Embracing Freedom: Surrendering to the Spirit's Guidance

Summary

Freedom is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility. As we gather in a country where we’re free to worship, it’s easy to forget that true freedom comes not from laws or governments, but from Christ. Galatians 5 reminds us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free—not so we can indulge our flesh, but so we can serve one another in love. The old law, with all its requirements and rituals, was never meant to save us; it was meant to show us our need for a Savior. Now, through the Spirit, we are called to live by faith, expressing itself through love, not by clinging to old rules or letting division creep in.

Division is one of the enemy’s oldest tricks. Even small disagreements, like the color of a sanctuary wall, can grow into major rifts if we let pride or stubbornness take root. Paul warns that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough—a little false teaching or a little bitterness can lead us far from God’s path. The antidote is to walk by the Spirit, to let Him guide our steps, our words, and our hearts. The acts of the flesh are obvious and destructive, but the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the evidence of a life surrendered to God.

Living by the Spirit is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, surrender. We all struggle with the pull of the flesh, with old habits, with the temptation to judge or to blame others for our own reactions. But the Spirit gives us the power to change, to forgive, to love, and to grow. It’s not about perfection, but about honesty—being real with God and with ourselves about where we fall short, and inviting the Spirit to do His work in us. The Holy Spirit hasn’t stopped moving, speaking, or transforming lives. He is still healing, still convicting, still empowering us to become who God created us to be.

If you’re tired of the old you, if you want to get closer to the person God made you to be, it starts with surrender. Get honest with yourself and with God. Ask for help. The Spirit is ready to lead you into freedom, into love, and into a life that reflects Christ to the world.

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Key Takeaways

- Freedom in Christ Is Not Self-Indulgence, but Loving Service
True freedom isn’t the license to do whatever we want; it’s the opportunity to serve others humbly in love. The Spirit calls us to use our freedom not for self-gratification, but to build up those around us, fulfilling the law of Christ by loving our neighbor as ourselves. This kind of love is often costly and inconvenient, but it’s the mark of a Spirit-led life. [13:15]

- Division Begins Small but Grows Quickly Without Spiritual Vigilance
Just as a little yeast works through a whole batch of dough, small seeds of division or false teaching can lead us far from God’s path. The enemy is skilled at using even trivial matters to sow discord among believers, whether it’s doctrinal debates or personal preferences. Staying on God’s path requires humility, discernment, and a willingness to confront issues in love before they grow out of control. [10:37]

- The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit Is Ongoing and Requires Daily Surrender
The struggle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continual process. We must repeatedly choose to turn away from the things that pull us from God and ask the Spirit for strength to walk in His ways. This means being honest about our weaknesses and persistent in seeking God’s help, knowing that transformation is a journey, not a destination. [18:19]

- The Holy Spirit’s Voice Grows Louder as We Surrender More
The more we seek, pray, and surrender, the more attuned we become to the Spirit’s guidance. When we allow distractions, sin, or bitterness to take root, it’s like turning down the volume on the Spirit’s voice. But as we pursue God, the Spirit’s direction becomes clearer, empowering us to resist temptation and to live out our calling with courage and clarity. [26:57]

- Honesty with God and Ourselves Is the Gateway to Transformation
Real change begins when we stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for our own hearts and actions. The Spirit can only transform what we’re willing to bring into the light—our fears, failures, and repeated mistakes. Surrendering these to God, again and again, is the path to freedom, healing, and becoming the person God intended us to be. [33:15]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Opening Prayer and Technical Challenges
[01:13] - Vision Statement and Humor
[03:28] - Gratitude for Freedom and Second Prayer
[04:08] - Introduction to Galatians 5
[05:58] - Freedom in Christ vs. Old Law
[07:25] - The Danger of Legalism
[09:19] - Faith Expressing Itself Through Love
[10:37] - The Subtlety of Division
[13:15] - Serving One Another in Love
[15:41] - Satan’s Tactics to Divide
[16:23] - Walking by the Spirit vs. Flesh
[17:40] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[18:19] - The Ongoing Battle Within
[20:53] - The Holy Spirit’s Power to Transform
[23:42] - The Gifts of the Spirit Today
[26:57] - Hearing the Spirit’s Voice
[31:21] - Taking Responsibility and Growing
[33:15] - Surrender and Personal Testimony
[35:52] - Living in God’s Eternity Now
[37:05] - Self-Examination and Honesty
[39:03] - Invitation to Surrender and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living by the Spirit

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### Bible Reading

- Galatians 5 (entire chapter, but especially verses 1, 5-6, 13-26)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Galatians 5:1, what is the reason Christ has set us free? What does Paul warn us not to do with that freedom? [05:58]
2. In Galatians 5:9, Paul uses the image of yeast in dough. What does he mean by this, and what is he warning the church about? [10:37]
3. What are some of the “acts of the flesh” and “fruit of the Spirit” that Paul lists in Galatians 5:19-23? [17:03]
4. The sermon gave examples of how small disagreements can grow into bigger problems in the church. What was one example the pastor shared? [15:05]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul says that “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6)? How does this challenge the way we sometimes approach rules or traditions in church? [09:19]
2. The sermon talked about division starting small, like a little yeast. Why is it so easy for small issues to become big problems in a church or family? [10:37]
3. The pastor said, “Living by the Spirit is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, surrender.” What does this look like in real life? Why is it so hard to keep surrendering? [37:40]
4. According to the sermon, how does our honesty with God and ourselves open the door for the Holy Spirit to change us? [33:15]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “True freedom isn’t the license to do whatever we want; it’s the opportunity to serve others humbly in love.” Think of a recent situation where you had the choice to serve someone or put yourself first. How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time? [13:15]
2. The pastor shared how even small disagreements, like the color of the sanctuary, can cause division. Is there a small issue in your life, family, or church that could become a bigger problem if not addressed? What step could you take to bring peace or unity? [15:05]
3. Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Which one do you find most challenging to live out right now? What is one practical thing you can do this week to grow in that area? [17:40]
4. The sermon talked about the “volume” of the Holy Spirit’s voice getting louder as we surrender more. Are there distractions, habits, or attitudes in your life that are turning down the volume on the Spirit? What is one thing you could surrender or change this week? [26:57]
5. The pastor said, “Real change begins when we stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for our own hearts and actions.” Is there an area where you’ve been blaming someone else for your reactions or choices? What would it look like to take responsibility and invite God to help you change? [33:15]
6. The sermon encouraged us to get honest with God about where we fall short. Is there something you need to confess or bring into the light this week? How can your small group support you in this? [37:05]
7. The pastor shared his own story of transformation and said, “If you could change you, you would change you, right?” What is one area of your life where you want to see God’s transforming power at work? What step of surrender can you take today? [33:50]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to help each person in the group surrender more, listen more closely, and walk in the freedom and love that Christ gives. Pray for unity, honesty, and the courage to take practical steps this week.

Devotional

Day 1: Freedom in Christ, Not the Law
True freedom comes from Christ, not from following religious rules.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
Reflection: Are there any old rules, traditions, or expectations—religious or otherwise—that you still feel bound by? What would it look like to surrender those to Christ today and walk in His freedom? [05:20]

Day 2: Faith Expressing Itself Through Love
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5:6, NIV)
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve humbly in love today, even if it’s in a small, unseen way? How can you let your faith be visible through your actions? [09:19]

Day 3: Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh
Walking by the Spirit means daily choosing God’s way over our own desires.
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18, NIV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the pull of the flesh today? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you choose differently in that moment? [16:23]

Day 4: The Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday Life
The evidence of the Spirit’s work is seen in the fruit we bear.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25, NIV)
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need God to grow in you right now? What is one practical way you can nurture that fruit today? [17:40]

Day 5: Honesty and Surrender: The Path to Growth
Growth comes from honest self-examination and surrender to the Holy Spirit.
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)
Reflection: Take a few quiet moments to ask God to show you any area where you need to be more honest with yourself or with Him. What is one thing you can confess or surrender to Him today? [37:05]

Quotes

I’ve often wondered I wonder how many people actually remember it this month is the vision statement if you remember it say it with me lewisville Lighthouse is an active place of worship meeting needs through God's love amen amen so we do do that we're an active place of worship now the next PowerPoint was of the humor sign right the little laughing emoji i have a new one today i have a new one today that honors the red. [00:01:08]

Living by the spirit is one of the uh main focuses i try to make it one of the main focuses of my life because he's so much help to me the Holy Spirit is uh with reigning me in with reigning me left reigning me right telling me when to and I get it confused sometimes but I I know this will surprise you to hear but sometimes I need to be told when to stand up and when to shut up and I'll get those confused so the Holy Spirit means the the world to me. [00:05:09]

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free stand firm then and do not let yourself be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. [00:05:45]

You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ you have fallen away from grace okay so now what does that have to do with following the spirit well this part you have to understand that there were some things going on in Galatia that um there were some people there still saying that you had to follow all the Old Testament laws there's still people now that say that there's some uh Messianic Jews one of them is a friend of mine that he believes that sacrifices should still happen and that you should observe the dietary laws and there's some points that say you know that's great we are under grace we are under the grace because Jesus died for our sins that's where we're at. [00:06:42]

The law you have to follow every bit of it not just one thing and scripture tells us that that law is meant to convict us to show us that we need a savior that there's none of us here who could follow that law so he's really saying these people that are talking this trash to you this is Richard's version they're wrong and that it's by grace it's because of Christ that we're saved it's because of him that we have this relationship not because of whether or not you're circumcised. [00:07:38]

For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision have value the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. [00:09:12]

While we're following God's path if we get just a little ways off of it so remember that straight line like this if we get just a little ways off God's path the longer we go just that little bit off God's path the further away we get from being on God's path does that make sense you with me so he gives us opportunity he calls us to get back on his path so he's saying "Watch out they’re telling you the wrong thing you let that get around it’s going to mess you guys up." [00:10:37]

You my brothers and sisters were called to be free but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather serve one another humbly in love what does that look like serve one another humbly in love well I got to see it last night my wife was putting together a banana pudding at 11 o'clock last night she did that for me and for you at 11 o'clock she's usually in bed asleep by 10:00 you you can sometimes see it in those acts of service by the ones who prepare a lot of food around here or the ones who do a lot of other things child care um there's a lot of things a lot of people do around here that you do get to see but there's a lot that you don't get to see either all the prayer warriors all the people that are on the prayer chains that whenever they're they're praying over all the issues that we send out that we need prayer requests for. [00:13:02]

We still do that as Christians sometimes a subject or topic will come up that can rip us apart and sometimes it catches you off guard like what could it be i remember the discussion about what color to paint this sanctuary back in 17 we had a tornado hit the building sucked the roof off the baptistry uh the whole this whole thing got soaking wet the carpet was ruined we had an insurance claim and then when we got into the insurance claim we had all kinds of foundation damage for those of you that are fairly new you may not know any of this but it was thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars of insurance money but it was also thousands and thousands of dollars that we had to come up with to work on the foundation and so we got all that done the sheetrock and then it's time to decide what color we going to paint it literally months of discussions to get to white. [00:14:48]

Satan is really good he has centuries of experience at dividing relationships and he loves doing it obviously because he just keeps right on doing it if we stay following him and love each other he can't He can't separate us hold on. [00:15:54]

So I say walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh for the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh they're in conflict with each other so you are not to do whatever you want but if you're led by the spirit you are not under the law. [00:16:23]

It's so simple i couldn't believe what I was reading i couldn't believe that it's so simple that we either follow the spirit or we follow the flesh i wish it was that simple in my life i wish I could just pick and stay for the one and just say "Well I'm just going to follow the Holy Spirit i'm not going to follow the flesh at all i don't know about you but that's not how it works in my life i have to decide again and again and again and I have to turn away and turn because I see things that'll catch my attention." [00:18:30]

His answer for us broken sinners is putting his Holy Spirit in us so that we can have the strength to block that channel to stop that conversation to be brave enough to say "Hey you know if you really want to talk about the person that you're talking about why don't you go talk to the person that you're talking about?" A church needs to be bold enough to stop gossip we need to be bold enough to say "Hey I'll go with you you got a problem with so and so I'll go with you to talk to him we'll pray about it we'll talk about it together we'll see if we can't go through this because God does not want his church divided." [00:20:58]

The Holy Spirit works a lot the same way when I'm surrendering when I'm seeking when I'm praying when I'm reading his word when I'm asking him for help with these other struggles of mine whether it be anger or fear or lust or or whatever else all of the sins all of them at some point I think I've struggled with every one if I'm walking this life of following the spirit it's like the volume on the voice of the Holy Spirit is louder it's like I can hear him better it's like I'm in tune with the spirit it's like I'm walking with the spirit and then a website a thought a lie. [00:26:21]

If you walk through a life where you're struggling with some repetitive sin maybe like pornography maybe like gossip maybe I hope you're getting convicted if you're doing the wrong thing the Holy Spirit's not doing his job if you're not this is so important to me it's like my lifeblood. [00:28:22]

When I learned what that was I'm like you might as well tell me there's no air you might as well tell me there's no oxygen to to breathe cuz I'm not going to believe that either because I'm still breathing right i've had too many encounters too much experience too much walking with the spirit and seen such amazing miracles one of them standing up here in front of you right now the amazing miracle that changed Richard from who he used to be to who he is now boy that's praiseworthy i'm telling you that's praiseworthy and he's still working on changing me because he's still cleaning stuff out and it's probably going to keep happening i hope it keeps happening it's uncomfortable i don't like it but he's cleaning me up he's cleaning me out he's cleaning you up he's cleaning you out if you're following the spirit. [00:28:46]

If you could change you you would change you right how many times have you said to yourself "I'm never going to do that again i quit i quit drinking and drugging a million times but until I figured out how I could surrender to this power greater than myself Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit living in me until I figured out how to surrender submit follow and let his power get me through I couldn't do it now I stand before you just a few days away august 1st august 1st will be 20 years since I walked out of prison no drinking no drugs none i couldn't even go a day i wouldn't even go a day without something to drink something to smoke something something to change my attitude something to change my mental condition it's because of him it's because of him helping me live in the spirit walk by the spirit follow the spirit the spirit living in me. [00:33:39]

Chatbot

What does living by the Spirit require from believers

How does the Holy Spirit influence personal growth

What are the consequences of following flesh over Spirit