Living By the Spirit's Power

LIVING BY THE SPIRIT’S POWER Galatians 5:16-26

Introduction: John D. Rockefeller, Sr., was strong and husky when he was a youth. He was early determined to earn money and drove himself to the limit. At age 33, he received his first million dollars. At age 43, he controlled the biggest company in the world. At age 53, he was the richest man on earth and the world’s only billionaire.

            Then he developed a sickness called "alopecia," where the hair of his head dropped off, his eyelashes and eyebrows disappeared, and he was shrunken like a mummy. His weekly income was one million dollars, but he digested only milk and crackers. He was so hated in Pennsylvania that he had to have body guards day and night. He could not sleep, stopped smiling long since, and enjoyed nothing in life.

            The doctors predicted he would not live past another year. The newspaper had gleefully written his obituary in advance—for convenience in sudden use. Those sleepless nights set him thinking. He realized with a new light that he "could not take one dime into the next world." Money was not everything. God was displeased with his sinful life. Then and there, he surrendered his life to Christ, repenting of his sins and pleading for God to change his heart.

            The next morning, he awoke a new man. He began to help churches with his amassed wealth; the poor and needy were not overlooked. He established the Rockefeller Foundation, whose funding of medical researchers led to the discovery of penicillin and other wonder drugs.         John D. began to sleep well, eat and enjoy life. You could say he began to live life to the fullest! The doctors had predicted he would not live over age 54. He lived to be 98 years old. That is what the scriptures call a transformed life. When you surrender your life to Jesus Christ you will become a new creation and experience his grace to live out to the fullest. For the past few weeks we have been journeying through our core values.

            Today we will look at another value, we are Transformationally-Focused: “Following the example of Jesus and the New Testament model, we offer ongoing discipleship at Hope Church. We recognize that transformation is the work of God’s Spirit from the inside out. The goal of change is to be imitators of Jesus in life and conduct.”

            You might be wondering when does this transformation occur? Is it a one-time thing or a tedious process? The answer is Yes and No. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Yes, there will be a thorough or dramatic change that happens when Christ comes into our lives

            Transformation also means Metamorphosis; “A change into something new, or the process of maturing, like an insect or amphibian developing into adult form.” So, spiritual transformation involves spiritual maturity. The Apostle Peter compares this new life to “spiritual infancy,” where one needs to grow up in all parts of life and become a spiritually matured adult.           In our passage, the Apostle Paul explains the contrast between our old sinful nature and a newly spirit-filled nature. And shows us how to “LIVE BY THE SPIRIT’S POWER.” Galatians 5:16-26. Let’s look at the two opposing forces and their drastic outcomes in the life of a believer.

I THE CRAVINGS OF SINFUL NATURE.

            Have you ever been in a situation where you know what is the right thing to do, but instead, you end up doing something wrong? Whether you recognize it or not, there is a constant war going on between the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature in the lives of believers. Gal 5: 17-18,       “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.

And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law.”

            When we follow the desires of our sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.” Here is a warning from someone who knew the struggle with sin.

            I Peter 2:11, “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” What is the Soul?  Dallas Willard explains human soul this way. The soul is “the combination of our Will, Mind, and Body.” The human will is the capacity to choose; the mind is both a person’s thoughts and feelings. The body is our little kingdom. That’s the one place in all the universe where our tiny will has a chance to be in charge.” All these three combinedly called “The Human Soul.”

            Your soul is what integrates your will (your intentions), your mind, (your thoughts and feelings, your values and conscience), and your body (your face, body language, and actions) into single life.”[1] It is interesting to observe this integration.

            When our will, mind, and body are well integrated, there is harmony in our lives. When that integration is not there then we have disharmony. What disrupts this harmony is Sin. Just think of all that the above-listed cravings of the sinful nature can do to us? When we let our sinful nature control us, it will destroy our lives and the lives of our loved ones. At the end, like the Apostle, Paul noted, we will be disqualified from inheriting the Kingdom of God.” 

            There is no such thing as a little sin. John Ortberg notes, “Unlike our legal system, sins are not weighted by their seriousness. There are no misdemeanors in the realm of sin. Sin is sin, and it is serious because of what it does to the soul.”[2] Is it worth following the cravings of your sinful nature? At what cost do you want to dabble in the fleeting pleasures of Sin?

            Are we cherishing the pleasures of sin without paying attention to its devastating consequences?  If we do, let us cry out like the Apostle Paul, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death”? The Holy Spirit says, I will!

II.THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

            After explaining the dilapidating effects of the sinful nature and its consequences, Paul introduces a hopeful contrast saying, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” God’s people bearing fruit goes back to Isaiah where God promised the fruitful future of the nation of Israel. Isaiah 27:6.

            The Holy Spirit is sent into the world to produce fruit in all those who become the followers of Christ. In the Bible, we see the fruit often is used figuratively. Fruit merely reflects the real character of the tree (Mt 7:17-18). Since people of the Spirit have a new life, it is natural for them to reflect the character of the Spirit.

            For all the acts of the sinful nature the antidote can be found in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. For example, Lust and sexual immorality can be overcome by Love. Idolatry, which amounts to greed, envy, and Jealousy can be replaced by Generosity though it is not listed here.             Elsewhere Paul encourages Corinthian believers to excel in this gift of generosity. “Since you excel in so many ways in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love for us I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving” 2 Cor 8:7.

            The remedy for drunkenness, wild parties, and all other entertainments is the Joy of the Holy Spirit. By Goodness and Kindness, we may overcome discord and division.         Hostility, all quarreling, and outbursts of anger can be calmed down by Gentleness and Self Control. Not to forget Patience and Faithfulness are the two essential virtues for Christian maturity and growth.

            Though this passage does not give us antidotes for all possible sins, by desiring the fruit of the Holy Spirit we can learn to overcome sin. It may not happen all at once, but as we yield to the Holy Spirit, he will help us to be transformed into Christ’s likeness.  

III. LIVING BY THE SPIRIT’S POWER

            After laying out the contrast and the consequences of the sinful nature and spirit led lives, Paul exhorts believers to live by the Spirit’s Power. Since we belong to Christ Jesus and are living by the Spirit, we are to follow Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. What does a Spirit-filled life look like? A Spirit-filled person is not narcissistic.

            He esteems others. He is not easily angered. He is not Jealous. He recognizes that his sinful nature has been nailed to the cross. A Spirit-filled person will make all efforts to live by the example of Christ. At Hope Church in order to encourage believers to follow Christ we offer ongoing discipleship.      We recognize that transformation is the work of God’s Spirit from the inside out. The goal of transformation is that we will be imitators of Christ in life and conduct.

            In closing! “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”  Romans 8:12-14.

            As we leave today, remember we don’t have to live by our sinful nature any longer. We got to cut it out! Instead, intentionally choose to surrender our lives to do what is right and pleasing to the Lord. We want to fill or minds with the things of God. We will seek to do good to others. We will not hold any grudges, but be quick to forgive others and live in harmony with others as much as possible. That is what the transformation focused all about. We are letting the Holy spirit Control our lives. May God help us to live by the Spirit’s Power. Amen!

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[1] John Ortberg, Soul Keeping, Pages 40-43

[2] Ibd; page 72

The Church Is A Family

THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY

(Ephesians 2:17-22)

Introduction:  What is your view of Church?  Is it an organization, an institution with specific rules and policies? Or a social club of which I can become a member? In his book, The Family of God, Batsell Barrett Baxter says the following: "There are some who think of the church as an organization like other organizations. The church is indeed an organization, but it is not primarily an organization. Instead, it is a new way of life.

            Those who have the view that being a part of the church is like being a member of a lodge, a luncheon club, a political party, or even a business is gravely mistaken. Such people feel that they should give to the church the same kind of support and loyalty which they give to these other organizations. It becomes my church, as it is 'my club, or lodge, or party, or team.'             The Christian’s loyalty to Church, however, should be unique, for, in reality, it is a loyalty to Christ and His way of life. The church is like no other institution on earth, and a person’s membership in the church is like no other membership, which he may sustain. The church is more like a vibrant, living organism than it is like a cold, structured organization.

            Some make the mistake of thinking that the church exists for the entertainment and enjoyment of its members. On the contrary, the church exists so that its members may have an intimate relationship with Christ and God, as well as a close relationship with others."[1]

            During the new membership class, I emphasized the fact that the Church is not like a family, but it is the family, the family of God. All those who believed in Christ, to them, Christ gave the power to become God’s children. Only through Jesus Christ, an Intimate relationship with God is possible. I title this message, “The Church is a Family.” Ephesians 2:17-22

            The fourth core value that we like to live by at Hope Church is that we are Relationship-Oriented. “We believe that God has created people and churches to dwell in communities of mutual love and commitment with one another. Our church community is intentional about relationship investment and commitment, knowing that spiritual growth and healing happens best in a relational context of love, care, trust, and transparency.

            We realize that everyone is on a different point in their journey of faith, so we accept people as they are. It is OK not to be OK. Each person is essential, unique, and created by and for God.” I like this part that says, “It is OK not to be Ok.” That means, none of us are perfect, none of us got it all together. We all are a work in progress.  God is working in all of us.

            The basis for this core value comes from the passage in Ephesians 2:17-22; the emphasis is on verse 19. This passage is conveying four vital truths 1. We belong in the family of God 2. We are God’s House. 3. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone. 4. We are being built together.

I. WE BELONG IN GOD’S FAMILY

            Vs. 19, “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens, along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” In the Bible, several metaphors were used to describing the Church, such as the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, God’s house, the temple, and the family of God.

            When God created Adam and Eve, he intended that they would live in a family. Similarly, since the beginning, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”  Ephesians 1:5 During Jesus’ ministry on earth, there was a great divide between the Jews and Gentiles. They both hated each other. But God loved them and wanted them to live in peace in one family of God. That became possible through Jesus’s death on the cross.

            Verse nineteen tells us that both Jews and Gentiles who have put their faith in Christ belong to God’s family. They become citizens, along with all of God’s holy people worldwide. This bond with fellow believers is stronger and often lasts longer than natural family ties. It is true for Wilma and myself as we both do not have of our parents anymore, and none of our siblings live here in the USA. But we have spiritual parents, wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord in several parts of the world, including here in Hope Church, which we call our Family.

            As we are aware, some families are sick, weak, and dysfunctional. The same applies to church families; nevertheless, God wants us to be part of His spiritual family. Without exception, when we accept Christ as our savior, we became part of His worldwide family. But that is not enough; He wants us also to belong to a local church family, here is the reason why?

            A Christian without a church family is like a person who says, "I want to play NFL football, but I don't want to be a part of any team" Do you think that will work? Similarly, you cannot say I want to belong to the worldwide Church but don’t want to be a team player in a local church. If you're going to be an active player in your Christian faith, you need a church.

            So, if you don’t have a church, you can call home, and you are looking for one where you feel accepted and belong? Consider Hope Church.  In our Church we say, it is okay not to be okay. We are not the perfect church in town, but we seek to love God and love others.

II. WE ARE GOD’S HOUSE (Temple)

            Vs. 20, “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.”  Here is another metaphor for the church, which is God’s House or Temple. In the OT, God’s physical manifestation was felt and seen in physical structures such as The Tabernacle, the tent, and the Temple. When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, they saw God’s glory descending upon the Tabernacle.           Exodus 40:34, “Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.”

            Again, after many years, they saw the same dark cloud the glory of God descending and filling the temple built by Solomon. I Chron 5: 13-14, “At that moment, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.”

             In the New Testament, Jesus became the living tabernacle displaying the glory of God among people. John 1:14, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” After he has ascended to heaven, now who will display God’s glory on the earth?

            It is the Church, the house of God, or the temple of God, not a structural building, but the spirit-filled believers will. Remember, together; we are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we are not our own; we were bought at a price.  What does this mean practically? It means offering ourselves as living sacrifices. To take good care of ourselves, spiritually, physically, and mentally. It means staying away from sins that contaminate our body and soul. It means to the best of our ability, to live in peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another.

III. JESUS CHRIST THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

            In our worship, we sing, “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.” It is a wonderful feeling to know that our lives are not built on shaky and shallow philosophies or the empty promises of this world, but Jesus Christ himself as the Chief Cornerstone.

            When Jesus Christ becomes our sure foundation, our lives can thrive, flourish, and bring forth glory to God in this evil world. On what foundation are you building your lives? Is Christ your sure foundation? If not, you can start building your lives on the Chief Cornerstone today.

IV. WE ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER (21-22)

            Vs. 21-22, “In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him, you too, are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” These verses emphasize the need for us to be a part of a local church family because that is where we grow together to become the dwelling place of God.

             At Hope Church, as our core value suggests, we recognize that we cannot grow spiritually, independent of each other. We need other brothers and sisters in the family to challenge our faith, encourage us when we are down, support, and pray for us when we are sick and in need of help. As far as possible, we live in love and commitment with one another.

             Let me recapture the main points once again. We become members of God’s family by committing our lives to Christ. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone, and we are being built together. By becoming a member of Hope Church, we are saying, this is going to be my church home where I am going to serve and be served, where I will give and be given, love, and be loved so that together we can become God’s household.   

            However, our focus is not just us becoming the members of God’s family, or together to be built up and to become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. As we are intentional to become all that and more, let’s not forget that there is a broken world out there that desperately need to experience God’s love. As we have found a home by coming to Jesus, now let’s go after God’s estranged children, his prodigal sons and daughters, and bring them back home, where they too will become part of God’s family and experience their heavenly father’s love. Amen!

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[1] https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/74739/church-purpose-of-by-sermoncentral?ref=TextIllustrationSerps

ADORATION: ( A Meditation on Psalm 8)

ADORATION: PSALM 8:1-8

Illustration: In 1977, Jack Hayford, the founding pastor of the Church on the Way in Van Nuys California, was vacationing with his wife Anna in Britain during the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. While there, the Hayfords saw constant reminders of royalty. That, along with visits to several castles, caused Hayford to sense what it might be like to be "raised as a child in such regal settings."

            With this in mind, he asked Anna one day, as they drove through the countryside, to write down these words: "Majesty, worship His majesty. Unto Jesus be all glory, power, and praise." Thus "Majesty," one of today’s most glorious praise songs, was born.

            How do we define the word Majesty? “impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty. Magnificence · pomp · solemnity · grandeur, royal power. Sovereignty · authority · power · dominion. Who could be indeed called, “Your Majesty?  Who truly deserves the adoration?

            No human kings nor queens fit the criteria but the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords of this known universe.  Let us unpack Psalm eight to discover God’s hidden glory in His creation so that we might join the children and infants to give Him praise.  May we also join collectively with nature in adoring and declaring the glories of our Great King and God.

I. OUR MAJESTIC GOD

            Vs. 1, “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. “What do we see in this verse? We see God as our personal God and His majestic name filling the whole earth (reverberating in the world). This Psalm begins and ends with God and his name. Therefore, it is worth noting who this God is and what his name is.

            The Jews have a much deeper understanding of who God is. In the Hebrew Bible, ten prominent names are given to who we call “God” in the English language. They are Elohim (God the Creator Gen 2:4-5). Yahweh. (I AM Who I AM Ex 3:14).

            Abba (Father/Daddy). While all the names of God are essential in many ways, the name “Abba an Aramaic word for Father” is one of the most notable names of God in understanding how He relates to His people.  Abba was a common term that expressed affection and confidence and trust. Jesus used often called God, “Abba” father. Mark 14:36.

             El Elyon (God Most High Psalm 47:2) El Roi (The God who sees me. (Genesis 16:13-14). El Shaddai (God of the Mountains/ God Almighty, All sufficient One Ex 6:2,3) Yahweh Yireh (The LORD will provide, Gen 22:14) Yahweh Nissi (The Lord our banner Ex 17:15) Jehovah Rapha. (The Lord who heals Ex 15:6) Yahweh Shalom, The Lord is Peace Judges 6:24

            Coming to the New Testament, all these invisible names of God have been personified in one name Yeshua, which was a common alternative form of the name "Yehoshuah" – Joshua. The name corresponds to the Greek spelling Iesous, from which comes the English name, Jesus.

            Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This scripture tells us that Jesus is worthy of our worship and adoration.            Our Sunday worship is all about Jesus. We lift Him by studying the scriptures, in our prayers, through our praise and worship, by preaching of His word, through our offerings, and fellowship. We do all these and many more as our offering unto our Lord Jesus Christ.

II. CHILDREN AND INFANTS PRAISE GOD.  

            Vs. 2. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.” “Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.” (The Message). What do we see in these verses? We see children and infants have something to teach us grown-ups.

            Through their innocent laughter and absolute wonder and amazement of the creation, they are proclaiming praises to God, and a stark warning to all those who oppose God and atheists who foolishly say there is no God. For the past two weeks, I have been at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. It has been an intense but enriching experience. 

            I have learned more about focusing on my inner soul, and grow in my intimate love for God, for my wife and others. It was not about strategies on how to increase the size of our Church numerically but to help our members to grow spiritually.

            This past Sunday, instead of going to another church, we decided to spend our time a little differently and visited Franklin Zoo in Boston. We became like kids; we marveled at God’s amazing creation. We adored and admired God in worship as we looked at the work of his hands: the peacock with regal bearing, the majestic lion.  Colorful finches reminded us not to worry about the future. If God could take care of the birds, how much more would he take care of us?    The beautiful stripes on the Zebra made us wonder about God’s perfection.  Above all, the playful and naughty prairie dogs taught us how we should not take life too seriously but learn to enjoy and have fun from time to time. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

            At the end of our time, we have connected with God by just merely being among God’s beautiful creatures. I would encourage you to step out into God’s beautiful world and discover the glory of God, delight in Him in Worship, and you too will come away refreshed.

            Children, infants, animals, and the whole creation are glorifying God. How about if we to join them in praising God by singing “All Creatures of God and King.” The words of the hymn were initially written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225 in the Canticle of the Sun poem, which was based on Psalm 148. William Draper, a rector of a Church of England, paraphrased and set the music between 1899 and 1919. Let’s arise and adore the God of creation in worship.

III WORSHIP IS ADORING GOD

            What is worship? Is it singing a few songs of praise and thanksgiving? Is it praying and studying the scriptures? Is it preaching? Is it communion and fellowship? Or Is it all the above and more? The essence of worship we get from this passage is one word: ADORATION.

            The definition of “Adoration” is deep love and respect. Other synonyms: love, devotion, care, fondness, warmth, affection, admiration, regard. In worship it is to glorify, praise revere, to exalt, to esteem, pay tribute to and to magnify. The best picture of adoration comes to my mind is the “Adoration of the Magi.” These kings, or the royal astrologers of the orient who came in search of the newborn king of the Jews. They went straight to Herod’s Palace.

            They couldn’t find him the royal palace but in the humble abode of Mary and Joseph. In Matthew 2:11, They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The magi were overawed in the presence of the King of the Universe.

            That is the picture of adoration, delighting in the presence of someone who is genuinely impressive. Each time we worship we adore God for all his beautiful creation and His wonderful attributes of who He is and what He can do.  Evelyn Underhill notes, “We define worship as the total adoring response of man to the one Eternal God, self-revealed in time.”

IV.  WORSHIP AND WORK

            Based on Underhill’s definition, if worship is the “total response of man to the Eternal God, self-revealed in time,” how could that be done practically. In Psalm 8, we see the adoring responses of the animals and the mankind happening day and night. How?  One of the purest and adorable sights to see is when mothers breastfeed their infants.

            When fathers play with their children, and when we hear the laughter of children it is like music to the ears. These are some of the precious moments where humanity can adore God in worship. Unfortunately, in our current busy working society those precious moments have been stolen by duty of our work. The other day a father of two young boys said, to me, “After a busy day I cherish the time when I can hold my boys, read books, and put them to sleep.”

            My advice to young parents is, adore your children; they are a gift from God before they grow out of your hands and become unmanageable. Worship could happen while we are at work also. In Psalm eight after reading about all the handy works of God, we read about God’s commission to man, which is to work with his hands. Psalm 8:6-7 “You put us in charge of your handcrafted world, repeated to us your Genesis-charge, made us lords of sheep and cattle, even animals out in the wild, Birds flying and fish swimming, whales singing in the ocean deeps.”

            Worship is not only adoring and giving praise to God, but it also means work.  Worship involves the whole person includes what we do on Monday through Saturday as well as on Sunday. David Currie in his book the BIG IDEA of Biblical Worship notes, “Work and Worship are two enduring realities for believers, as Isaac Watts summed up simply and beautifully in his paraphrase of Psalm 23, “The sure provision of my God attend all my days; oh, may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.”

            So dear friends, in closing! On Sunday mornings, we come to Church to Praise and Adore the God who created the universe. As we do that, we are refreshed, energized, and challenged to go back into the world from Monday to make it a better place through all that we do. Then we come back again on Sunday for more of God in worship and fellowship. These are the beautiful rhythms of Christ’s followers. “We come to God to be with God, then go back into the world to do the work for God.” May God be glorified through all that we do. Amen!