Walking in the Spirit is written by Dr. Kenneth Berding, Professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and author of numerous books. In this book, Dr. Berding examines Romans 8 and what it means to walk with the Holy Spirit. As the author explores Romans 8 he also fills the pages of this book with stories from his own experience of walking with Jesus. This book explores what it means to walk in the Spirit, set your mind on the things of the Spirit, mortification, being led by the Spirit, the Fatherhood of God, hope in the Spirit, and praying in the Spirit.
The most helpful chapters in this book in my opinion were chapters three, four, and seven. Chapter four addresses what it means to be led by the Spirit; a topic in my opinion that needs to be taught on more. While explaining what it means to be led by the Spirit; in chapter four the author grounds his readers in the Word of God which he says “is foundational to all facets of the Spirit’s leading and is the anchor for anything that can be referred to as leading. (Berding, 57). This is an important point and one worthy of exploration as many believers often base their lives not on the Word of God or upon the foundation of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but sadly often base their daily lives on “how they feel” that day. The point the Dr. Berding makes in the above quote is important, because in order to be led by the Spirit the believer needs to be grounded in the Word of God; knowing, studying, mediating and reflecting on what it means and applying it to their lives. Sadly many believers go through their entire Christian lives only living on the milk and never growing into the meat of God’s Word.
There is much to take away from Walking in the Spirit so rather than focusing on all of its contents, I want to briefly tell you why I think you should read this book, and then tell you where you can get it. The first reason you should read this book whether you are a new or mature believer is to think through and examine whether you are walking in the Spirit or walking in the flesh. The second reason to read this book is to grow not only in knowledge of God’s Word but in how to apply the Truth of God’s Word. The author through his examination of Romans 8, and his stories exemplifies for us how to take God’s Word and not just be a hearer of the Word but a doer of the Word. Finally you should read this book most of all because it is thoroughly biblical and immensely practical.
I recommend you get a copy of Walking in the Spirit to learn and to think through what it means to put sin to death, walk in the Spirit, set your mind on the things of the Spirit, being led by the Spirit, and praying in the Spirit. In reading this book, I believe you the reader will be challenged, and confronted by ministry of the Holy Spirit whose ministry exists point people towards the person and work of Christ so that His kingdom may advance to the praise and glory of God.
Title: Walking in the Spirit
Author: Kenneth Berding
Publisher: Crossway (2011)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.