Holy Spirit 5

The aim of this devotional study is to understand a life of holiness being made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Observations

Galatians 5:16-26

16  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

18  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21  envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  26  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Observations, comparisons and reflections

The text describes the earthly struggle of the Christian life, naming the sources and their resulting fruits and eternal destination, concluding with the choice we need to make.

1. What does it mean to “walk by (or in the way of) the Spirit” vs “to walk by (or in the way of) the flesh” – in other words, how do you do it? (v16)
2. What is “the desires of the Spirit” vs “the desires of the flesh”? (v17)
3. How is one “lead by the Spirit” vs “lead by the flesh”? (v18)
4. What is a good one-word summary for “fruit of the Spirit” and a good one-word summary for “fruit of the flesh”? [hint: think character] (v19-22)
5. What does it mean to “live by the Spirit”? (v25)
6. What practical advice does Paul hint at when he says “keep in step with the Spirit”? (v25)

Application and Prayer

Pray verses 22-23 repeatedly while reflecting on your character, until one of the characteristics of a Spirit-directed life stands out for you, then sincerely pray to God for that aspect of Christ’s loving, holy character to manifest more fully in your life.

Take this text with you through the day and seek the next opportunity to manifest the holy love of Christ as you “keep in step with the Spirit”.

Holy Spirit 4

The aim of this devotional study is to grow in appreciation for the role of the Spirit in our eternal salvation.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:13-14

13  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Observation

In today’s study we will appreciate the rich truth by reflecting on each of the key phrases in the text.

1. In your own words write what you understand Paul means when he writes:
   1. “you also trusted”
   2. “you heard the word of truth”
   3. “you were sealed”
   4. “the Holy Spirit of promise”
   5. “the guarantee of our inheritance”
   6. “until the redemption of the purchased possession”
2. In your own words explain what Paul taught the Ephesians about the Holy Spirit’s role in their life in these two lines.
3. From this text, would you say Paul believed that every believer has the Holy Spirit in them?

Application

1. Paul write to the Ephesians about the Holy Spirit as “seal / mark of God” and “guarantee / deposit of their inheritance” of all believers. What truth and emotions SHOULD that evoke in you?  What DO you feel when you read that?
2. Both a seal / mark and a guarantee / deposit are passive entities that function independently of the item secured. The seal functions as recognition, the guarantee as security.  Knowing this – how SHOULD a Christian relate to God and his eternal inheritance?  How DO you feel about your relationship with God and your eternal inheritance?

Note: If in reflecting on these two verses above you notice feelings or thoughts that you do not do enough or know enough, flag it to yourself and pray about it – because Paul’s whole point in the text is that EVERY BELIEVER WHO TRUSTS IN CHRIST FOR HIS SALVATION HAS THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT who identifies him as God’s property (“son” in Rom 8 and Gal 4) and has an inheritance secure – his eternal salvation.  [As long as you hold faith in Christ].  These two things are not related to your effort.  Your salvation and inheritance are gifts from God.

Prayer

Thank God for his Holy Spirit indwelling you, identifying you as his property & child, and being a payment guarantee of your eternal inheritance!  Bring all your uncertainties and fears to him in prayer, and pray that he may fill you with hope and faith.

Salvation and the Spirit 4

The aim of this devotional study is to understand and appreciate the Spirit’s participation in our continuing salvation.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:7-14

7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

13  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Observations

1. It is very helpful to replace key words or phrases with appropriate synonyms to better understand the fullness of a Text. Re-read the text out loud and replace the words in bold with synonyms (similar phrases).
2. According to this text, what is a function of the Holy Spirit pertaining our salvation?
3. What is meant with the phrase “sealed with the …Holy Spirit”?
4. What do you understand is “our inheritance” that is kept for us?
5. What does Paul mean when he says the Holy Spirit in us “is the guarantee” of our inheritance?
6. What does Paul refer to when he says “until we acquire possession” of our inheritance?

Application

Paul writes that we are “sealed” or “marked as God’s property” through the Holy Spirit.  He adds that we have the Spirit as our “guarantee” or “engagement ring” – the promise that we will forever be united as through marriage.  Thus the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer brings security that He is united with God in Christ through the indwelling of His Spirit, and therefore his eternal salvation is certain – he is now and forever one with God, the Source of Life.

1. How do you know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
2. How do others know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
3. How confident are you that your salvation in God is certain and secure?

Prayer

If you have the gift of praying in tongues, spend significant time praying in the Holy Spirit and asking God for interpretation now, otherwise ask God to fill you with His Spirit and ask Him for spiritual gifts you desire from Him.

Salvation 4

The Aim of this devotional study is to increase your appreciation and hope for Christ Jesus’ work of salvation.

This short sermon jam of Judah Smith will greatly enhance this Bible Study:

Scripture

Ephesians 1:3-14

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5  he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6  to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

13  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

 

Observation

Note: you will notice very clear correlation between Ephesians and Colossians since they were written in the same time, to similar congregations who shared a similar challenges by the same man, Paul.

1. Read through the passage and list the benefits we have in God because of Christ’s saving work in our lives.
2. Write down what you understand with these phrases Paul uses to describe Christ’s work of salvation in our lives:

• Blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places:
• Chose us:
• To be holy and blameless:
• Predestined for adoption as sons:
• To be the praise of his glorious grace:
• Has blessed us in the Beloved:
• Redemption through his blood:
• Forgiveness of sins:
• Unite all things in him:
• Obtained an inheritance as sons:
• Predestined according to his purpose:
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit as guarantee of our inheritance:

3. What does Paul mean with the phrase “hope in Christ”?

Application

1. Reflect on what you know of Scripture (and even what is above). What are you sure of is yours eternally because of what Christ has accomplished for you.  What is your inheritance in Christ – what do you hope for in the life to come?

Prayer

Pray the following five things for yourself and your small group (or someone you love) the first prayer of Paul for the Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:17-21

17  [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.Seal