spiritual vitality
Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Life
- The Holy Spirit as central to spiritual life and theological training
- Personal anecdotes and reflections on the Holy Spirit's impact
Four Imperatives for Living in the Spirit
- Imperative 1: Be Filled with the Spirit
- Ephesians 5:18 – Explanation of being habitually controlled by the Spirit
- Illustration of sailing: positioning oneself to catch the wind of the Spirit
- Imperative 2: Do Not Grieve the Spirit
- Ephesians 4:30 – Sin and its impact on the Holy Spirit
- Emphasis on the sensitivity of the Spirit to sin and the call to holiness
- Imperative 3: Do Not Quench the Spirit
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Not resisting or stifling the Spirit's work
- Importance of discernment and not treating spiritual gifts with contempt
- Imperative 4: Walk by the Spirit
- Galatians 5:16 – Living by the Spirit’s power and provision
- Illustration of being towed: providing willingness while the Spirit provides power
Conclusion
- Recap of the four imperatives: catch the wind, please the chief, fan the flame, and stay in tow
- Final exhortation to live in the energy of the Spirit by living in synergy with the Spirit
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors

Ramesh P. Richard
In addition to more than thirty years of faculty service, Dr. Richard is founder and president of Ramesh Richard Evangelism and Church Health (RREACH), a global proclamation ministry that seeks to evangelize leaders and strengthen pastors primarily of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He has ministered in over 100 countries, speaking to wide-ranging audiences, from pastors in rural areas to heads of state. In partnership with DTS, RREACH launched the Global Proclamation Academy to equip influential young pastors from all over the world. Dr. Richard is also the founder of Trainers of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC) and the general convener of the 2016 Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three grown children and three grandchildren.