A Life Evaluated with The Spirit

Intro:

Legalism:

Trying to be saved by works instead of grace. (Gal. 5:4)

“If you live a good life, you will be saved.”

Libertinism:

Using the idea of God’s grace as an excuse to indulge in the in sin (Gal. 5:13)

“God’s a God of love and grace, so go ahead and sin. There’s no judgement.”

So what do we do?

Legalism or Libertinism?

Maybe moderation?

Neither: Rather it is by the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)

“Keep in step”

Line up.

His Spirit lives in every follower of Jesus Christ.

Today: Some of what it looks like to keep in step with the Spirit.

1. Fight the natural tendency to be conceited (Gal. 5:26, 6:3).

Galatians 5:26 NIV

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Motive - elevate oneself above others.

Provoking - Comments or actions meant to put people down, elevate oneself, or invoke jealousy.

Achievements.

Their shortcomings.

What they have abstained from. “I haven’t had a cookie since...”

The church boast: “I’m just so humbled that God would use me to...”

Jealousy:

I deserved...

How come God did that for him?

“I wish I had his gift, I wish I had her life.”

Galatians 6:3 NIV

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

There is a deceitful nature to a conceited attitude: If you feel like you don’t have any temptation towards being conceited, you might be conceited.

Red Flags:

“I just don’t understand how people could...”

“I’m not like those people who...”

“I would never do...”

Inability to see one’s own sin:

“Nobody’s perfect” attitude - A facade of humility that will accept the theoretical idea that they can do something wrong, but unwilling to admit specific sins and temptations.

2. Practice giving and receiving Scriptural Correction (Gal. 6:1).

Galatians 6:1 NIV

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

This is one of our heart attitudes.

Correction hurts, so give it humbly and gently.

Correction is for the good of the person receiving it.

It is to be given out of good-will towards the other.

ex. Compound fracture - Resetting the bone can be painful, but the benefits far outlay the pain.

Receiving correction is the same way.

It’s our natural tendency to get upset, offended or defensive when someone offers correction.

“Who do they think they are talking down to me like that?”

“I won’t be treated like this.”

If you learn to consider correction well, it will be of great value to you.

If you aren’t sure about it yet: “I appreciate you bringing that up, I’m gonna think about this.”

If you see they are right: “Thanks for bringing this to my attention. You’re right about that. I’m gonna work on this.”

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you do a critical evaluation of your own works; not compared to others (Gal. 6:4-5).

Galatians 6:4 NIV

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,

Why not compare your works to others?

Because of what he says in the next verse. Gal. 6:5

Galatians 6:5 NIV

for each one should carry their own load.

Literally it is, “For each one will carry their own load.”

What’s your load?

Responsibilities, circumstances, hardships, gifting, weaknesses, strengths, experiences and assignments that God has given you to do.

Everyone’s load is different.

Your load will change throughout your life.

Why not compare your works to another person? Why not use someone else as a standard?

Because God has given them a different load.

Myth: Christians should be the best at everything they do?

Not really.

Some have fewer roles: Devote more time to one single thing, and be the best (Paul - Ministry)

Others have many roles: They may only look mediocre at all of them.

Truth: Christians should be faithful to what God has given them to do.

Real success, is based on your faithfulness to be obedient to God in carrying the load he has given you.

That’s why you need to get alone with him to evaluate your work.

The Ancient Christian Practice of Consolations and Desolations:

Focus on God’s goodness and grace.

Spend some time thanking him.

Invite the Holy Spirit:

Ask the Holy Spirit for insight to understand what is going on within you.

Review your day with God

Ask God to show you times of consolation and desolation.

Consolation: Anything good and pleasing to God.

Desolations: Times of moving away from God.

Celebration the consolations and ask forgiveness for the desolations.

Renewal: Ask God for grace to amend your ways and sense of communion with God.

As you walk with the Holy Spirit, you can trust that he will transform you and lead you.

In v. 4 it mentions as you do this personal reflection, “you can take pride in yourself alone.” This may sound shocking, because pride is often thought of as a sin.

But look closely at what he is clearly not talking about:

v. 26 - being conceited

v. 2 - It is not selfish

v. 3 - It is not thinking you are more than you really are.

v. 4 - it is not based on comparing yourself to others and thinking more highly of yourself.

It is a peaceful satisfaction that comes from walking in the Spirit and carrying the load God has given you.

Challenge: Will you take at least 30 minutes this week to get alone with God to do some personal evaluation with God?