“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). To live in the Spirit is to be controlled by the love of God. This new life we have been raised to walk in is faith in Jesus Christ expressed in love to others.
Through His Spirit, God has poured His love into our hearts and has given us the desire to walk by faith in Jesus. As we do, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Learning to say “no” is the by-product of saying “yes” to the Spirit.
It is important to understand this distinction. So many well-intentioned believers spend a life time trying to overcome sin in their lives. They wake up each morning with this prayer on their lips: “Lord, please help me to not sin today.” At the end of the day, all they have is another unanswered prayer.
A better prayer is this: “Lord, teach me to abide in you and to follow the leading of God’s Spirit in my life.” God’s Spirit is never going to lead you into sin. He leads you to trust in the Lord, to live righteous and upright lives. He leads you to love and serve others. If living out the Spirit’s work in your life, you will automatically be saying “no” to sin. Peter put it this way:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4
Walking in the Spirit is trusting God to complete the work He began in you. You can count on Him to complete this task, even when you do not fully cooperate. This is His promise: “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”
When we do get off course, and we will, the Holy Spirit merely recalculates our journey and continues His work in conforming us to the image of His Son. He does so without condemnation. Nor does He manipulate us with fear and guilt to get us back on track. He uses our mistakes, reminding us of the forgiveness we have in Christ, and works them together for our good. He comforts our hearts with this amazing promise: “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
You are not alone on your journey. Jesus is there with you every step of the way. Trust Him, rely upon Him, and live out what He is working in your life. When you do you will be saying “no” to sin and “yes’ to the will of God.
The center of God’s will, that’s the place where believers are to live their lives. Temptation may look exciting; the world makes sure of that. But it has nothing on its menu that can satisfy the soul and bring contentment to the heart.
The world promises happiness, but delivers pain, sorrow and misery. There is only one person who does deliver on his promises, Jesus. And He gives so much more than mere happiness. Peace, contentment, a life of godliness and love: these are His gifts of grace to us.
And there is nothing more rewarding than experiencing Jesus living His life through you.
It is time for us abandon ourselves to Jesus, to put all that we are in His hands. It is time for us to live out Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Let’s walk by the Spirit and discover that His will is good, pleasing and perfect for us.
Tag: Life
The Practical Work of the Holy Spirit
Apart from God’s Spirit, we do not have the power to live the Christian life. But with Him in our lives, we can experience Christ’s life in abundance. Here are six key ways that He makes this a reality for you.
- God’s Spirit makes you alive in Christ.
Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
- He assures you that you are a child of God.
Romans 8:16 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
- He, as your comforter and counselor, guides you into all truth by taking the things of Jesus and making them known to you.
John 16:13-14 (NIV)
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
- He gives us the power to understand and experience the love of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
- He works in you to will and to do of God’s good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
- He expresses the fruit of His life through you.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The disciples recognized that what happened to them at Pentecost was, as JB Phillips wrote: “…quite plainly the invasion of their lives by a new quality of life altogether. They do not hesitate to describe this as Christ living in them.” You have received the same gift. God’s Spirit is alive in you, and manifesting the life of Christ through you.
The Temple That God Built and the Purpose of Pentecost
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples they would “be baptized by the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4, 5). Jesus described it this way: “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” What it all meant, they were not sure, but it had to do with the Holy Spirit and power.
On the morning of the day of Pentecost, their wait was punctuated by the sound of rushing wind, and tongues of fire. These men, the disciples, were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke languages unknown to them.
The sound brought Jerusalem to life. Activity in the city began to move at a rapid pace as the people hurried to the place where the disciples had gathered. They were curious. What is this strange thing that is happening?
Peter stood and offered the words of the prophet Joel as the explanation–the long awaited gift of God’s Spirit had come. God had a new dwelling place on earth–the hearts of men.
His dwelling place was once in the tabernacle that Moses built. This tabernacle traveled with the people of Israel through the wilderness. Within the tabernacle was the Holy of Holies, which was considered to be God’s earthly dwelling place. Exodus 40:34 says the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” God’s presence was seen as a cloud on the tabernacle by day and a fire by night.
David envisioned a more permanent dwelling place for God, a temple built according to the pattern given to Moses. But God prohibited David from building it. That assignment fell to Solomon, his son. When the construction was complete, Solomon dedicated the temple.
2 Chronicles 7 records the scene: “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.'”
Solomon’s temple was destroyed. A new one was built years later and was refurbished by Herod, but God’s glory never filled this new one. God had something else in mind, a temple not built by human hands.
On the day of Pentecost a new temple was dedicated, and God’s glory filled it by the giving of the Holy Spirit. The tongues of fire and the sound of rushing wind indicated His presence. Believers in Christ had now become the dwelling place of God.
Jesus’ death on the cross made this reality possible. He cleansed us once and for all so that He could take up residence in our hearts. Paul described it as Christ living in us, our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This event happens afresh every time a heart responds in faith to the message of Christ, and the fire of God comes to live inside.
Where does God live today? In the hearts of his people. We are the temple of God. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
What's in a Name — Part 2
How would you like to have an angel of the Lord appear to you in a dream? That’s what happened to Joseph right in the middle of his most trying time. He did not know what to do about Mary.
The angel gave him the news he needed. This baby in Mary’s womb was going to be special, the One who would save His people from their sins. It was God’s nudge to Joseph to hang in there. And he did. He named the baby Jesus, just as the angel instructed.
In Joseph’s dream, it was revealed that all this was to fulfill God’s word through the prophet Isaiah that a virgin would conceive a child and give birth to a son who would be called Immanuel.
Another name for Jesus. What does this one mean?
The name Jesus gives us insight into His mission to save His people from their sins. Immanuel tells us who He is. The name means God is with us. This babe was God in human flesh.
Jesus grew, carried out His mission, was raised from the dead and then ascended into heaven to take up His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father.
But He also takes up residence in us through the Holy Spirit. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, “…Christ lives in me…” As believers, God is with us everyday, living in and through us. Let that sink in. It is truly mind-boggling.
What’s in a name. When it comes to Jesus, our Immanuel, it is good news!
A Message to the Church — Part 2
Jesus’ message to the church at large continues in chapter 3.
The Message to Sardis
Jesus came so that we might have life. That life is given to us by the Holy Spirit. The church at Sardis was prosperous and well-to-do. It had all the signs of success. It looked alive, but in reality, it was dead. Jesus admonished them to wake up, repent and turn to Him. Otherwise, His sudden return would surprise them like a thief in the night (See 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). To those in Sardis who were alive in Christ, He gave these assurances –
- They will walk with the Lord and be clothed in white
- They will be victorious
- Their names will never be erased from the book of life
- Jesus will announce before His Father and His angels that they belong to Him
The Message to Philadelphia
Jesus Christ is holy and true. He holds the key of David, the symbol that all authority has been given to Him. He opened a door for the church of Philadelphia, a door that no one could close. Their status in God’s kingdom went unnoticed by the world. Yet Jesus assured them that one day the world would take notice and recognize they were loved by God.
In light of this wonderful truth, Jesus encouraged them to persevere, to hold on to all they have in Him. The list is impressive.
- They are pillars in God’s temple
- They will never have to leave this temple
- The name of God is written on them
- They are citizens of the new Jerusalem
- They bear a new name
The Message to Laodicea
Laodicea had a water problem. It smelled atrocious, was lukewarm and tasted awful. The church at Laodicea was much the same as far as God was concerned. It was time for them to move one way or the other.
His warning to this group was stern, but it was meant to turn them away from their indifference to Him, the One who is the truth, the faithful and true witness, and the beginning of God’s creation. In spite of thinking they were rich and in need of nothing, they in fact needed what only Jesus could provide. He was standing at the door knocking, waiting for them to answer. If they simply opened the door, they could experience friendship with Jesus and would victoriously sit on His throne with Him.
Revelation for You
- Do you need assurance in your life? Do you know that your name will never be erased from the book of life?
- Do you sometimes feel like you go unnoticed in this world? In what ways does the message to Philadelphia encourage you to persevere as a child of God?
- Are you enjoying friendship with Jesus Christ?
9/11…We Remember
Today is the 12 year anniversary of the tragic events that occurred September 11, 2001. It is not an occasion to celebrate. Simply one to remember and to contemplate our place in the world.
We do have a place and a role to play.
Several years ago, on the 10th anniversary, I shared what I believe the Bible says about the role we play in this world. I issued a challenge as well.
You can watch that message now
Video streaming by Ustream
or here — http://metrobiblefellowship.org/video.php?id=3365
The message still holds today. It is time for us to rise up and to fully live out who we are in this world.
You can make a difference.
Do You Have Assurance of Salvation?
Can a Christian have assurance of salvation? According to the Bible, the answer is “Yes!”
The Apostle John wrote in his first letter these encouraging words: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13).
There is no wishful thinking in John’s statement. He boldly asserted that we can know with full confidence that eternal life is ours, that our salvation is sure.
For John’s words to become a reality in your life, you must understand what salvation truly is and what Christ accomplished for you through His death, burial and resurrection.
Paul gives us the most succinct statement concerning the nature of salvation in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
You and I come into this world under the wages of sin, dead spiritually. Ephesians 2:1 puts it this way, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” In other words, we were not just sinners in need of forgiveness; we were spiritually dead and in need of life.
Salvation, then, is God’s act of making us alive in Christ. The following passages spell this out in detail.
- But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ– by grace you have been saved– Eph 2:4-5 (ESV).
- And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses Col 2:13 (ESV).
- To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory Col 1:27 (ESV).
So, salvation is going from death to life. Jesus described it this way; “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
Jesus’ death on the cross guarantees that your salvation is secure. Through His death, Jesus took your sins and paid the penalty that you justly deserved. Your sins were judged. The verdict was guilty, and the punishment was death. God was satisfied with Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf. Jesus dealt with sin once and for all.
The writer of Hebrews shows the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice: “Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin” (Hebrews 10:17-18).
Your eternal life is secure because of the eternal consequences of the cross.
When Jesus saves, He does so completely. Because of the cross, you can know with confidence that “He will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
A New Book That I Highly Recommend – Get 25 Free Gifts If You Get It Now By May 7th
My friend Frank Viola has just released a new book called God’s Favorite Place on Earth that could literally change your relationship with God, help you defeat bitterness, free you from a guilty conscience, and help you overcome fear, doubt and discouragement once and for all.
This is a book that will jar you out of your “Christian rut” and give you new eyes for looking at EVERYTHING. It’s a quick, inspiring, and entertaining read.
In addition, if you get the book between May 1st to May 7th, you will also get 25 FREE GIFTS from 15 different authors including Jeff Goins, DeVern Fromke, Pete Briscoe, Frank Viola himself, and me. Order Frank’s book this week and you will get a copy of my book Love Is.
Over 47 Christian leaders have recommended the book, including me.
Here is my endorsement for “God’s Favorite Place on Earth.”
“This book fastened my heart and mind on Jesus Christ. I count it as Frank Viola’s best work. His passion for and love of Jesus Christ are on full display. But more importantly, Jesus Christ is on full display. The setting is Bethany, a little village atop the Mount of Olives. The story is told by Lazarus. It is powerful and moving. Be prepared to step into the story, to take a place in Bethany and encounter Jesus like never before.”
The premise of the book is simple and 100% Biblical: when Jesus was on the earth, He was rejected everywhere He went . . . from Bethlehem, to Nazareth, to Jerusalem. The only exception was the little village of Bethany.
The curtain opens with Lazarus, who is now ready to die, telling the incomparable story of Jesus’ interactions with him, Martha, and Mary. God’s Favorite Place on Earth blends drama, devotion, biblical narrative, and first-century history to create a riveting book that you’ll find difficult to put down. Within each narrative, the common struggles Christians face are addressed and answered.
Go to GodsFavoritePlace.com to claim your 25 FREE GIFTS, read a Sampler of the book, and watch the gripping video trailer.
What is Holding You Back?
At some point in your life, you responded to the Gospel. At that moment you experienced new birth. You were made alive. New life in Christ is now yours.
The encouragement of Scripture is that you take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (1 Timothy 6:17). The Christopher translation reads, “Grab it and live it.”
It sounds so good and simple. It’s what you want.
What is holding you back?
Here are three issues I’ve wrestled with.
- Fear of the unknown – New life is just that, new. That means it’s different, unfamiliar and requires change. Change is not something we take to readily, because we are not sure of the benefits. Turn that fear into faith. Trust the One who loves you and gave His life for you. His life is the best, nothing can compare.
- What will other people think of me – The opinions of others are very important to us. What they think matters. I certainly don’t want people to think I’m a religious fanatic. I read this quote recently: “It’s been said that when people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate one another.” What really matters is what God thinks. His opinion is better than anyone else’s. Trust what He has to say.
- Does the world have something better to offer – The world is an attractive place on the surface. It markets itself very well. For longest time I was “Mr. Noncommittal.” I was always waiting for something better to come along. The world doesn’t offer anything that can compare to Christ. The only way to find out is to take hold, jump in and live. It takes courage, but experiencing His life is worth everything.
Have you wrestled with any of these issues? Are there other issues that have held you back?
We are talking about this on the radio program today. Call with your story or questions. The number is 800-677-9377. Or post your questions in the comment section.
If I’m a New Creation in Christ, why do I still…?
The Bible is clear – the old has gone and the new has come.
Yet, those same old thoughts, attitudes and behaviors seem to keep hanging on.
Makes us wonder sometimes if anything has changed at all?
But the truth remains — in Christ, we are new.
- In Christ we have a brand new identity. God never calls us “old sinners saved by grace.” He named us “child of God.” His Spirit testifies with our spirit that this is true: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).
- In Christ, we are new creations. Jesus gave life to our human spirits and He lives in us through His Holy Spirit. He is what makes us new, and He is our hope of glory. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
- In Christ, we live in the New Covenant. We are no longer under the law. That old relationship ended at the moment of salvation. Now, we live under the New Covenant and are led by Spirit. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are no longer under law” (Galatians 5:18).
How do we break free from the old thoughts and behaviors? How do we live a victorious life in Christ?
Years ago, S.M. Lochridge delivered a powerful sermon he called, It’s Friday…Sunday’s coming. You can view it on YouTube.
For believers, Sunday is here. The question is this – How do we live Sunday lives in a Friday world?
This is the topic for today’s broadcast. If you have a question you would like answered, post it in the comment section. Or call 800-677-9377 to ask it on-air. Call early. The program begins at 3:30 CST.
How do you live a Sunday life in a Friday world?