Introduction
In this sermon, we examine Galatians chapter 5 to explore our church's mission of loving God, living like Jesus, and allowing the Spirit to lead us. This is the culmination of a three-part series, where we have been redefining our mission and emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership. We begin with the key verse from Galatians 5:16, which urges us to walk in the Spirit to achieve a life liberated from the desires of the flesh. Paul presents a framework for understanding how to be led by the Spirit, emphasizing a transformative journey rather than simply seeking directions for life's choices. In doing so, he lays a foundation for personal and communal growth as we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Main Points
Walking In The Spirit Is Not
Walking in the Spirit is not merely about the big questions in life; it is about the everyday choices we make as we align ourselves with God’s will. Paul’s exhortation to walk in the Spirit reflects the necessary act of consciously moving toward a life that embraces spiritual truths over fleshly desires.
- The journey of spiritual formation begins by acknowledging that our lives have a direction, one that is either led by the flesh or by the Spirit.
- We are invited to cultivate a life marked by the Spirit’s activity, which requires attentive listening and commitment to growth.
- When we seek to understand how the Spirit leads, we discover that it is less about obtaining specific answers regarding where to go or what to do, and more about who we are becomin.
- The Spirit’s role is primarily transformational, challenging us to allow God to shape our character and identity.
This Transformative Work Involves A Struggle
This transformative work involves a struggle; recognizing the fleshy desires that can mislead us is part of growing spiritually. By submitting ourselves to the Spirit, we engage in a daily renewal that prepares us for God’s purposes.
- Paul outlines a reality that comes with being led by the Spirit: a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit.
- As believers, we are caught in a continual battle where our sinful desires contend against our desire for spiritual life.
- This dichotomy is crucial to understand as we navigate our spiritual journeys.
- We often feel the pull toward fleshly temptations, be it through relationships or material idols, and we must actively choose to reject these influences.
The Spirit Empowers Us To Resist
The Spirit empowers us to resist, reminding us that living in alignment with God’s will fosters true joy and fulfillment. Paul warns against many forms of sin that draw us away from our commitment to God, including sexual immorality and idolatry. We must recognize how easily our hearts can turn toward false idols, whether they manifest as materialism, unhealthy relationships, or distractions that detract from our devotion to God. By remaining vigilant and mindful of where we invest our time and energy, we can redirect our focus toward worshiping God and cultivating a rich spiritual life free from idols. As we wrestle with the remnants of our old selves, it is essential to understand that the struggle against sin signifies spiritual growth rather than failure. The tension of wanting to shed old behaviors while also grappling with habitual responses is a testament to the Spirit's active work in our lives.
Embracing This Struggle Allows Us To
Embracing this struggle allows us to appreciate the ongoing transformation that is occurring, similar to a seed growing into a magnificent tree, which we may not appreciate in its early stages but is gradually becoming more evident. Our journey as individuals is distinctly tied to our corporate identity as a church; we grow together in spiritual formation. By participating in communal practices such as worship and prayer, we reinforce our commitment to be led by the Spirit. The upcoming week of prayer serves as an opportunity to collectively seek renewal as a body of believers. Together, we foster an environment where each member is encouraged to grow in their spiritual walk, commit to service, and live out the fruits of the Spirit. Finally, we are reminded that God transforms us not just for our benefit but to empower us to impact the world around us.
The Call To Engage With God
The call to engage with God intimately through prayer invites us to lay bare our struggles and seek His guidance. He offers new life to those who believe in Christ, empowering us to experience true transformation and equipping us to share that transformation with others. By being intentional about our relationship with God, we embark on a path of life, leading us to embody love and grace in our daily interactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear our journey toward being led by the Spirit is a transformative process that shapes who we are and how we engage with one another and the world. This week, as we commit to seeking God's guidance through prayer, let us embrace the truth that we are continually being shaped and made new by the Spirit's power. The life we have in Christ not only reorients our personal struggles but also empowers our church community to live out our divine mission to love God, embody the teachings of Jesus, and actively let the Spirit lead us into a flourishing existence.