Life in the Spirit
Scripture References: Romans 7:5-25 KJV5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:1-4 KJV1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Romans 8:1-11 KJV1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Galatians 5:13-23 KJV13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Romans 5:5 KJV5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Summary
God created the law to expose sin but the law brought with it guilt and condemnation. When you become a Christian, you are to live by the Spirit and not by the law. Through Jesus Christ, you are set free from the law. Walking in the Spirit is the power to live according to the Word and not the dictates of your flesh, or carnal way of thinking. Believers are no longer subject to sin. When you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the desires of your flesh.
A. The law was created by God to expose sin, but it will not deliver you from your sinful nature (Romans 7:5-25, AMP).
1. The law was given by God.
2. The purpose of the law is to expose sin and make people aware of wrong behavior.
3. The law is not the enemy; it just reveals the truth about sin.
a. Things are not sinful unless there is a law stating them as such.
i. Without the law, you would not know a particular behavior was sinful.
4. The law was given to give life, but instead brought guilt and condemnation.
a. When you are under the law you are subject to the judgment of the law.
5. Because of Adam's fall in the Garden of Eden, man is sinful by nature (carnal minded).
6. Man is not released from his sinful state just because of the law.
B. Christians are to walk in the Spirit because they have been liberated from the law through Jesus Christ.
1. Walking in the Spirit means walking and living according to the Word of God.
2. Walking in the flesh is walking and living in opposition to the Word of God.
3. There is no condemnation to those who walk in the Spirit.
4. When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you died to your flesh and became free from the law.
a. The law applies to a person that is living (Romans 7:1-4).
i. Christians are no longer subject to the law or its power.
5. God condemned sin in the flesh through His Son, Jesus (Romans 8:1-11).
a. God sent Jesus to become sin so that the righteous and just fulfillment of the law might fully be met in those who live by the Spirit (Romans 8:4-11).
b. When God gave His Son, Jesus, He superseded the law.
6. Through Jesus you have been called to liberty and freedom from sin; you don't have to sin if you don't want to (Galatians 5:13-23).
7. Liberty has boundaries.
a. Do not use the liberty God has given you as an excuse to sin.
C. Walking in the Spirit will enable you to not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
1. Walking in the Spirit gives life, but walking in the flesh brings death.
2. The flesh, or carnal way of thinking, can only gain supremacy when you are not walking in the Spirit, or according to the Word of God.
a. The answer to all issues and temptations of the flesh is to walk in the Spirit.
b. There is no sin that the blood of Jesus can't cleanse.
i. If you don't walk in the Spirit you will try to restrain yourself from sin through imposing restrictions on yourself and by your own willpower.
ii. When you walk according to the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to help you, your spirit will control your flesh.
3. In order to be successful in life, Christians must walk in the Spirit.
D. Walking in the Spirit ultimately boils down to walking in the love of God.
1. When you walk in the Spirit you will display the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22, 23).
2. When you were born again, the Holy Spirit poured the love of God into your heart (Romans 5:5).
a. You have the ability to love others as God does.
b. Love is the opposite of selfishness.
i. Every work of the flesh is based in selfishness.
c. Think spiritually by thinking in line with the Word of God and the love of God.
d. Love is power.
i. You won't have power unless you are walking in the Spirit.
3. If you don't love others, it is evident that the love of God is not in you.
a. Love is not greedy, selfish or self-seeking.
4. Walking in the Spirit and love of God is a choice.
a. To end the struggle of the flesh, set your mind to walk in love at all times.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion an power, both now and ever. Amen.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saving Troubled Friendships
Saving Troubled Friendships
READ Matthew 5:23-24 KJV23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
When we develop friendships, we intend for them to last. But since two fallen human beings are involved, occasional hurt feelings and unmet expectations are likely. If one or both people simply ignore the offense, the relationship can be damaged.Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit our faults, effort to fix the problem, and time. But the reward is a renewed connection with a valued companion. The process of saving a friendship begins when you acknowledge that damage exists. This takes place the moment you say, "I feel something isn't right in our relationship. I'd like for us to find and fix the problem." It's helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began. Perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, an unresolved conflict, or one person's busyness. After recognizing the problem, apologize for your part in it. Taking responsibility and saying "I'm sorry" shows your love and commitment to the friendship. Remember that an essential aspect of apologizing is refusing to justify wrong actions or blame others.An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask your friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship. Then commit to follow his or her suggestion while occasionally asking, "How am I doing?"Rather than waiting until their relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they're aware of having hurt a loved one. Preventative care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Dealing with Loneliness
Dealing with Loneliness
th LonelinessREAD Psalm 102:1-7 KJV1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
Loneliness can be a lifelong challenge or a short-term event. The length of the experience is often determined by how we deal with it. Turning to the Lord can help us find our way through the fog of isolation.You can admit to lonely feelings. Being a Christian doesn't disqualify us from sometimes having a sense of seclusion. Many of David's Psalms speak of his longing for companionship. When we express our feelings to the Father and cry out for His touch, He will answer. I often tell God that I need Him to wrap His arms around me. His response is just as real as if a human being walked in and hugged me.You should develop godly relationships. We should pray for friends who'll point us toward the Lord whether we're in good times or bad. These are the loved ones who see our faults and like us anyway.And, be anchored in Scripture. When we cling to the Word during a lonely time, we'll end up with a richer understanding of the Lord. Occasionally we all will walk through the fog of loneliness. But God is the Light guiding us out again. If you're struggling with feelings of isolation, cry out to Him for help.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
th LonelinessREAD Psalm 102:1-7 KJV1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
Loneliness can be a lifelong challenge or a short-term event. The length of the experience is often determined by how we deal with it. Turning to the Lord can help us find our way through the fog of isolation.You can admit to lonely feelings. Being a Christian doesn't disqualify us from sometimes having a sense of seclusion. Many of David's Psalms speak of his longing for companionship. When we express our feelings to the Father and cry out for His touch, He will answer. I often tell God that I need Him to wrap His arms around me. His response is just as real as if a human being walked in and hugged me.You should develop godly relationships. We should pray for friends who'll point us toward the Lord whether we're in good times or bad. These are the loved ones who see our faults and like us anyway.And, be anchored in Scripture. When we cling to the Word during a lonely time, we'll end up with a richer understanding of the Lord. Occasionally we all will walk through the fog of loneliness. But God is the Light guiding us out again. If you're struggling with feelings of isolation, cry out to Him for help.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
The Character of Gossip
The Character of Gossip
READ Romans 1:28-31 KJV28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
God hates gossip. He wants our speech to be pleasing to Him. He certainly doesn't consider idle talk or mean-spirited words pleasant as stated in Colossians 3:8. Sadly, gossip is practiced so freely that even some believers participate and try to justify their chatter. But hearsay has no place in a Christian's life. Romans 1 contains one of the Bible's longest lists of sins. The book's author, the apostle Paul, is reminding believers that God has revealed Himself to all mankind. Those who reject Him and chase after idols are turned over to their evil worship and the immoral practices that go with serving self.Gossip appears in the middle of the list. God despises it because malicious talk destroys lives whether the stories are true or false. The person who is targeted by the rumor often loses the respect of those who listen to it. Hurt feelings may not be the only negative effect. A job or relationship could be lost as well. Those spreading tales also face destructive consequences. People who refuse to control the tongue reveal evil motives or, at the very least, lack of discipline. As a result, believers and unbelievers will often avoid such untrustworthy individuals. For a Christian who spreads rumors, there's potential for even worse damage, in that such actions can harm fellowship with the Lord. Animosity toward another person and intimacy with God can't coexist in the same heart. Gossip achieves no good in anyone's life, which is why the Lord warns against it. Instead, our words should build up, comfort, and encourage others.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
READ Romans 1:28-31 KJV28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
God hates gossip. He wants our speech to be pleasing to Him. He certainly doesn't consider idle talk or mean-spirited words pleasant as stated in Colossians 3:8. Sadly, gossip is practiced so freely that even some believers participate and try to justify their chatter. But hearsay has no place in a Christian's life. Romans 1 contains one of the Bible's longest lists of sins. The book's author, the apostle Paul, is reminding believers that God has revealed Himself to all mankind. Those who reject Him and chase after idols are turned over to their evil worship and the immoral practices that go with serving self.Gossip appears in the middle of the list. God despises it because malicious talk destroys lives whether the stories are true or false. The person who is targeted by the rumor often loses the respect of those who listen to it. Hurt feelings may not be the only negative effect. A job or relationship could be lost as well. Those spreading tales also face destructive consequences. People who refuse to control the tongue reveal evil motives or, at the very least, lack of discipline. As a result, believers and unbelievers will often avoid such untrustworthy individuals. For a Christian who spreads rumors, there's potential for even worse damage, in that such actions can harm fellowship with the Lord. Animosity toward another person and intimacy with God can't coexist in the same heart. Gossip achieves no good in anyone's life, which is why the Lord warns against it. Instead, our words should build up, comfort, and encourage others.
Jude 1:24-25 KJV24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
The God of Second Chances
By: Pastor Charles F. Stanley
Have you ever looked at your circumstances and thought, I would love to have a chance to do that again?Or If I could just change that, I would. I need a fresh start. That is what grace is all about.
John chapter 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The Jewish law declared that marital unfaithfulness was punishable by stoning. Religious leaders brought the woman to Jesus to see if He would follow the law of Moses and condemn her to death. But to their surprise, Jesus did not accuse her. After writing on the ground, Christ said, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7). The group slowly dispersed, the oldest people leaving first.
After everyone left, Jesus looked at the woman lying at His feet. She knew He was a man of God. How exposed and embarrassed she must have felt. That is, until Jesus revealed His word of forgiveness and hope to her heart: "I do not condemn you . . . Go. From now on sin no more" (v. 11). He forgave her and set her free.
Perhaps there is something in your life that you wish you could erase. Just the thought of it brings feelings of condemnation and sorrow. Jesus gave the woman caught in adultery a second chance, and that's what He gives you. If there is sin in your distant or recent past, know that when you ask God for forgiveness, it is done. He will never bring the matter up again.
In fact, the only cure for sin of any kind is God's grace applied to our lives. This changes the stumbling sinner into a person living victoriously for Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was sufficient payment for all your sins. Only Almighty God can love you so much.
Second chances encourage us not to give up, even when the whispers of the world around us seem to say the opposite. I don't mean we get another chance after death to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior. I mean in this lifetime, He lavishes His forgiving love on us after we have thoroughly blown it. We are never outside of God's grace.
For instance, many people hear the gospel several times before they receive the Lord. He does not give up wooing them to Himself. That is grace. He is the God of the second chance—and often a thousand chances. Sometimes a person rejects the gospel for years, until one day, because the Father pursued the indivdual in grace, he or she finally becomes a child of God.
If we received what we deserve for our sin, we'd all be condemned. There would be no second chances. We want what we don't deserve, and that is grace.
The Bible teaches that salvation has nothing to do with our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." In other words, salvation is a gift we receive by faith.
Even the ability to believe comes from God. So salvation is grace from start to finish—not something that we work up or work on. Good deeds have nothing to do with being saved. Otherwise, we could boast, "I did this" or "I did that." Only the heavenly Father can rightfully boast, "I did this: I provided all that these sinners need through My Son."
God loved you before you knew Christ. He cared so much that He sent His Son to earth to give you new life: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were God's supreme brush stroke of grace across the canvas of creation. Christ is the embodiment of all hope. If you have received Him as your Savior, His life is within you, and His grace is sufficient to remove every hint of sin's stain. Let Him give you a second chance
By: Pastor Charles F. Stanley
Have you ever looked at your circumstances and thought, I would love to have a chance to do that again?Or If I could just change that, I would. I need a fresh start. That is what grace is all about.
John chapter 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The Jewish law declared that marital unfaithfulness was punishable by stoning. Religious leaders brought the woman to Jesus to see if He would follow the law of Moses and condemn her to death. But to their surprise, Jesus did not accuse her. After writing on the ground, Christ said, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7). The group slowly dispersed, the oldest people leaving first.
After everyone left, Jesus looked at the woman lying at His feet. She knew He was a man of God. How exposed and embarrassed she must have felt. That is, until Jesus revealed His word of forgiveness and hope to her heart: "I do not condemn you . . . Go. From now on sin no more" (v. 11). He forgave her and set her free.
Perhaps there is something in your life that you wish you could erase. Just the thought of it brings feelings of condemnation and sorrow. Jesus gave the woman caught in adultery a second chance, and that's what He gives you. If there is sin in your distant or recent past, know that when you ask God for forgiveness, it is done. He will never bring the matter up again.
In fact, the only cure for sin of any kind is God's grace applied to our lives. This changes the stumbling sinner into a person living victoriously for Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was sufficient payment for all your sins. Only Almighty God can love you so much.
Second chances encourage us not to give up, even when the whispers of the world around us seem to say the opposite. I don't mean we get another chance after death to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior. I mean in this lifetime, He lavishes His forgiving love on us after we have thoroughly blown it. We are never outside of God's grace.
For instance, many people hear the gospel several times before they receive the Lord. He does not give up wooing them to Himself. That is grace. He is the God of the second chance—and often a thousand chances. Sometimes a person rejects the gospel for years, until one day, because the Father pursued the indivdual in grace, he or she finally becomes a child of God.
If we received what we deserve for our sin, we'd all be condemned. There would be no second chances. We want what we don't deserve, and that is grace.
The Bible teaches that salvation has nothing to do with our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." In other words, salvation is a gift we receive by faith.
Even the ability to believe comes from God. So salvation is grace from start to finish—not something that we work up or work on. Good deeds have nothing to do with being saved. Otherwise, we could boast, "I did this" or "I did that." Only the heavenly Father can rightfully boast, "I did this: I provided all that these sinners need through My Son."
God loved you before you knew Christ. He cared so much that He sent His Son to earth to give you new life: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were God's supreme brush stroke of grace across the canvas of creation. Christ is the embodiment of all hope. If you have received Him as your Savior, His life is within you, and His grace is sufficient to remove every hint of sin's stain. Let Him give you a second chance
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