Tom Leonard - August 26, 2012
Living in Step with the Spirit
Living in Step with the Spirit Galatians 5:16-26 If Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us, why do Christians struggle and live in sin and defeat? Main Point: If you live each day in the leading of the Spirit then you will not live out of your flesh (sinful nature), but we must keep in step with the Spirit! Flesh (v.19 ‘sinful nature’) = my nature apart from the power of the Spirit. ‘Sin sampler’ – verses 19-21 (see also Mark 7:14-23) James 1:13-15 – My evil desires give birth to sin = death – separation from the life God wants for me. Most sins become strongholds (it’s a spiritual issue) How do I live each day in the leading of the Spirit? 1.Die to myself each day: Luke 9:23 2.Ask for forgiveness & cleansing: I John 1:9 (you have to deal with sin in your life!) 3.Ask the Spirit within me to fill me (control me) and lead me throughout this day: Ephesians 5:18 & Gal 5:16 The fruit will be… verses 22-23 *Notice last is self control 4.Listen for His Voice/Leading throughout the day & Follow! verse 26 He wants to show us and lead us into the deep things of God but we have to move past the elementary things. I Corinthians 2:9-12
Scripture References: Galatians 5:16-26, Mark 7:14-23, Luke 9:23, 1 John 1:9, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
