2018-06-10
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Key Verse: Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
For the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about the Holy Spirit’s presence and purpose in our lives. Going back to Acts 1 when He was promised, Acts 2 when He arrived, and on and on as His present work continues to lead and guide us. Spirit-filled and Spirit-led living is the only way to find joy in life. Today, let’s talk about the importance of LETTING Him do His work in our lives.
Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 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. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Spirit Led Living
1. Live in poverty
– Total dependence
– vs 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
2. Because it’s an uphill battle
– vs 17 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.
– Doing the right thing is always tough but always right
– Paul said even he struggled with doing right in Romans 7:15
– There’s an internal battle going on daily in your heart and mind. Let God’s Word and His presence strengthen you to be on the right side.
3. But you can do it
– vs 18a But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
4. He will make you what you need to be
– vs 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
– When allowed, the Holy Spirit will do a great work in our hearts which will naturally flow out in what we do.
– Complete surrender is the only way to let it work.
5. And He will give you victory
– vs 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
– Does this mean you will not sin anymore? Of course not. But it does mean that we will see His victory at work within us.