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”.

Biblical Faith 2

The aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding of Biblical faith and to evaluate our lives in the light of the John’s teachings on faith in Jesus.

Scriptures

John 20:30-31

30  Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;  31  but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John 1:1-3

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was in the beginning with God.  3  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Observation

1. In John 20:30-31 John writes the intent of this gospel is “to believe” through recorded conversations, miracles and teachings of Jesus. Unpack this statement and write down what it reveals about the Christian understanding of faith?
2. John thus wrote down everything in this gospel account intending to stir belief (or trust) in Jesus Christ. Study John 1:1-3, 14 and discover at least 4 reasons that John intentionally gives to put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Application

Shortly answer these questions form your personal perspective.

1. How do I relate to Jesus as the One who was “in the beginning?” How does that truth stir my faith in him today?  How can it find expression in my life today?
2. How do I relate to Jesus being “with God” from the beginning? How does that truth stir my faith in him? How can it find expression in my life today?
3. How do I relate to Jesus being “God”? How does that truth stir my faith in him?
4. How do I relate to Jesus being the “creator of all things”? How does that truth stir my faith in him? How can it find expression in my life today?
5. How do I relate to Jesus who “became flesh and dwelt among us”? How does that truth stir my faith in him today? And how can it find expression in my life today?

Prayer

In personal prayer, confirm your faith (and perhaps doubts) in Christ, in God, as well as in the Bible as the Word of God.  Ask God to reveal Himself more sincerely to you.