Friday, May 21, 2010
The Spiritual Life, Part 23 of 28
TEXT: "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh . . . If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16, 25).
IDEA: Walking by the Spirit is more than theoretical; it must be worked out in life.
PURPOSE: To help listeners see the Law as God's directions for living.
Do you believe that the Holy Spirit indwells us?
Do you think He convicts us of sin and leads us to do what God wants us to do?
What place, then, do the Ten Commandments have in a Christian life? Has our series been a waste of time? Do we need the commandments at all?
I. The major way the Holy Spirit speaks to us is through the Scriptures.
His direction isn't primarily through an inner voice, but through the Word: Psalm 119:9-18:
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word. With my whole heart I have sought you; O, let me not wander from your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord! Teach me your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and contemplate your ways. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from your Law.
The psalmist makes a pure life dependent upon God and God's commandments.
He has memorized God's Word so that it is a part of his inner being.
He depends upon God to teach him His law that he already knows.
We need both God's empowering presence and God's Word to live the life God wants us to live.
Why would anyone study music and music theory if they can play an instrument by ear?
The Spirit empowers us to love, but the Word tells us what love looks like.
If you "love" your spouse, isn't that all that is necessary for a happy marriage? Why would any couple need pre-marital counseling? What could a counselor tell two people who are in love? To have a successful marriage, you need both love and guidance.
II. The Spirit makes the words of the Bible alive to us. He motivates us and directs us through His truth as we meditate on it.
