Galatians 5:16-25 ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Rev. Dwight Yoo
The Holy Spirit is the source and power of our holiness
The desires of the flesh does not oppose us...they oppose the Spirit.
When we sin, we give control from the Spirit to the flesh. We are free, but sometimes we listen to our old master, sin.
Our sin is fighting with the Holy Spirit. The fruit of sin are listed followed by the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit of God is the cause of these fruits. The Holy Spirit is necessary for our sanctification.
Growth in Holiness happens in learning to walk in the Spirit
When we walk in the Spirit, this is how we grow holy.
Walking in the Spirit means following in the Spirit's lead.
We are like soldiers. We are to follow the leading of spirit. Much like how soldiers listen to the commanding officer.
Setting your mind on the things of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit ministers by spotlighting. It highlights. It draws us to dwell on Christ and the work he has done on our behalf. By winning of attention, it wins our heart. Sinful desires are pushed out by greater desire for God.
Where does the spirit lead us? It leads us to the Father. It reminds us that we are children of God. Over and over again. Why? We fail alot. We stumble alot. We experience hardship. God loves us. Not because of our performance, but in Christ. We easily forget and question God's love. Hardships make us bitter. Failures make us want to hide from God. But the holy spirit reminds us of the unconditional love, the grace, and the mercy of God.
Fruit of the Spirit = Holiness
The holy spirit shows us the father's...this makes us want to love. But even more than that, it makes us love our enemies. It mirrors the unconditional love of God.
The Spirit shows us the all encompassing fulfillment of God. We become filled with thankfulness for the giver rather than the gifts. We are filled with joy, even when God takes away those gifts.
Closing Remarks
Christians should be the most patient and humble people.
The more we are in the Word, the more ammo we give the Spirit to kill sin in our lives.
Listen to the leading of the Spirit.
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