Dependence on the Spirit is a fundamental concept in the Christian faith, emphasizing the believer's reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and wisdom. As the Bible teaches, "the Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26), and it is through the Spirit that believers are able to live a life that honors God, as noted in Galatians 5:16, which states "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Psalmist also expresses this dependence, declaring "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:1-2), highlighting the importance of trusting in God's Spirit for daily sustenance and support. By acknowledging their dependence on the Spirit, Christians are able to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and trust in God's sovereignty.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that every great movement of God, including Calvary Chapel, begins in the Spirit but often shifts to reliance on human effort, leading to ritualism and stagnation. He draws parallels from church history and the Book of Judges, illustrating how the Israelites repeatedly turned