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Also see Phil's article to keep on track with a related message.

When we travel internationally, the most important thing we take with us is our passport — it's our proof of identity. As we journey through life as Jesus' followers, the most important thing we take with us is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit living in us is our primary mark as a follower of Jesus (Romans 8:9; Acts 19:1-7).

But what is the Spirit's purpose? What does the Spirit mean for us?

First, the Holy Spirit comes and cleanses us, literally sanctifies us, and makes us a suitable place for God to live — His holy temple (1 Cor 6:11, 19-20).

Second, the Spirit's primary work after taking up residence in us, is to conform us and transform us to be like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18). The Spirit is at work to bring us to maturity in Jesus (Gal 4:19), having the qualities of Jesus, called the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). One of the ways we know we have the Spirit in us is that we see ourselves being made more and more like Jesus.