Scripture References: Galatians 5:13-26 (Main); Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 8:11
Intro: This sermon celebrates Pentecost Sunday, the birth of the Church, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Focusing on Radiant's value for "Life in the Spirit," we explore Galatians 5 to understand how to live empowered by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a "Batman signal" for a select few, but God's gift for all believers, enabling us to live free and fruitful lives. Radiant aims to be a Word and Spirit church, eagerly desiring God's supernatural work today.
Key Points:
- Called to Freedom, Not Flesh (v. 13-15): Paul emphasizes that our calling is to freedom—freedom from the burden of the Law and works-based righteousness. This freedom, however, is not an excuse for sinful indulgence ("opportunity for the flesh") but empowers us to love and serve others.
- The Internal Conflict: Spirit vs. Flesh (v. 16-17): The key to not gratifying sinful desires is to "walk by the Spirit." Paul acknowledges an ongoing internal war within believers between the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh ("Sarx" – our fallen, self-reliant nature operating apart from God).
- Identifying Works of the Flesh (v. 19-21): Paul lists evident signs of operating according to the flesh, including sensual indulgence, sexual immorality, false religion (idolatry/witchcraft aimed at control), and relational brokenness (strife, jealousy, anger, divisions, envy). These are contrary to God's kingdom.
- Producing the Fruit of the Spirit (v. 22-23): In contrast to fleshly works (our effort), the Spirit produces fruit (an organic outgrowth) in those yielded to Him. This fruit is the character of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
- How to Walk by the Spirit (v. 16, 25):
- It's an active choice: "Walk by the Spirit," "Keep in step with the Spirit."
- It's about replacement, not just cessation: Overcome the flesh by yielding to the Spirit.
- Our Role: We don't produce fruit through striving. We cultivate the connection to the Spirit by actively removing hindrances—dealing with sin, putting off old patterns—thus preparing room for the Spirit to work freely and bear His fruit.
Conclusion: Living the Christian life successfully requires understanding the internal battle between the flesh and the Spirit. True freedom and Christlike character (fruit) aren't achieved by trying harder under law, but by actively choosing to walk in moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit, intentionally removing whatever hinders His work within us.
Call to Action: Acknowledge the Spirit vs. Flesh conflict in your own life. Make a conscious choice to "walk by the Spirit" today. Identify any "works of the flesh" or attitudes that are hindering the Spirit's work. Confess these and ask for the Spirit's help to "put them to death." Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and produce His fruit in you.
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Exploring the Mission and Vision of our Church: Part 2, The Spirit of God.
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