“Life in the Spirit” Part Three
REVIEW
I have led an expedition through the fifth chapter of Galatians over the past two weeks.
Galatians is a letter written by Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the people of Galatia.
He wrote to encourage them to cling to the true Gospel amid an effort by some to distort it.
He rebuked those who advocated a salvation by law-keeping.
Keeping a set of rules may have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of NO VALUE against fleshly indulgence. Col 2:18-23
The only source of victory over the selfish passions imbedded in our members is continually reliance on the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The fifth chapter details what a life directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit looks like.
I. Life in the Spirit
A. It is a life of true freedom.
B. It is a life of competing passions. Spirit vs. Flesh
We have covered this battle extensively.
Although it bears further discussion, our goal today is to explore the significant signs of a life lived by the Spirit.
Paul affirmed that if we live by the power of the Spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh embedded in our members.
It doesn’t say we won’t FEEL them anymore, just not FULFILL them.
Not only will we not fulfill the desires of the flesh but we will fulfill the desires of the Spirit.
C. It is a life of godly behavior.
Just as we are able to discern when the flesh is in control by our behavior and attitudes, we can discern when we are living by the direction and enabling of the Spirit by our behavior.
SENSUAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY FOCUS
“Immorality” (pornea), “Impurity” , “Sensuality”, “drunkenness & carousing”
DEVOTIONAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY WALK
“Idolatry”
This focuses on our tendency to seek life through people and things rather than God.
The whole struggle with codependency in our culture is idolatry.
The whole struggle with possession and things is a struggle with greed which amounts to idolatry.
Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-9
“sorcery” (pharmakeia)
Attempt to control our environment or people for selfish reasons through ritual or curse or incantation or action of some kind.
RELATIONAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY WALK
When life is sought on the level of the senses or through people or things, it destroys rather than develops relationships.
“enmities”, “strife”, “jealousy”, “outburst of anger” , “selfish ambition”, “divisions”
“heresies”, “envying”
Paul referred to those exhibiting such behavior as fleshly – babies.
Relational issues were because of people succumbing to the selfish desires of the flesh.
Paul advocated for Spirit led attitudes and behavior.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Paul uses a singular not plural noun.
Paul did not identify these characteristics as the fruits of the Spirit.
When we live by the direction and empowering of the Holy Spirit, all of these characteristics are in play.
They are all basically attributes of the Holy Spirit and so it is logical that they would be present whenever He is in charge.
These qualities are not really all that complicated.
They include attitudes, actions and emotions.
If all these things were operating in our life, we would be living a well-balanced life that would certainly catch the attention of those around us.
These characteristics flow out of the regenerated core of our being.
They should be evident even to those closest to us.
It is often harder to live godly around family.
Some divide these characteristics into three categories.
Base core characteristics – love, joy, peace
Relational characteristics – Longsuffering, kindness, goodness
Stress of life characteristics – Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
Let’s spend some time refreshing our memory of these things.
Of course the Bible clearly indicates that the whole of God’s instructions for living can be summed up in just one of these – LOVE.
Love God.
Love people made by God.
Remember, all these Christ-like characteristics come about first by reason of conversion and second by reason of a continuing sanctification by the work of the Holy Spirit.
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
God’s renovation program begins at the core, moves to the soul and concludes with the body.
Jesus exhibited all of these features throughout His ministry on earth in the flesh.
He struggled with all of the limitations and weakness of the physical body as we do.
We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Have this thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus is the supreme example of all of these traits.
Study His interaction with life and people and you will end up with a list like this.
1. Love vs. indifference
Love really regulates all behavior.
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
The Holy Spirit enables us to love God, love our spouse, love our kids, love fellow believers, love unbelievers, love our enemies, love and pray for those who mistreat us.
This is a love that flows out of the Spirit empowered core to whoever God brings into our sphere of influence.
This kind of love goes beyond emotion even though it has an emotional component.
We choose to love.
We choose to do what is beneficial for another’s welfare and growth.
That choice is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart… 1 Peter 1:22
The problem is that we sometimes we may refuse to listen to that direction or receive that empowerment.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 John 3:16-18
The opposite of love then in this context is a “closed heart” to the needs of others.
Love is equal to an “open heart” to the needs of others.
Failure to love was obviously an issue in the early church given the number of times the New Testament instructs us to love.
Love is the ultimate evidence of conversion.
Love is the ultimate evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35
Such love was clearly manifested by Jesus.
The Holy Spirit enables us to love like Jesus loved.
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5
The use of the perfect tense passive for this verb indicates an action done to us at a point in time whose impact continues on.
The Holy Spirit poured out God’s love into our hearts and it is still there.
When people observe your life, would they conclude that you are a loving person?
How about your family?
2. Joy vs. gloom, negativity
During one of the most traumatic periods in Jesus’ earthly ministry, Jesus talked about joy.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11
"But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. John 17:13
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
There are numerous verses referring to joy along with the outward expression of joy; rejoicing.
Before we touch on a few of those verses we would do well to take some time trying to understand what we have in mind by the term joy.
Joy often becomes confused with happiness.
They are similar in feeling but different in foundation.
Both are an inner elation.
Feelings of elation can be stimulated by positive life experiences.
Seahawks win the superbowl
Our baby’s first steps or first words
A job promotion or even getting a job
Celebrating a special anniversary
Recognition for an achievement
A nice warm sunny day at the beach
We feel happy when life seems good and positive.
That inner feeling of elation or happiness may be expressed outwardly in any number of ways.
Laughter, song, tears, dance, shouting.
Feelings of elation may also be triggered by a positive perspective on life in spite of negative circumstances or experience.
We call that inner elation joy and the external expression rejoicing.
Consider the Apostle Paul
His letter to the Philippians expressed joy in spite of negative circumstances.
My theme statement for the book of Philippians is, “Maintaining the joy of the Lord while managing the junk of this world.”
He had been imprisoned.
There were those who were trying to cause Paul distress.
Paul faced possible death at the hands of the Romans.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, Philippians 1:18
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philip 2:2
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
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
True joy comes from the realization of God’s past, present and future working of all things together for our good and His glory.
Jesus was able to maintain an inner elation or joy by focusing on the positive outcome of His suffering and shame.
He was not insulated from the suffering.
In fact, at one point during the process He shared feelings of heaviness and distress.
Yet he endured it all because of the joy set before Him.
It seems impossible, but Scripture actually instructs us to rejoice (express joy) in suffering.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Joy is possible when realization of God’s working is prominent.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. Colossians 1:24
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13
You get the idea.
Whenever we realize the working of God’s amazing grace in our life either in the past, present or what He promises to do in the future, it stirs an inner elation or joy that expresses itself in rejoicing.
Most of the time when trouble strikes our life, joy is not our first emotion and rejoicing is not or first expression.
Joy requires a critical perception adjustment.
Rather than joy we struggle with anger or disgust and the expression is certainly not rejoicing.
The flesh continually seeks its own satisfaction.
As long as we think that the world revolves around me and my satisfaction, we will be unable to experience the joy of living for God’s pleasure.
If God’s will and pleasure are my priority, I will be able to find joy in whatever happens knowing that it is part of God’s overall plan for my growth and His glory.
Most people think that “life is what you make it” and continue to strive for as comfortable of a life down here as we can.
Here’s what Jesus said…
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. Mark 8:34-35
True joy comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to direct and empower our life for the glory of God.
How would you rate you “joy level”?
It is a matter of being influenced by the thoughts and desires of the flesh or the influence (filling) of the Holy Spirit.
Would people characterize you as a joyful person?
How does your inward elation express in external rejoicing?
3. Peace vs. anxiety
We spend considerable time recently exploring the concept of peace when we considered Peter’s blessing of a multiplied grace and peace.
Just as true joy is not dependent on external circumstances, neither is true peace.
God’s peace has to do with a calm contentment in spite of challenging circumstances.
It referred to a sense of wellbeing, being blessed due to our relationship with God.
It is the contentment that comes from the realization that God is in control and powerfully orchestrates everything for my good and His glory.
It seems the same perception that inspires joy also inspires peace.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
Many live with a variety of fears and anxiety.
The anxiety comes from a failure to truly trust God without our wellbeing.
If I truly believe that God is in control of life on this earth, then whatever happens is allowed or designed by Him for His purposes.
I can either fight His purposes and live in anger and anxiety or I can offer myself as His instrument of righteousness and live in joy and peace.
If I am living by the influence of the flesh I will continually experience fear and anxiety.
If I live by the influence of the Spirit, I will enjoy His peace that transcends human understanding.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Do people consider you a peaceful, calm and content person?
Would you even consider yourself a peaceful person?
If not, you are not consistently yielding to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Last week we offered ways to rise above the influence of the selfish patterns ingrained in our members.
II. Living Life in the Spirit
A. Live by submitting to the direction and enabling of the Holy Spirit.
But I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
B. Deny the flesh.
Stop letting sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and stop presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; Romans 6:12-13
C. Renew our thinking
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
D. Focus on Jesus.
We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ…Romans 13:13-14
E. Make no provision for the flesh (don’t feed the flesh)
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:13-14
I suggest one more principle of living above the flesh which follows the whole discussion of the battle between the flesh and spirit in Galatians 5.
F. Encourage one another
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2
We need daily encouragement from fellow warriors.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (and the lies of the flesh.) Hebrews 3:13
He uses discipline, prayer, confrontation, example, consequences…
