June 10, 2018

Spirit Led Living
June 10, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Without a doubt, you have an issue with something that creates an on-going battle: it may be two children who don’t even try to get along, an issue with the numbers on your scale, foul language or something else. The conflict never seems to end. What comes to your mind, and can you share?

The past weeks we have been looking at the power, presence and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Scripture tells us that we received the gift of the Holy Spirit when we became a believer. He indwells us, providing the same power that enabled Jesus Christ to raise Himself from the grave. At the same time, we still have a body of flesh, with fleshly desires. The battle between the flesh and spirit is a continual struggle within us. How can we let the Spirit lead?

Focal Passage: Galatians 5:16-26

 

Discuss:

Live in poverty

  • That doesn’t sound attractive, does it? What types of poverty come to mind?
  • If you have spiritual poverty, what would be your condition? How can God help?
  • Read verse 16. What does God desire from you? What does it mean to be completely guided by Him as you go through a day? Can you think of analogies?

Because it’s an uphill battle

  • Does anyone have a daily battle that you can share, and have you ever given thought to the reason it has become an issue? (You might care for an elderly parent who needs constant supervision.)
  • Read verse 17. Why would it be helpful to list blessings from God, helpful Scriptures, or favorite praise songs for those times when you want to give up?
  • Read Rom. 7:15-25. Paul struggled just as we do. Why does that encourage us?

But you CAN do it

  • Read Phil. 4:12-13 and Daniel 1:8. What battles did these two godly men live with daily? Were they able to endure? (Daniel was about 13-15 at the time, which tells us that even teens can commit their way to the Lord).
  • Read Rom. 8:32. God oversees every moment of our lives. He will give us whatever we need to carry out His purpose. How do we know we can trust His promises?

He will make you what you need to be

  • Read verse 22. Before we knew Christ, what were some of the sins listed in verses 19-21 we might have struggled with? Do you find yourself doing battle with any of these former sins during a day? Who would be trying to tempt you to leave the Holy Spirit’s leadership?
  • Read 1 Thess. 5:19. How can we do what this verse admonishes us to do? Why is it so important that we keep the armor of God (Eph. 6) on us always?

And He will give you victory

  • Read verse 24 and Col. 2:13-14. What sins of yours were nailed to the cross when Jesus was crucified?
  • Read 1 John 5:3-5. How can you best keep your faith strong, letting the Holy Spirit lead you, as you daily battle obstacles?

 

Close:

Daily battles are just that—daily, and battles! There is seldom a day that goes by that an issue you deal with constantly gives place to a day of victory. Perhaps you have two children that you call “Oil” and “Water!” It seems that they can’t play together five minutes without a fight or loud screaming. Or possibly you’ve been dealing with losing weight: suddenly it appears everyone you know is having a party or bringing pizza by your house, just “because.” Maybe you’ve been raised by a parent whose vocabulary was filled with cursing, and you considered it normal language until you were saved and noticed the people you now associate with never use profanity. Now you’re trying to clean up your sentences, and suddenly you trip, hit your thumb with a hammer, or have someone in your face, confronting you, more than ever before! Satan knows exactly what pushes your buttons and is determined to have you give up on your faith. But God knew exactly what you would encounter each day. He planned that not only would His only Son die for you, but He also would give you the gift of the third Person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit. He now inhabits your life, giving you the power that you need to be victorious each day.  The list of items in question 5 is a good sword to have on hand when battle times get tough: pick it up and remind yourself how God has blessed you; read the Scripture verses aloud, or sing one of the songs. Resist the devil and He will flee from you! That’s a promise—and God honors all His promises. You can trust Him.

Key Verse: Galatians 5:24: And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.