“Life in the Spirit” Part Five
I. Life in the Spirit
Many Christians have little knowledge or experience with the Holy Spirit. Relationship with the unseen Spirit of God sent to reside in the core of our being appears all through the New Testament. That relationship is the key to fruitful life and growth. His ministry is key to regeneration, renewing, filling, placement into the body of Christ, prayer, worship, spiritual gifting. The core of what Paul means to communicate in Galatians five is that if we live by the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit we WILL NOT carry out the fleshly passions imbedded in the members of our body including our brain. It is equally true that if we live by the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit we WILL carry out the spiritual passions newly imbedded in our inner person made alive at conversion.
A Spirit directed life produces Christ-like fruit. A flesh driven life produces fleshly deeds.
A. It is a life of true freedom in the Spirit.
B. It is a life of competing passions. Spirit vs. Flesh
C. It is a life of godly behavior.
1. Love vs. indifference
2. Joy vs. gloom, negativity
3. Peace vs. anxiety, worry, chaos
4. Long-suffering vs. short fuse
To be long tempered or to withhold angry reaction or expression for a higher purpose does not mean we never express anger. Paul told the Ephesian to “be angry yet don’t sin or let that anger fester overnight”. Even the kindness of God that leads to repentance does not ignore evil. There will be a price to pay one day. Romans 2
God is slow to anger but ultimately requires accountability. Longsuffering enables us to hear from the Holy Spirit as to how we should best respond rather than blindly react to offenses or evil. The presence or absence of these qualities graphically indicates whether we are living by the power of the flesh or the Spirit. The next two attributes fit together and are similar attributes. Both kindness and goodness are major attributes of God. We will first look at them as demonstrated by God and then follow up with the expectation that they also be recognized in the children of God. In the transition from a flesh driven being to a Spirit directed being these attributes will not always be true of our everyday interaction with people. Only through continual submission to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit will these attributes become the normal way of relating.
5. Kindness vs. apathy
6. Goodness vs. selfishness
Scripture references both kindness and goodness extensively. Each one actually deserves its own series. Both terms refer to unselfish and unconditional actions that address the needs and alleviate the misery of others. Scripture proclaims God as both GOOD and KIND.
Luke summed up the ministry of Jesus like this.
"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38
What might we expect when God is with us?
You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:68
O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6
The Hebrew term translated “follow” may also be translated pursue, chase after, persecute.
God’s kindness and goodness actually pursues us all the days of our lives. God is good and does good by nature. Goodness is difficult to define. We apply the English word to a multitude of applications. Good meal, good health, good day, good game, good behavior or deeds, moral character.
I suppose the common denominator in all our uses of the term has to do with something corresponding to God’s standard of right and wrong. God differentiates between good and evil. Whatever corresponds to His standard is good. Whatever does not is evil. In the times of the judges every man did what was right and good in their own eyes but evil in the eyes of God. God is good by nature and does good on our behalf as we in turn live righteously and do good for others.
Paul recognized it in the Romans
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14
Goodness may also include generosity. God is also kind. Sometimes the idea of love and kindness is combined referring to God’s lovingkindness. Kindness flows out of a heart of love and compassion to address needs and alleviate misery.
Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and longsuffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:4-5
Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:35-36
Loving and doing good includes unconditional acts of kindness regardless of personal merit.
These acts of kindness extend even to enemies as well as ungrateful and evil people. Since God is with us and the Holy Spirit lives within us, kindness and goodness naturally flow from our lives to others. We become like a stream of refreshment to thirsty souls in a dry land.
In fact, that is what Jesus said would happen after the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39
Jesus indicated that we would become a conduit for the thirst-quenching living water of the Holy Spirit in to the lives of others. As the character of the Holy Spirit fills our life, we act as preserving salt, enlightening light and refreshing water. The Bible clearly instructs us to both be kind and good to those around us.
Our demonstration of goodness and kindness to others brings refreshment.
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. Gal 6:9
Do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thes. 3:13
Do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, longsuffering when wronged, 2 Tim 2:24
God doesn’t say that such behavior would be easy. In fact, these passages indicate just the opposite. They may cause us to loose heart and grow weary. Doing good to others is a pleasing sacrifice to God. Paul rejoiced at the opportunity to sacrificially serve others on behalf of Christ.
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. Philippians 2:17
The flesh continually cultivates a self-centered focus. It’s all about me and mine. It’s all about my good and my feelings, my comfort. Many of the New Testament uses of goodness carry the sense of generosity. Here are some other passages adding some more depth to your understanding of goodness.
The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him. Proverbs 11:24-27
Instruct the rich to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The heart of Jesus is all about impacting others for Jesus. Serving people is the only tangible way to service Jesus in this age.
The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40
"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' Matthew 25:45
Much of our benevolence expects some sort of personal payoff. What’s in it for me?
If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Luke 6:32-34
Notice many similar concepts found in the fruit of the Spirit list. Love, joy (rejoicing), longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, not easily provoked, not selfish. Our goal ought to be a consistent demonstration of this kind of character. This is the result of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our life.
7. Faith vs. doubt or trustworthy vs. faithless
The inclusion of this attribute is not as clear we would like. Paul used a Greek term that is the normal term for “faith.” Even throughout this letter, Paul used the term extensively to refer to belief or trust in Christ as opposed to trust in self or the flesh. By grace are we saved through “faith” and that not of ourselves. (Eph 2) However the term also may indicate the idea of fidelity or reliability. Here are just a few examples. I include a further comparison in the digging deeper notes.
even we Jews have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. Galatians 2:15-16
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
If this is the interpretation then the result of submission and empowering of the Holy Spirit would be the ability to more deeply trust or believe God. Faith is not something we generate but a persuasion embedded by the Holy Spirit that enable us to trust God. I believe this is something also taught elsewhere in the New Testament. This term can also be used to indicate one who is trustworthy. It can refer to one who trusts or one who is trustworthy; a person of faith or a faithful person. They come from the same root. The pattern used so far lists attributes demonstrated by God. In this case, I would opt for a focus on fidelity to be the fruit of a Spirit directed life. I still believe that the Holy Spirit enables us to believe or trust or exercise faith.
Here are some verses using the same word as in our passage related to God.
so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:7-9
It is clear that the term indicates God can be depended on to do what He promised.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Cor 10:13
But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. 2 Corinthians 1:18
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thess 5:23-24
The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13
He (Jesus) was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. Hebrews 3:2
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:19
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. Revelation 19:11
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Psalm 36:5
It is clear that these passages highlight the truth that God can be trusted to do what He says He will do. He is and always will be faithful. Because He is all-knowing, all-powerful and all-loving, there is nothing to stop Him from doing what He said He would do. The Old Testament extensively calls attention to a trustworthy God who we can trust (have faith) to do what He says He will do. The Scriptures not only cite examples of those who were faithful but call us to faithfulness.
then I put Hanani my brother, and Hananiah the commander of the fortress, in charge of Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. Nehemiah 7:2
just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, Col 1:7
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 1 Tim 1:12
Demas modeled the opposite.
for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2 Timothy 4:10
Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases to be, For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. Psalm 12:1
This virtue appears both in the Old and New Testaments.
Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Psalm 37:3
A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20
"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Matthew 25:21
"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? Luke 16:10-11
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2
'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us both to trust God in all things which enable us to have joy, peace, longsuffering and to love, do good and be kind and do it faithfully.
8. Gentleness vs. harshness
I like one description of this term as “gentle strength”. Again we turn to Jesus to best understand this attribute.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus instructs us to understand this attribute by observing how He related to people.
"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
Ladies let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4
It is a requirement of elders listed in both Timothy and Titus.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Colossians 3:12
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7
Where does it come from? It will only be evident when we live by the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It we are not demonstrating such characteristics, the stark reality is that we are not living by the Holy Spirit’s influence but the influence of our contaminated flesh.
9. Self-control vs. flesh-controlled
We encountered this attribute in our study of 2 Peter 1
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 2 Peter 1:6
Paul’s culture was characterized by rampant self-indulgence. His encounter with the Roman ruler Felix is enlightening.
But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you." Acts 24:24-25
The minute Paul started talking about life change, Felix shut down. It is not unlike our culture today. As long as you make people feel good and encouraged you’re good. As soon as we talk about a life change that goes against fleshly indulgence they call you judgmental and intolerant. The Romans were all about revelry and decadence. The indictment in Romans 1 shows a decline to greater and greater fleshly indulgence.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Rom 1:28-32
Self-control would have been unthinkable and impossible. The Holy Spirit is all about temperance, moderation, reasoned action, intentionality. The flesh is all about indulgence, excess, sensuality and impulse. The word used here has to do with inner strength. To be strong in something, a master of something. In this case, it has reference to mastery over self through the power of the Holy Spirit. A close concept of self-control would be discipline. Here are some other passages calling for spiritual discipline.
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
What characterizes our culture? We are a flesh driven culture.
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2:3
Our culture considers satisfying our fleshly desires a virtue to pursue. Succeed so you can freely indulge your desires.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3
Some are naturally disciplined and intentional about their lives. Others of us need to work at it. The key is that the direction of the Holy Spirit is louder than the driving of the flesh.
What drives you?
“I don’t feel like it.” “I’m not in the mood.” “I want ice cream!” “What’ in it for me?”
Daily submission to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit increases our self-control.
It enables us to put to death the desires of the flesh. It inspires us to make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. We will revisit the six practices that aid our practice of living by the Holy Spirit. When we do, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh but the desires of the Spirit.
We will live a life pleasing to the Lord in every respect and bear fruit.
The fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Would those around us consider us loving, joyful, peaceful, longsuffering, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled or disciplined people? Would we use those words to describe our daily life? If not, our relationship with the Holy Spirit needs more examination.
