Embracing the Divine Breath: Living in the Spirit
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound nature of our spirit, a topic often overshadowed by discussions of the Holy Spirit and evil spirits. We began by reflecting on Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into man, emphasizing that without His breath, we are not truly alive. This breath is not merely air but the very essence of life, a part of God Himself deposited into us. Our spirit, therefore, is inherently drawn to God, desiring communion with Him.
We delved into the distinction between the soul and the spirit. The soul encompasses our emotions, mind, and conscience, while the spirit is the part of us that seeks God. Our reactions to life's challenges reveal where our soul leans—toward the flesh or the spirit. Zechariah 12:1 and other scriptures affirm that God forms the spirit within us, highlighting its divine origin and purpose.
The spirit is beyond physical matter, a vital essence that belongs to God. Ecclesiastes 12:7 reminds us that our spirit returns to God upon death, underscoring its eternal nature. Romans 8:9-11 teaches that without the Holy Spirit, we are spiritually dead, even if our spirit is alive. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in righteousness, transforming our mortal bodies.
Living in the spirit requires more than occasional spiritual experiences; it demands a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit, as exemplified by Enoch and Elijah. This walk should not lead to conceit or provoke envy but should inspire others to seek God earnestly. We must guard against using spiritual power for personal gain, as warned in Galatians 5:25-26.
Finally, we acknowledged the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper, sent by God to guide us into all truth and remind us of His teachings. This divine assistance is crucial because our rebellion is too great to overcome alone. The Holy Spirit strengthens our spirit, enabling us to live a life pleasing to God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Breath of Life: God's breath is the essence of life, making us living beings. Without His spirit, we are not truly alive, regardless of our physical existence. This divine breath instills in us a natural inclination toward God, urging us to seek Him continually. [08:42]
2. Spirit vs. Soul: Our spirit desires God, while our soul encompasses emotions and conscience. How we react to situations reveals whether our soul leans toward the flesh or the spirit. A life led by the spirit reflects God's righteousness and peace. [09:34]
3. Eternal Nature of the Spirit: Our spirit, formed by God, returns to Him upon death. It is distinct from our soul and body, emphasizing its divine origin and eternal purpose. This understanding calls us to live in alignment with God's will. [14:44]
4. Walking in the Spirit: Living in the spirit requires more than occasional spiritual experiences; it demands a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit. This walk should inspire others and not lead to conceit or envy. We must remain humble and focused on God's purpose. [26:30]
5. The Holy Spirit as Helper: The Holy Spirit is our divine helper, guiding us into all truth and reminding us of God's teachings. This assistance is crucial for overcoming our natural rebellion and living a life pleasing to God. [45:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:42] - Understanding the Spirit
- [09:34] - Spirit vs. Soul
- [10:32] - Zechariah's Confirmation
- [14:44] - Eternal Nature of the Spirit
- [18:46] - Life in the Spirit
- [26:30] - Walking in the Spirit
- [27:11] - Avoiding Conceit
- [36:41] - Sanctification of Spirit, Soul, and Body
- [37:56] - Aligning with the Holy Spirit
- [39:45] - Testimony of Conviction
- [41:34] - Whole Spirit Living
- [42:48] - The Breath of God
- [44:36] - The Holy Spirit as Helper
- [45:21] - Transformation through the Spirit
- [46:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:7
2. Zechariah 12:1
3. Romans 8:9-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Genesis 2:7, what is the significance of God breathing life into man, and how does this relate to our understanding of the spirit? [08:42]
2. How does Zechariah 12:1 confirm the relationship between God's breath and the spirit within us? [10:32]
3. In Romans 8:9-11, what distinction is made between having a spirit and having the Holy Spirit? [18:46]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the difference between living in the spirit and merely having spiritual experiences? [26:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding that our spirit is inherently drawn to God influence our daily spiritual practices? [08:42]
2. What does it mean for our spirit to return to God upon death, and how does this shape our view of life and eternity? [14:44]
3. How can the Holy Spirit's role as a helper be seen in our struggles with rebellion and sin? [45:21]
4. What are the potential dangers of becoming conceited or envious when walking closely with the Spirit, and how can we guard against them? [27:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where your reaction revealed whether your soul leaned toward the flesh or the spirit. How can you cultivate a more spirit-led response in the future? [09:34]
2. In what ways can you actively seek to live a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit, rather than relying on occasional spiritual experiences? [26:30]
3. How can you ensure that your spirit, soul, and body are aligned with God's will, as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:23? What practical steps can you take this week? [36:41]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you in this area? [45:21]
5. Consider someone in your life who inspires you to seek God earnestly. How can you emulate their walk with God in your own life? [26:30]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit's conviction. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [41:34]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to walk in the Spirit without becoming conceited or provoking envy? What role can you play in fostering a supportive spiritual environment? [27:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Breath of Life
The essence of life is not merely the air we breathe but the divine breath of God that animates our being. Genesis 2:7 illustrates this profound truth, where God breathes life into man, signifying that without His spirit, we are not truly alive. This divine breath instills in us a natural inclination toward God, urging us to seek Him continually. Our spirit, inherently drawn to God, desires communion with Him, and this connection is vital for our spiritual vitality. Understanding this truth calls us to live with an awareness of God's presence in our lives, recognizing that our true life is found in Him. [08:42]
"The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts." (Proverbs 20:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, acknowledging His breath as the source of your true life?
Day 2: Distinguishing Spirit from Soul
Our spirit and soul, though interconnected, serve different purposes. The spirit is the part of us that seeks God, while the soul encompasses our emotions, mind, and conscience. How we react to life's challenges reveals whether our soul leans toward the flesh or the spirit. A life led by the spirit reflects God's righteousness and peace, as our spirit desires God above all else. This understanding encourages us to examine our responses to situations, discerning whether they align with the spirit's longing for God or the soul's inclination toward the flesh. [09:34]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge you faced. Did your response reflect a soul leaning toward the flesh or the spirit? How can you align your reactions more closely with the spirit's desire for God?
Day 3: The Eternal Nature of the Spirit
Our spirit, formed by God, is distinct from our soul and body, emphasizing its divine origin and eternal purpose. Ecclesiastes 12:7 reminds us that our spirit returns to God upon death, underscoring its eternal nature. This understanding calls us to live in alignment with God's will, recognizing that our spirit's ultimate destiny is to be with Him. By acknowledging the eternal nature of our spirit, we are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth and live a life that reflects God's eternal purposes. [14:44]
"The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the eternal nature of your spirit influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more in alignment with God's eternal purposes?
Day 4: Walking in the Spirit
Living in the spirit requires more than occasional spiritual experiences; it demands a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit. This walk should inspire others and not lead to conceit or envy. By following the examples of Enoch and Elijah, who walked closely with God, we are reminded to remain humble and focused on God's purpose. Walking in the Spirit involves a continuous, intentional pursuit of God's presence and guidance, allowing His Spirit to transform our lives and inspire those around us. [26:30]
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to cultivate a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit, inspiring others without falling into conceit or envy?
Day 5: The Holy Spirit as Helper
The Holy Spirit is our divine helper, guiding us into all truth and reminding us of God's teachings. This assistance is crucial for overcoming our natural rebellion and living a life pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit strengthens our spirit, enabling us to live in righteousness and align our lives with God's will. By relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and grace, continually growing in our relationship with God. [45:21]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to be your helper in these areas today?
Quotes
God is life, it's himself, he is life himself and without the life giver giving life to something then there's nothing. Does that make sense? So he had to breathe into man, deposit a partial spirit of what he is into this man. [00:07:36] (19 seconds)
Your soul is your conscience, your emotions. It's your mind. So it's your emotional part of your being. Your spirit does not phase in emotions. It wants everything to do with God. [00:08:50] (18 seconds)
Thus says the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him. This confirms because it just said breath. So like, well, pastor, how do you know what breath is? Like, why are you saying breath is spirit? [00:10:21] (18 seconds)
Thank you for your breath, Father God. That you gave us a breath, there's a very essence of who you are. I thank you for the spirit that you installed in me. That I can live and use my body and my emotions to worship you in such a way that we can cry out to you, Abba, Father. [00:46:27] (38 seconds)
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