Life In The Spirit

                                              LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

Introduction: We all wish for a happy and fulfilled life. How we arrive at that goal varies from person to person. The pursuit of happiness is defined as a fundamental right mentioned in the Declaration of Independence to freely pursue joy and live life in a way that makes you happy.

Psychologists define happiness this way; Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction." [1]

When most people talk about happiness, they might be talking about how they feel in the present moment—under the prevailing economic conditions, soaring grocery and gas prices at over $5 a gallon, not many happy faces are there at gas stations and grocery stores.

Many advise us that a happy and fulfilled life depends entirely on us. Only a few people come to God in pursuit of happiness. If you follow the advice of Bill Murray (actor in Ghostbusters) or Oprah Winfrey, you may enjoy life in the short term, but in the long run, you will be frustrated and never reach the deepest fulfillment that comes from living by the Spirit.

Last week we saw the difference between a life controlled by sin and a life controlled by the Spirit. Today we will discover life in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-26. Here is a bit of background on Paul's letter to the Galatians. The Galatian believers quickly turned away from God, who called them unto Himself through His Son Jesus Christ.

They began to follow controversies instead of following the truth of the Gospel. To an extent, Paul called them, "Oh foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? Galatians forgot that Christ freed them from their bondage to sin. Now they could live to please God rather than satisfy themselves. They began to enslave themselves to sin all over again.

So, he urged them, saying, "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1. What do we have in common with the Galatians? Those born again are called of God unto Himself. Jesus has broken the chains of sin, guilt, and death and freed us to a life of peace and deep fulfillment.

Unfortunately, like the Galatians, many Christians everywhere are giving up their true freedom in Christ and enslaving themselves again to sin. They fall away from their faith by following empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and the spiritual powers of this world rather than Christ.

How can we hold on to our faith when everything pressures us to give it up? How can we remain free? Let us take Paul's advice in Galatians 5:16-26 and discover life in the Spirit. We find life and peace when we follow the instructions of the Holy Spirit, our life coach.

 

I. The Holy Spirit is our Life Coach.

            These days there is so much demand for a life coach. I saw this impressive Ad for a life Coach, "The guide you want—the push you need. With your world-class Coach, you'll get clarity on what's next, build confidence, and get honest feedback. One-on-one coaching sessions and our extensive learning library deliver expert guidance when it matters most."

            I am not discounting what a life coach may offer, but who can do a better job free of cost other than the Holy Spirit? For Christians, we have a life coach who knows our past, present, and future. He knows how to counsel, comfort, and direct us on the right path we should go. Best of all, he is not around the corner but lives inside us. You can call on him anytime!

            That was the advice the Apostle Paul gave to Galatians. Vs. 16, So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." A real-time life coach concerned about your overall well-being shows you what is best for you.

Even more, the Holy Spirit, our life coach, is concerned with our overall well-being. So, as per Paul's advice, why don't we let the Holy Spirit guide our lives? If we live by the Flesh or sinful nature, we will eat its fruit, bringing death and disqualifying us from God's Kingdom. 

But if we live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will bear His fruit and have life and peace.

 

II. The Fifteen Works of the Flesh Vs. 19-21

            These fifteen fruits can be put into four categories of sins Vs. 19-21, "When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: The first category of three sexual violations: 1. Sexual immorality, or "fornication" is the broadest term, denoting any immoral sexual intercourse or relationship. 2. Impurity refers to a person who was either morally or ceremonially unclean. Paul uses it almost exclusively for moral impurity. 3. Lustful pleasures.

            The second category of two religious' sins, 4. Idolatry, 5. Sorcery. The third category of eight sins regarding other human beings—social sins; 6. Hostility, 7. Quarreling, 8. Jealousy, 9. Outbursts of anger, 10. Selfish ambition, 11. Dissension, 12. Division, 13. Envy. The fourth category of two pagan sins 14. Drunkenness, 15. Wild parties and other sins like these.

            Some of these sins are overtly publicly committed, while others, like envy, jealousy, and lust, could be the sins of the heart. Why should Christians avoid wild parties? Christians are not to live how people of the world live and love what they love. The only things you will find at wild parties are smoking, drunkenness, worldly music, sex, more drugs, other evilness, and possibly fights. Believers are to take no part in evil but expose it instead. How do we do that?

 

III. The Nine Part Fruit of the Holy Spirit Vs. 22-23

The Holy Spirit, He produces in the life of a believer a nine-part fruit that contains: 1. Love, 2. Joy, 3. Peace, 4. Patience, 5. Kindness, 6. Goodness, 7. Faithfulness, 8. Gentleness, and 9. Self-control. When we live by this fruit, we overcome the Flesh and find life in the Spirit.

This fruit of the Holy Spirit doesn't happen all at once. Like any regular fruit, it grows in time. In other words, these nine beautiful aspects of a Spirit-filled Christian become more and more evident as they cooperate with the Holy Spirit in cultivating this Fruit of the Spirit.

I suggest the following to bear fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. First, spending time in the word (the Bible), allowing our minds to be renewed and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

 Secondly, recognize that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Therefore, let us not defile this temple (our body) by indulging in sexual immorality. Because the Holy Spirit resides in us, we don't watch, read or listen to anything. Could it be that we have become desensitized to seeing violence and impurity?

Thirdly according to Galatians 5:24-26, The Spirit-led life has everything to do with our relationships. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another."

Fourthly, we need to let Him control every part of our lives. Ephesians 4:30-32 explains beautifully how this Spirit-controlled life functions. "And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

This is my prayer, "that from his glorious, unlimited resources, he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. Eph 3:16-17. Amen.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

[1] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-happiness-4869755

Learning to Live By The Spirit

Our Church's mission statement notes, "Glorifying God by becoming devoted followers of Christ." Hmm! That is quite a mouth full. How are we doing with that? Don't we all struggle in our daily life with making the right choices that line up with our mission statement?

For example, when a family member upsets you, do you lash out or zip up your mouth? Do I take the extra scoop of ice cream, second burger, smoke a cigarette, or exercise self-control?

How about that tantalizing website or compromising movie? Do I choose a lifestyle of flirtatiousness or a life of purity? In marriage, do I selfishly want my way, or do I do what pleases my spouse? We all struggle with sin. The apostle Paul too struggled with sin.

Writing to the Roman believers, he was honest about his struggles by saying, Romans 7:15, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." In utter desperation, Paul cried out to God, Romans 7:24-25, "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind, I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature, I am a slave to sin." You might be having Romans 7^th chapter experience, but don't lose heart. The answer to all our struggles with sin is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. When I read Romans chapter seven, I am confronted with my sinfulness, but when I read Romans 8^th chapter, I find the remedy.

We can only adequately deal with sin and overcome it by following the principles in Romans 8:1-17. We will look at the contrast between a life controlled by sinful nature and a life controlled by the Spirit. In the earlier chapters of Romans, the Apostle Paul describes man's standing before God as a guilty and condemned sinner, how he is justified by faith in the finished work of Christ. Because of that redeeming work of Christ in the life of a sinner, chapter eight begins with these encouraging words.

Romans 8:1, "There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (NASB). Last week we looked at the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. How does the Spirit work in a believer's life? It is time for us to learn how to live by the Spirit. Let us look at how sinful nature and the Holy Spirit control people differently.

 

I. A sin-controlled life. (Vs. 1-8)

            Sin begins in the garden of Eden. When God created everything, he saw everything was good and very good. Sin was not one of them. It originated in the heart of Satan and then transferred to humankind. God gave precise instructions and a command to Adam and Eve. They could eat fruit from any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

God said, "If you eat its fruit, you will surely die." Satan enticed Eve by sowing seeds of doubt and lie. He said, "You won't die!" God knows your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil." Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.

From the moment they ate that forbidden fruit, though they didn't die immediately and went on to live over six hundred years, they died spiritually. Fear, shame, anger, jealousy, revenge, and death replaced their joy-filled and peaceful existence in the garden.

The world was never the same again. From Adam, all have sinned against God. Romans 3:23, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Sin is missing the mark, not our or the culture's mark. It is God's standard, his ideals, and expectations.

Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin separates us from God and makes us live selfishly.

Not every sin we commit results in immediate death; some sins do, but certainly, they make us live miserably void of joy. We live purposeless lives, constantly craving for more yet never being satisfied. No matter who we are, we all die due to Adam's sin, but God's gift is eternal life.

The Bible neither glorifies nor condones sin as our culture does. The Apostle Paul writes to the Roman believers, "Those dominated by sinful nature think about sinful things." While writing to the believers in Galatia, he describes these sinful things. Galatians 5:19-21,

"When you follow the desires of your 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." If that is how sin dominates our lives, let's see how the Holy Spirit controls our lives.

 

II. The Spirit-controlled life (9-17)

            After explaining that those still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God, Paul draws a stark contrast by showing them the Spirit-controlled life. Vs.9 "But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all). Those who are born again are no longer controlled by sin.

Remember, no one can be saved unless God draws them under the power of the Holy Spirit. We become a new creation once we accept Jesus' forgiveness of our sins. The old life controlled by sin is dead. Now, Jesus lives in us. What a wonderful truth this is for us to know.

We must recognize that all believers in Christ have the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus. Because the Holy Spirit is living in us, Paul urges, Vs12, "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do."

If you are a believer, you have a new boss. He is kind and gentle. He doesn't push us but leads us. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to act as our sinful nature urges us. If we live by pleasing our sinful nature, we will die (eternally separated from God), but by the power of the Holy Spirit, when we put to death the sinful deeds, we will live with God forever.

While we still live here on earth, our relationship changes when the Holy Spirit leads us. We become the sons and daughters of God. Therefore, we call God Abba Father. That adoption into God's family has been made possible by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to know these truths intellectually; but we must act like God's true children. How do we do that? By faith, we need to learn to live by the Holy Spirit.

 

III. Learning to live by the Holy Spirit. 

            When we were little children, we didn't get up one day and started to sprint. Our parents taught us to stand and walk step by step, holding our hands. Similarly, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to live God-pleasing lives. Our learning begins by recognizing the Holy Spirit resides in us.

Secondly, as we read the Bible, we will grow in understanding who God is and what his will is for our lives. Unlike any other book, the Holy Spirit had authored the Bible. When we read the Bible, we sit with and learn from the author. II Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

One of the works of the Holy Spirit is to teach us all the truth. When we open the pages of the Bible, the Holy Spirit illuminates the truth in our hearts. He shows us what sin is, its consequences, and how to avoid it. He also teaches us about God's nature and how to love Him and others. Living by the Spirit is a lifelong process of learning.

How are we living today? Are our lives controlled by sin or by the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. This is my prayer for myself, my family, and all of you, Ephesians 3:16-17," I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Amen.

 

 

The Holy Sprit Power In Your Life

                                  THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER IN YOUR LIFE

             In the classic French film Jean de Florette, townspeople in a small village in Provence, France, conspire against a local landowner named Jean, who has just inherited a plot of land. They want to force Jeanes's little farm to fail so they can possess the land.

The land receives only scant rainfall, so they sneak onto his property and plug a healthy stream, cementing it shut and covering it with dirt. Jean does not know about the nearby spring, but he knows of another, more distant water supply over a mile away.

Along with his wife and young daughter, they dragged water from a spring on the other side of the mountain. He initially makes progress, but eventually, getting the water from the distant spring becomes a backbreaking experience. He started digging a well using a stick of dynamite to break the ground but unfortunately died as one of the rocks lands on his head.

Sadly, he never discovers that he already has an inexhaustible supply of water underground but nearby. Similarly, Christians have an endless supply of power—the Holy Spirit— Jesus refers to it as "a fresh, bubbling spring" living within us.

Sadly, some of us are like Jean in this film. We spend our lives in a backbreaking effort trying to haul another supply. Today, we will look at how we can receive the Holy Spirit Power in our lives. Before that, let me share a few thoughts about the significance of Pentecost.

Pentecost is one of the three Jewish festivals God-ordained. It is the feast of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks. The festival of Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Let's pray on this Pentecost; many Jews would recognize and accept Jesus as their Messiah.

For Christians, Pentecost is observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter and ten days after Ascension. The name comes from the Greek word “pentekoste” which means fiftieth, as Pentecost Sunday takes place on the 50th day after Easter. Before going to Corinth, the Apostle Paul stayed at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost, which shows its importance.

 

I. The Promised Holy Spirit and birth of the Church

After Jesus rose from the dead, "Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:4 He reaffirmed a ninth-century B.C prophecy by the prophet Joel.

Since the time of Joel, people had been waiting for it to be fulfilled. The time of preparation and waiting for the disciples finally ended. On Pentecost Day, the Holy Spirit descended on a group of doubting, fearful yet expectant believers.

During the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost, the Diaspora Jews and the locals gather in Jerusalem to celebrate. A hundred and twenty disciples, with Mary, the mother of Jesus, gathered in the upper room for prayer. Suddenly, a sound from heaven like a hurricane filled the house.

Flames of fire appeared and settled on each of them. Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit enabled them. People from eighteen languages heard them speak of the wonderful things God has done.

Many were amazed and asked each other, what can this mean? But some skeptics in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all." Not only then, but even now, some people make fun of God's amazing things in our lives. Was this promise of the Holy Spirit only for those hundred and twenty people alone or for all the believers of God?

Peter stepped forward and gave a powerful message. He reminded them of the prophet Joel's prophecy. Vs. 17-18, " 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy." On Pentecost Day, that prophecy was fulfilled.

Peter continued his preaching, highlighting Jesus' ministry, miracles, and death through Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension into heaven. He reminded them that they had just witnessed the outpouring of God's promised Holy Spirit. He challenged his fellow Jews and Jerusalem residents to recognize and believe in Jesus as the Lord and Messiah.

The crowds were pierced in their hearts with that powerful message and asked Peter what we should do? Peter said you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the Church that day.

That was the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ. The number of believers grew from 120 to 3,000 in one day. Now, approximately 2.38 billion people call themselves Christians.

What does this mean to us today? As Peter said, the gift of the Holy Spirit is for all those who God has called. Are you one of those called ones by God? If you are a Christian, I mean you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you are called by God. Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him [giving him the desire to come to Me].

We are not saved because we thought it was an excellent idea. God put that desire in us to come to Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. We repent of them and turn to God by receiving forgiveness of our sins through Christ Jesus. We take another step and get baptized. Then as promised, if you believe in Christ, you have the abiding Holy Spirit inside of you.

 

II. The Holy Spirit Power In Your Life.

Jesus commanded the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit? Why do we need the Holy Spirit Power in our lives? We have the Bible and Jesus; isn't that sufficient? Firstly, we need the Holy Spirit to know the truth, Jesus. John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth."

Secondly, we need the Holy Spirit Power to become Jesus' witnesses. Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Can you imagine what an incredible privilege it is to be called by Jesus "My Witnesses.?

Andrew Murry notes, "My Witnesses." These two words contain the perfect description of the Spirit's work and our work—the work for which nothing less than His divine power is needed,"[1] In a courtroom, there is nothing as effective as an honest witness. A confident witness will make the court and the jury have more faith in what they are saying.

Jesus is commanding all his followers to be His witnesses. How do we do that practically? To be a witness of Jesus is to talk about what Jesus has done in your life. You can share with others openly and confidently how he saved you and gave you hope. Talk about your healing and deliverance from addiction, hopelessness, and purposelessness. We are weak and cannot do this task of witnessing. We need the Holy Spirit Power in our lives.

III. How to receive the Holy Spirit Power?

Before receiving the Holy Spirit's power, one must repent, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. As promised, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit come in and dwell with you. In other words, you have the "Rivers of living water" inside you. (John 7:39) Remember, John inherited the inexhaustible spring with the property in the story, but his enemies hid it from him. He could never enjoy its benefits.

Similarly, the devil, our enemy, deceives us so that we might not discover the spring of the Holy Spirit. By faith, we need to recognize that we have the Holy Spirit living in us and tap into His unlimited power to become effective witnesses of Jesus in this world. Amen!

 

 

 

 

---

[1] Andrew Murray, The Spirit Of Christ. 59.