Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores understanding and living a Spirit-led life, balancing spiritual guidance with daily life, and committing to a Spirit-guided year ahead.
Welcome, beloved family in Christ. It is a joy to gather together in this sacred space, to share in the fellowship of believers, and to turn our hearts and minds to the living Word of God. Our focus today is on the beautiful, profound, and life-altering passage from Galatians 5:16, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." The Word of God shapes and guides us in our walk with Christ. As we turn to Galatians 5:16 today, let us be those whose Bibles are well-worn and well-loved, whose lives are firmly grounded in the truth of Scripture.
To become attuned to the Spirit, we must first understand what it means to walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is not a physical act, but a spiritual one. It is a way of living that is guided by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us as believers in Christ. This requires us to be conscious of the Spirit's presence in our lives, to listen for His guidance, and to follow His lead.
The Spirit speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through the Word of God, illuminating the scriptures and making them come alive in our hearts. He speaks through prayer, whispering to our spirits and guiding our thoughts and words. He speaks through circumstances, using the events of our lives to teach us and shape us. And He speaks through other believers, using the body of Christ to encourage us, challenge us, and help us grow.
The noise of the world can drown out His gentle whisper. Our own desires and fears can cloud our perception. But with practice, we can learn to quiet our hearts, tune out the distractions, and tune in to the Spirit.
Following the Spirit requires faith. Trust in God's wisdom as you surrender to His will. Let go of your own plans and desires, and embrace God's plans and desires for you. It requires us to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear, trusting that the Spirit will guide us and that God will provide for us.
Walking in the Spirit also requires obedience. It requires us to obey God's commands, to live according to His Word, and to strive for holiness. It requires us to resist temptation, to turn away from sin, and to pursue righteousness.
Becoming attuned to the Spirit is a lifelong process. It is not something that happens overnight, but something that happens over time, as we walk with God, listen to His Spirit, and strive to obey His Word. It is a journey of faith, a journey of growth, and a journey of transformation.
As we become more attuned to the Spirit, we will find that our lives begin to change. We will find that our desires begin to align with God's desires and our thoughts begin to reflect God's thoughts. We will find that our actions begin to mirror God's actions and our lives begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
As we continue to immerse ourselves in the divine wisdom of Galatians 5:16, we find ourselves grappling with the practical realities of living a Spirit-led life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO