Keeping In Step with the Spirit

I. Following the Spirit vv. 16-18

Walk by the Spirit v. 16

Walk: In the active voice. The subject (you) is performing the action (walk)

This is not an automatic response. We have to become proactively involved.

Not gratify the desires of the flesh

Gratify: Carry out what the flesh desires

One of the main problems is you will want to justify yourself

For these are opposed to each other v. 17

Have your . . . patterned after the Spirit

Thoughts

Interests

Affection

Purpose

Walk by the Spirit

It is understanding God’s will and then doing God’s will

If you are led by the Spirit v. 18

Led: In the Passive voice. You are being acted upon (led)

Putting the two ideas together

The Spirit leads you, and you walk with him.

Sheep following the shepherd. They don't need a map, they only need to follow the shepherd.

You are not under the law

No broken relationship from transgression. You need to go back to walking with Him.

Still have commands to obey (law of Christ vs. 613 commandments)

Led by the Spirit

We must follow the Spirit’s direction and give up control.

Control: Time, desires, autonomy, ect.

How are we led by the Spirit?

Not by

Heart (feeling, emotions, or desire)

James 1:14 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”

Mind

Proverbs 28:26 “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”

Matthew 16:23 “But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””

Romans 8:5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

Romans 8:7 “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

Don’t Wait for

Angelic pronouncement

Luke 16:29 “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’”

What is the only pure way God speaks to us?

The Bible

James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Works of the Flesh vv. 19-21

Fruit of the Spirit vv. 22-23

II. Living by the Spirit vv. 24-25

Crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (those who belong to Jesus) v. 24

Since our flesh has been crucified, we need to leave it behind

If we live by the Spirit v. 25

All believers are indwelt

let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Refers literally to people being ‘drawn up in line’. Hence it means to ‘walk in line’

In each use in the Bible there is a rule or a principle, to be followed.

Someone caught in transgression

You need to know God’s word to keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Remember the shepherds who were told of Christ's birth. There respones was to go & see: take the needed step to experience this firsthand

Summary

Led by the Spirit

The Bible is God's revelation to you

Walk by the Spirit

Having your thoughts, interests, and will patterned after the Spirit

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Fulfil the law of Christ

A Possible Next Step

SMC’s From Eden to Eternity Bible Reading Initiative

Helps us to be led, walk, and keep in step with the Spirit

Remember, if you can’t committee to the whole Bible, do as much as you can.

Extra copies of reading plan