Spiritual Cadence

Galatians 5:16–26 NIV84

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Today we embark on a spiritual journey to explore what it means to keep in step with the Spirit. As we navigate through life's challenges and joys, the Holy Spirit serves as our guide, comforter, and source of strength. Let us delve into this profound topic and discover how we can align our lives with the rhythm of God's Spirit.

1. Recognize the Spirit's Presence

A. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19 “19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;”

B. The Spirit as Our Helper

John 14:26 “26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

C. Discern the Spirit's Voice

John 10:27 “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

2. Yield to the Spirit's Guidance

A. Surrender Our Will

Romans 8:5 “5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” P

B. Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

2 Corinthians 5:7 “7 We live by faith, not by sight.”

C. Trust in God's Perfect Timing

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

3. Develop the Fruit of the Spirit

A. Develop the right attitude for the Fruit

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

B. Practice the right behavior for the Fruit

patience, kindness, goodness

Ephesians 4:2 “2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

C. Produce the right character for the Fruit

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

Character can change, personality does not

Character is defined as who we are and how we act, and it's a combination of our mind, soul, and backbone.

2 Peter 1:5–7 “5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

4. Equipped for Kingdom Service

A. Use you Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:4–5 “4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”

B. Be a bold Witness for Christ

Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

C. Overcome Obstacles through the Spirit's Power

Philippians 4:13 “13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Remember that this journey is not one of perfection, but of progress. Each day presents a new opportunity to align our hearts, minds, and actions with the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we yield to His presence, develop His fruit, and serve in His power, we will find ourselves drawn ever closer to the heart of God.

Let us be beacons of God's love, vessels of His peace, and instruments of His grace in a world that desperately needs to experience the reality of God's presence.

As we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, remember the words of the apostle Paul: Galatians 5:25 “25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Amen.