To the praise of Christ – 1:14
From the believer’s perspective there are two consequences of being sealed with the Spirit. Each of these plays out through the conviction of the Spirit within us. Firstly, we are to stop sinning. That is stop doing those things that offend the Spirit within us. Each of us will be challenged according to our own natural personality. However, the Spirit will convict us, especially through bible reading and reflection as well as through the words and lives of Christians we know. Those things that offend the Spirit within us need to be replaced with those things which do good for others, build up the church and worship the Lord. (Hebrews 13:16, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Romans 15:2.) We are not alone in this task, ‘We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.’ 1John 5:18
Secondly the Spirit confirms to us that we do belong to Christ. It is him who keeps our faith secure. ‘The Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God.’ Romans 8:16 ‘And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.’ 2 Corinthians1:21-22
Set me as a seal