Empowered by the Spirit: Living in God's Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Guide

The Holy Spirit is a powerful guide in our lives, leading us to live in obedience to Jesus' teachings. It is through the Spirit that we can impact eternity and fulfill our mission of growing deeper in God's love and reaching out in Christ Jesus. The Spirit's presence is not passive; it actively guides and empowers believers to live out their faith in meaningful ways. By embracing the Spirit's guidance, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose, allowing us to make a lasting impact on the world around us. The Spirit's influence is transformative, enabling us to embody the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others. [05:17]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions and interactions today?

Day 2: The Ongoing Battle Between Spirit and Flesh

The battle between the Spirit and the flesh is ongoing, requiring intentionality and effort to walk by the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are evidence of a life led by the Spirit, and we must strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives. This struggle is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of choosing to follow the Spirit's leading over the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5 highlights this conflict, urging believers to walk by the Spirit to avoid gratifying sinful desires. By intentionally cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we demonstrate a life transformed by the Spirit's power. [11:23]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where the desires of the flesh often prevail. What practical steps can you take today to walk by the Spirit in that area?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Spirit

Romans 8 highlights the transformative power of the Spirit, setting us free from the law of sin and death. Living according to the Spirit brings life and peace, while living according to the flesh leads to death. The Spirit's work in our lives is not merely about behavior modification but about a profound transformation that aligns us with God's purposes. This transformation is marked by a shift from living under the oppressive weight of sin to experiencing the freedom and peace that come from living in the Spirit. As we embrace this new way of life, we become more attuned to God's voice and more capable of reflecting His love and grace to those around us. [26:12]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the transformative power of the Spirit in your life? How can you invite the Spirit to bring further transformation today?

Day 4: Taking Ownership of the Holy Spirit's Gift

Taking ownership of the gift of the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth. We must actively seek its guidance and allow it to transform us, enabling us to overcome our struggles and temptations. The Spirit is a gift that requires our active participation; it is not something that operates independently of our will. By taking ownership of this gift, we commit to seeking the Spirit's guidance and allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This active engagement with the Spirit empowers us to overcome the challenges we face and to grow in our relationship with God. [34:21]

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can take ownership of the Holy Spirit's gift in your life today? How can you actively seek its guidance in a current struggle or decision?

Day 5: Aligning with God's Will Through the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is on our side, ready to help us succeed. By following the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will, enabling us to love our neighbors, pray for those who persecute us, and live out the one-another commands. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a source of strength and encouragement, empowering us to live in a way that reflects God's love and grace. As we align ourselves with the Spirit's leading, we become more effective in fulfilling God's purposes and more capable of extending His love to those around us. This alignment with God's will is not only beneficial for our spiritual growth but also for the impact we have on the world. [39:43]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: How can you align yourself more closely with God's will today? What specific actions can you take to love your neighbors and pray for those who challenge you?

Sermon Summary

Growing deeper in God's love and reaching out in Christ Jesus is the mission we embrace at Lewisville Lighthouse. This mission is not a dull or boring endeavor; rather, it is a vibrant and fulfilling journey. We are called to love our enemies and neighbors as ourselves, embodying grace and forgiveness in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this journey, guiding us to live in obedience to Jesus' teachings. The Spirit's presence is powerful, leading even Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, demonstrating its immense strength and importance.

The Holy Spirit is mentioned throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, emphasizing its significance. It is through the Spirit that we are empowered to impact eternity. However, following the Spirit is not always easy. It requires intentionality and a conscious effort to resist the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5 highlights the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, urging us to walk by the Spirit to avoid gratifying our sinful nature. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are evidence of a life led by the Spirit.

Romans 8 further underscores the transformative power of the Spirit, setting us free from the law of sin and death. Living according to the Spirit brings life and peace, while living according to the flesh leads to death. The Spirit testifies that we are God's children, co-heirs with Christ, and empowers us to overcome our struggles and temptations. It is a gift that requires us to take ownership and actively seek its guidance.

As we navigate the challenges of life, we must remember that the Holy Spirit is on our side, ready to help us succeed. By following the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will, enabling us to love our neighbors, pray for those who persecute us, and live out the one-another commands. Let us embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing it to transform us and lead us into a deeper relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit is a powerful guide in our lives, leading us to live in obedience to Jesus' teachings. It is through the Spirit that we can impact eternity and fulfill our mission of growing deeper in God's love and reaching out in Christ Jesus. [05:17]
2. The battle between the Spirit and the flesh is ongoing, requiring intentionality and effort to walk by the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are evidence of a life led by the Spirit, and we must strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives. [11:23]
3. Romans 8 highlights the transformative power of the Spirit, setting us free from the law of sin and death. Living according to the Spirit brings life and peace, while living according to the flesh leads to death. [26:12]
4. Taking ownership of the gift of the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth. We must actively seek its guidance and allow it to transform us, enabling us to overcome our struggles and temptations. [34:21]
5. The Holy Spirit is on our side, ready to help us succeed. By following the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will, enabling us to love our neighbors, pray for those who persecute us, and live out the one-another commands. [39:43]
** [39:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Mission Statement Month
[01:02] - Reaching Out in Christ
[01:23] - Loving Your Enemies
[03:06] - Prayer for Love
[04:10] - Obedience and the Holy Spirit
[05:17] - Impacting Eternity
[06:21] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[08:33] - Led by the Spirit
[10:20] - Battle Between Spirit and Flesh
[12:22] - Following the Spirit
[17:09] - Acts of the Flesh
[19:00] - Fruits of the Spirit
[24:19] - Romans 8: Life in the Spirit
[34:21] - Ownership of the Holy Spirit
[39:43] - Conclusion and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Matthew 4:1 - "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
Galatians 5:13-18 - Discusses the battle between the Spirit and the flesh.
Romans 8:1-17 - Highlights the transformative power of the Spirit.

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Observation Questions:

What role does the Holy Spirit play in Jesus' journey into the wilderness according to Matthew 4:1? [06:21]
In Galatians 5:13-18, what are believers encouraged to do with their freedom? [10:33]
According to Romans 8:1-17, what are the consequences of living according to the flesh versus living according to the Spirit? [24:49]
How does the pastor describe the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers' lives? [09:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the example of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness illustrate the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [06:21]
What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit" as mentioned in Galatians 5, and how does this contrast with living by the flesh? [11:23]
Romans 8 speaks of the Spirit setting us free from the law of sin and death. How does this freedom manifest in a believer's life? [24:49]
The pastor mentions the ongoing battle between the Spirit and the flesh. How can believers actively engage in this battle? [13:43]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent situation where you felt led by the Spirit. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [06:21]
Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that you find challenging. What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate it? [18:42]
The pastor talks about taking ownership of the Holy Spirit's gift. What does taking ownership look like in your daily life? [34:21]
Consider a time when you struggled with the desires of the flesh. How can you prepare yourself to choose the Spirit in similar future situations? [13:43]
How can you intentionally align your actions with God's will, especially in loving your neighbors and praying for those who persecute you? [16:29]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming struggles. What is one struggle you are currently facing, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you through it? [21:22]
Reflect on the pastor's question about taking ownership of the Holy Spirit. What is one practical way you can deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit this week? [34:21]

Sermon Clips

The Holy Spirit is mentioned 352 times. It's in verse two of Genesis. It's in the last book in the Bible, Revelation. We've covered about seven of those. So, we have 345 more examples of the Holy Spirit to go over this morning. But I did end up challenging all of us, including myself last week with this statement. Anyone plus the Holy Spirit is special enough to impact eternity. [00:05:17]

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 you're not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. [00:11:17]

I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do. Then you won't always be doing the wrong things that your evil nature wants you to. For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things the Holy Spirit tells us to do. [00:12:39]

The acts of the flesh are obvious. Sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord. Now, wait just a minute. Just because I say one that you don't do, maybe you aren't involved in witchcraft. Don't shut your ears just because there's one that the pastor lists that you're not, you know, participating in. [00:17:18]

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, 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 his passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit. [00:18:38]

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Because through Christ Jesus, the law of the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. [00:24:19]

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace. Boy, what a choice, huh? Death, life, and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's laws. Nor can it do so. We can sure hear a lot of them spouting off in this world about how they're sure about their stance right there. [00:26:24]

The spirit you received does not make you slaves so you live in fear again. Rather, the spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Aba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now, if we are God's children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. [00:28:24]

We have a power in us that is the power of God. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in us. The Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit lives in us. It is a gift given to us by God when we become followers of Jesus Christ. Now Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands. If you love me, follow my teachings." [00:33:02]

Have you taken ownership of the gift of the Holy Spirit? Have you taken ownership of the gift of the Holy Spirit? I hope today's message helped you see that Holy Spirit a little bit bigger, a little bit more important, a little bit differently. Because wherever you are, we're not there yet. We don't understand we can't fully understand the significance of it. [00:34:21]

The Holy Spirit has more for us than we've received so far. Just the truth. He has more for us than we've received so far. He will help us. He will lead us. He will show us. He will speak to us. In a lot of ways. As a matter of fact, it's another place where we can tell which voice it is that's talking to us. [00:38:43]

The good news is God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit. They're on our side. They want us to succeed. They will help us learn to do this. Come join us in person. Thanks for taking time to watch this. God bless you. [00:39:43]

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Empowered by the Spirit: Living in God's Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Guide

Day 2: The Ongoing Battle Between Spirit and Flesh

Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Spirit

Day 4: Taking Ownership of the Holy Spirit's Gift

Day 5: Aligning with God's Will Through the Spirit

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Empowered by the Spirit: Living in God's Love

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