Good morning -
It was a mysterious power called the Force. The Star Wars movies often referenced a power that allegedly permeated all that existed and could only be utilized by those with skillful discipline and mastery. Perhaps the Force serves as a good illustration of the Spirit life available to believers.
The Apostle Paul writes, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16). Is it really possible to be so in step with the Spirit that we do not pursue our human agenda and desires? Apparently so.
To be in step with the Spirit we need to be willing to follow its lead. On a dance floor someone has to take the lead and their partner must be willing to follow. So also in the Spirit realm.
Here's the kicker: the Spirit will lead us to serve others. Paul says, "you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (Galatians 3:13-14)
Spirit-leading is always other-centered, not self-centered. The Spirit will always lead us to humbly serve others. Any leading contrary to that is either personally motivated or worse, but never Spirit-motivated.
Paul catalogs the "deeds of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:19-23. When I read the lists I'm somewhat relieved to see a general absence of the deeds of the flesh, but I'm troubled that I don't see the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. It's there, but not as abundantly. Much as I wish I could, I know I can't personally manufacture the fruit of the Spirit in my life. The only way for that fruit to be evident is to be in step with the Spirit and the Spirit will always lead to serve others, regardless of my preference or ideas about how it should lead.
The Spirit has a two-fold work: to lead and to teach. Jesus reminds us that, "the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26). We only learn when we are willing to submit to the Spirit's teaching, and we only are able to manifest the fruit of the Spirit when we submit to its leading. The key word is "submit".
Luke is the Star Wars saga was told that he needed to learn the ways of the Force. Likewise, we need to learn the ways of the Spirit, not through self-assertion, but through humility and submission.
The Spirit of God is placed within each believer. Through discipline and humility we can become attuned to its inner presence and cultivate a vital inner sanctuary that becomes the springboard for service.
May the real Force be with you today,
Pastor Steve
It was a mysterious power called the Force. The Star Wars movies often referenced a power that allegedly permeated all that existed and could only be utilized by those with skillful discipline and mastery. Perhaps the Force serves as a good illustration of the Spirit life available to believers.
The Apostle Paul writes, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16). Is it really possible to be so in step with the Spirit that we do not pursue our human agenda and desires? Apparently so.
To be in step with the Spirit we need to be willing to follow its lead. On a dance floor someone has to take the lead and their partner must be willing to follow. So also in the Spirit realm.
Here's the kicker: the Spirit will lead us to serve others. Paul says, "you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (Galatians 3:13-14)
Spirit-leading is always other-centered, not self-centered. The Spirit will always lead us to humbly serve others. Any leading contrary to that is either personally motivated or worse, but never Spirit-motivated.
Paul catalogs the "deeds of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:19-23. When I read the lists I'm somewhat relieved to see a general absence of the deeds of the flesh, but I'm troubled that I don't see the fruit of the Spirit in abundance. It's there, but not as abundantly. Much as I wish I could, I know I can't personally manufacture the fruit of the Spirit in my life. The only way for that fruit to be evident is to be in step with the Spirit and the Spirit will always lead to serve others, regardless of my preference or ideas about how it should lead.
The Spirit has a two-fold work: to lead and to teach. Jesus reminds us that, "the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26). We only learn when we are willing to submit to the Spirit's teaching, and we only are able to manifest the fruit of the Spirit when we submit to its leading. The key word is "submit".
Luke is the Star Wars saga was told that he needed to learn the ways of the Force. Likewise, we need to learn the ways of the Spirit, not through self-assertion, but through humility and submission.
The Spirit of God is placed within each believer. Through discipline and humility we can become attuned to its inner presence and cultivate a vital inner sanctuary that becomes the springboard for service.
May the real Force be with you today,
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 10:19 AM
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