Climbing the Ladders: Embracing Spirit-Led Living
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the dynamic tension between our sinful nature and the Spirit-led life, using the metaphor of two ladders to illustrate the choices we face daily. We began by acknowledging the privilege of generosity, celebrating the impact of our church's giving on the community, and the upcoming opportunities for our youth to encounter God at the ex youth summer camps.
The core of our discussion centered on the struggle between our sinful nature and the desire to live by the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5. We are all born with a natural inclination towards the 'sinful nature ladder,' which includes behaviors like jealousy, outbursts of anger, and envy. However, as followers of Christ, we are introduced to a new 'Spirit-led ladder,' which bears the fruits of love, joy, peace, and self-control.
I emphasized that the tension we feel between these two 'ladders' is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work within us. It's not about achieving perfection but about embracing the journey of becoming more like Jesus every day. We discussed the dangers of legalism and the importance of falling in love with Jesus as the foundation for climbing the correct ladder. This love compels us to live lives that honor God and inspire others.
We also talked about the importance of discipline, training like an athlete to make the right choices, even when they don't feel spiritual. It's about running with purpose and not getting stuck in the middle, where our faith can stall. I shared a personal story of a young man who felt stuck due to a struggle with pornography, illustrating how honesty and accountability can help us break free and continue our spiritual growth.
As we concluded, we were reminded that God's grace is not a license to live however we want but a means to help us climb the Spirit-led ladder. We were encouraged to be honest about where we are and to embrace the fight, trusting God to transform us.
Key Takeaways:
- The tension between our sinful nature and the Spirit's leading is a natural part of the Christian journey. It's a sign that we are engaged in the battle to live a life that honors God. This tension should not discourage us but rather encourage us that the Spirit is actively working within us. [58:11
- Falling in love with Jesus is the first step to climbing the right ladder. When we love someone, we naturally desire to please them. This love for Jesus will keep us from the trap of legalism and motivate us to live in a way that reflects His character. [01:07:03
- Discipline is essential in our spiritual walk. Like athletes, we must train ourselves to make choices that align with God's will, even when they don't feel good or spiritual. This discipline helps us to avoid stagnation and propels us towards spiritual maturity. [01:11:48
- Living in the middle, between the two ladders, will stall our faith. We must be honest with ourselves about our struggles and seek help when needed. Accountability and community are vital in helping us move towards the Spirit-led life. [01:02:27
- Grace is not a permission slip for complacency but a powerful force that draws us to the Spirit-led ladder. It is the hand we grab when we fall, helping us to rise again and continue our climb towards a life that honors God and impacts others. [01:00:47
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:16-23 - "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
2. Romans 7:15-20 - "I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway."
3. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two opposing forces described in Galatians 5:16-17, and how do they affect our daily lives?
2. According to Galatians 5:19-21, what are some behaviors that result from following our sinful nature?
3. What fruits does the Holy Spirit produce in our lives as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor did the pastor use to describe the struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit-led life? ([40:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul describe the internal struggle between wanting to do good and failing to do so in Romans 7:15-20? How does this resonate with your personal experiences?
2. What does it mean to "run with purpose in every step" as described in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and how can this be applied to our spiritual journey?
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of falling in love with Jesus to avoid the trap of legalism. How does this love influence our actions and decisions? ([01:07:03])
4. How can the concept of discipline, as discussed in the sermon, help us make choices that align with God's will, even when they don't feel spiritual? ([01:11:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the tension between your sinful nature and the Spirit's leading. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? ([58:11])
2. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) that you want to cultivate more in your life. What specific action can you take this week to develop this fruit?
3. The pastor shared a story about a young man struggling with pornography and how honesty and accountability helped him. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek accountability? How can you take the first step? ([01:02:27])
4. How can you practice discipline in your spiritual walk this week? Think of a specific habit or routine you can implement to help you make choices that honor God. ([01:11:48])
5. Are there any areas in your life where you feel "stuck in the middle" between the two ladders? What practical steps can you take to move towards the Spirit-led ladder? ([01:00:47])
6. How can you remind yourself daily that God's grace is not a license for complacency but a means to help you climb the Spirit-led ladder? ([01:00:47])
7. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Tension as Growth
The Christian journey is marked by an ongoing struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit's leading. This tension is not a sign of failure but an indication of the Holy Spirit's active presence in our lives. As believers, we are often pulled towards our inherent sinful desires, which can manifest as jealousy, anger, or envy. Yet, the Spirit calls us to exhibit love, joy, peace, and self-control. This daily battle is a natural part of our spiritual growth, and it is in this struggle that we find evidence of our transformation. The tension serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and engaged in the process of becoming more like Christ, resisting the pull of our old ways and embracing the new life the Spirit offers.
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-6 ESV)
Reflection: How do you experience the tension between the sinful nature and the Spirit in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to lean into the Spirit's leading? [58:11]
Day 2: Love for Jesus as Our Motivation
Climbing the right ladder begins with a heartfelt love for Jesus. This love is the cornerstone that keeps us from the pitfalls of legalism and motivates us to live in a way that reflects His character. When we truly love Jesus, our desire to please Him naturally increases, and our actions begin to align with His will. This love is not about following a set of rules but about cultivating a relationship that transforms our hearts and minds. As we fall more in love with Jesus, we find that our behaviors and attitudes are changed not out of obligation but out of a genuine desire to honor Him with our lives.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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." (Galatians 5:16-17 ESV)
Reflection: What are some ways you can deepen your love for Jesus, and how might this love change your approach to daily challenges and decisions? [01:07:03]
Day 3: Discipline as the Path to Spiritual Maturity
Discipline is essential for spiritual growth, much like training is for an athlete. It involves making conscious choices that align with God's will, even when they are difficult or counter to our feelings. Spiritual discipline may include regular prayer, studying scripture, fasting, or other practices that help us to focus on God and His purposes. By training ourselves to be disciplined, we become better equipped to resist temptation and to live out our faith with intentionality. This commitment to discipline helps us to avoid spiritual stagnation and propels us towards maturity in Christ.
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you implement or strengthen in your life to help you make choices that honor God, especially when they are challenging? [01:11:48]
Day 4: Avoiding the Stagnation of the Middle Ground
Living in the middle, between the sinful nature and the Spirit-led life, can lead to a stalled faith. It is crucial to be honest about our struggles and to seek help when needed. Accountability and community play a significant role in moving us away from complacency and towards a life led by the Spirit. By acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking support, we can overcome the obstacles that keep us from fully embracing the Spirit-led ladder. This commitment to transparency and growth helps us to avoid the pitfalls of a lukewarm faith and to pursue a vibrant, dynamic relationship with God.
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify an area of your life where you are stuck in the middle? What steps can you take to seek accountability and move towards a more Spirit-led existence? [01:02:27]
Day 5: Grace as the Catalyst for Climbing Higher
God's grace is not a license to sin but a powerful force that enables us to climb the Spirit-led ladder. It is the hand that lifts us when we fall, encouraging us to rise and continue our ascent towards a life that glorifies God. Grace empowers us to break free from the chains of our past and to pursue the righteousness that comes from a life led by the Spirit. By embracing grace, we find the strength to overcome our weaknesses and to live in a way that impacts others positively, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ in our actions.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)
Reflection: How does God's grace help you in your struggle against sin, and in what ways can you rely on it more to continue climbing the Spirit-led ladder? [01:00:47]
Quotes
1) "The reality is is that at first glance you look at that list and some of it's appealing... but what does Scripture say in Romans 6:23... climbing this ladder leads you somewhere where you don't want to be." [52:54
2) "God it's not about being perfect... it's the every day man today I'm going to choose to take a step on this ladder and not that one... that's where Grace is important... conviction will call us out to pull us up." [01:14:58
3) "We've got to have both approaches... while I'm falling in love with Jesus I've also got to have the discipline of an athlete... I don't want to be stuck halfway in the world halfway following Jesus." [01:12:15
4) "Living in the middle will stall your faith... you can grow in your faith in the middle to a point... but eventually you're going to get to a point where I can't get any higher on this ladder." [01:01:52
5) "God knows it anyway the only thing stand in the way of us being honest and taking a step is us being honest with ourselves." [01:17:05
6) "The tension should encourage you... the tension should encourage you... we can embrace the fight we can embrace the battle and every day decide NOP I'm pull I'm going to do everything I can to pull closer to this ladder." [59:36
7) "Commands can I tell you how legalism reads this verse... if you'll just fall in love with me... all that stuff is going to start to take care of itself." [01:09:12
8) "I keep going back to that old habit that I know is wrong... you're a human being... the evidence of the fact that God is actually in your life is the fact that you and I feel attention." [58:11
9) "Paul said this in Romans 7:15 he says I don't really understand myself for I want to do what is right but I don't do it instead I do what I hate... you ever felt like Paul here you ever like had an honest moment." [57:32
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