Empowered Living: Ruling Our Desires Through the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Community Church! It's a joy to be here with you today. I want to start by acknowledging a hero among us, Dr. Yesu, who has been a tremendous partner in India, empowering over 200 pastors. Let's give him a round of applause for his incredible work. Today, we are diving into the topic of "Ruling Our Desires." I want to make it clear that I haven't mastered this myself, but I believe God's Word has the power to guide us. Let's pray and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
We begin by reading from Galatians 5:16-25, which emphasizes letting the Holy Spirit guide our lives. When we allow the Spirit to lead us, we won't be driven by our sinful nature. The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, but the Spirit gives us desires that lead to life. God wants to empower us to say no to harmful things and yes to His way of life. When we set our hearts on something other than God, we settle for less than what He has for us.
Paul's message in Galatians 5:22-23 is clear: the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are what we forfeit when we follow our sinful desires. God isn't trying to withhold anything from us; He wants us to experience the fullness of life. Romans 14:17 reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
God wants to restore us and put away the things that hold us back. Many of us have struggled for years with issues that God has given us the authority to conquer. Romans 12:2 tells us to let God change our lives by renewing our minds. This transformation often begins with a change in our thinking. William Wilberforce, for example, was transformed by God and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, despite the personal cost.
Our desires can be misleading. James 1:14 warns that everyone is tempted by their own desires, which can lure and trap us. Proverbs 14:12 says that there is a way that seems right but leads to death. This is evident in the story of Adam and Eve, who were deceived by their desires. We are more than our desires, even our good ones. Jesus demonstrated this in Matthew 4 when He resisted the devil's temptation to turn stones into bread, showing that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Sin is any thought, action, or desire that causes us to be less than what God intended. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive. Our culture often encourages us to follow our desires, but we are called to be ruled by the Spirit of God. The Kingdom of God is a group of people ruled by Jesus. Being a Christian means pledging our allegiance to King Jesus and allowing His will to be done in our lives.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to rule over our sinful desires. Romans 8:9 says that we are no longer ruled by our desires but by God's Spirit. This doesn't mean we won't struggle, but it means we have the power to overcome. As we close, let's pray together, asking God to give us steadfast hearts that are not dragged down by selfish desires. Through His Spirit, we can reign in life and experience true freedom.
### Key Takeaways
1. Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit: Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives helps us resist our sinful nature. When we set our hearts on something other than God, we settle for less than what He has for us. God wants to empower us to say no to harmful things and yes to His way of life. [32:47]
2. Fruits of the Spirit: The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are what we forfeit when we follow our sinful desires. God isn't trying to withhold anything from us; He wants us to experience the fullness of life. [53:49]
3. Transformation Through Renewed Minds: Romans 12:2 tells us to let God change our lives by renewing our minds. This transformation often begins with a change in our thinking. When we allow God to renew our minds, we can better understand His will and live lives that are good, pleasing, and perfect. [01:00:01]
4. The Deceptiveness of Desires: Our desires can be misleading and can trap us. James 1:14 warns that everyone is tempted by their own desires. Proverbs 14:12 says that there is a way that seems right but leads to death. We must be vigilant and allow the Spirit to guide us. [42:20]
5. Living by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to rule over our sinful desires. Romans 8:9 says that we are no longer ruled by our desires but by God's Spirit. This doesn't mean we won't struggle, but it means we have the power to overcome. Through the Spirit, we can reign in life and experience true freedom. [51:21]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:45] - Honoring Dr. Yesu
[31:22] - Introduction to Ruling Our Desires
[32:08] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
[32:47] - Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
[33:38] - Struggles with Sinful Desires
[34:20] - The List of Sinful Desires
[35:36] - Fruits of the Spirit
[36:23] - Natural Desires vs. Sinful Desires
[36:57] - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
[38:31] - What Makes a Desire Sinful?
[39:26] - Cultural Messages About Desires
[40:25] - Personal Anecdote: Anniversary Staycation
[41:27] - Ashley Madison Scandal
[42:20] - The Deceptiveness of Desires
[43:07] - The Story of Adam and Eve
[44:28] - The Original Deception
[45:15] - Connection Between Mind and Flesh
[46:06] - Encouragement: God Has More for You
[47:09] - Consequences of Misplaced Desires
[47:58] - Inviting Hell into Our Lives
[48:42] - The Kingdom of God
[49:31] - Thy Kingdom Come
[50:25] - Christianity is About Restoration
[51:21] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[52:29] - Practical Application
[53:49] - Fruits of the Spirit Revisited
[54:30] - Settling for Less
[55:07] - Romans 14:17
[56:00] - Continuous Life Restoration
[56:47] - Sinful Nature vs. Spirit
[57:25] - Personal Anecdote: Middle School
[57:51] - Transformation Through Scripture
[58:20] - Personal Anecdote: High School
[58:54] - Grandfather's Transformation
[59:27] - Personal Testimony
[01:00:01] - Transformation Through Renewed Minds
[01:00:35] - William Wilberforce
[01:01:10] - Wilberforce's Transformation
[01:01:43] - The Cost of Following Christ
[01:02:23] - God's Mission to Restore
[01:02:57] - Invitation to Open Your Heart
[01:03:31] - Taking the Next Step
[01:04:06] - Letting God Transform You
[01:04:53] - Closing Prayer
[01:05:21] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruling Our Desires
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:16-25 - "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! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. James 1:14 - "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 5:16-25 say about the conflict between the sinful nature and the Holy Spirit? How does this conflict manifest in our daily lives? [32:47]
2. According to Romans 12:2, what is the key to transformation in a believer's life? How does this transformation begin? [01:00:01]
3. In James 1:14, what is the source of temptation, and how does it affect us? [42:20]
4. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and how do they contrast with the acts of the sinful nature? [35:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives help us resist our sinful nature, according to Galatians 5:16-25? [32:47]
2. What does it mean to have our minds renewed, as stated in Romans 12:2, and how does this renewal impact our ability to discern God's will? [01:00:01]
3. How can our desires be misleading, and what are the potential consequences of following them, as discussed in James 1:14 and Proverbs 14:12? [42:20]
4. How does the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4) illustrate the importance of relying on God's Word rather than our desires? [36:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you allowed your sinful desires to guide your actions. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to let the Holy Spirit guide you instead? [32:47]
2. Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds. What specific thoughts or beliefs do you need to change to align more closely with God's will? How can you start this process? [01:00:01]
3. James 1:14 warns about the deceptiveness of our desires. Identify a desire that has misled you in the past. How can you guard against being enticed by it again? [42:20]
4. The fruits of the Spirit include self-control. Think of a situation where you struggle with self-control. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this fruit in your life? [35:36]
5. Jesus resisted temptation by quoting Scripture. What specific Bible verses can you memorize to help you resist your own temptations? How can you incorporate these verses into your daily routine? [36:57]
6. The sermon mentioned that our culture often encourages us to follow our desires. How can you counteract these cultural messages in your daily life? What practices can help you stay focused on God's desires for you? [39:26]
7. Reflect on the idea that God wants to restore us and give us new desires. What areas of your life need restoration? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in these areas? [56:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, we gain the strength to resist our sinful nature. The Spirit provides us with desires that lead to life, helping us say no to harmful things and yes to God's way of life. By setting our hearts on God, we avoid settling for less than what He has for us. This empowerment is not about our own strength but about relying on the Spirit to lead us in every aspect of our lives. [32:47]
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: What is one area of your life where you struggle to say no to harmful desires? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?
Day 2: Fruits of the Spirit
The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are what we forfeit when we follow our sinful desires. God isn't trying to withhold anything from us; He wants us to experience the fullness of life. By embracing these fruits, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the abundant life He promises. [53:49]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life right now? How can you cultivate this fruit through your daily actions and choices?
Day 3: Transformation Through Renewed Minds
Romans 12:2 tells us to let God change our lives by renewing our minds. This transformation often begins with a change in our thinking. When we allow God to renew our minds, we can better understand His will and live lives that are good, pleasing, and perfect. This renewal is a continuous process that requires us to be open to God's transformative power in our lives. [01:00:01]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one thought pattern or belief that you need to surrender to God for renewal? How can you actively seek His transformation in this area?
Day 4: The Deceptiveness of Desires
Our desires can be misleading and can trap us. James 1:14 warns that everyone is tempted by their own desires. Proverbs 14:12 says that there is a way that seems right but leads to death. We must be vigilant and allow the Spirit to guide us, recognizing that not all desires are beneficial or aligned with God's will. By discerning our desires through the lens of the Spirit, we can avoid the pitfalls that lead us away from God's path. [42:20]
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made based on your desires. Did it lead you closer to God or away from Him? How can you better discern your desires in the future?
Day 5: Living by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to rule over our sinful desires. Romans 8:9 says that we are no longer ruled by our desires but by God's Spirit. This doesn't mean we won't struggle, but it means we have the power to overcome. Through the Spirit, we can reign in life and experience true freedom. This empowerment is a daily choice to submit to the Spirit's leading and to trust in His strength rather than our own. [51:21]
Romans 8:9 (ESV): "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
Reflection: In what ways do you feel ruled by your sinful desires? How can you actively invite the Holy Spirit to take control and lead you towards true freedom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know the Bible has a different mantra, that life is eternal. Follow God, that life is eternal, that you don't have to follow you and just do you, but you came from somewhere. The scripture tells us where we came from, why we're here, and where we're heading. So what's the big deal about sinful desires, about just following our natural desires?" [42:20]
2. "God wants to empower us to say no to the things that seek to harm us and yes to his way of life, no to death and yes to life and the insight that I have is we set our hearts when we set our hearts on something other than God don't miss this. When I set my heart on something other than God, I'm seeking and settling for something less than God. Because the enemy doesn't give life. He comes to seek, to steal, kill and destroy. When I'm letting my heart be consumed and directed by something other than God, I am settling for something less than life." [53:49]
3. "I want to encourage somebody this morning. And I really do want this to be an encouraging message that where you are, isn't where you need to stay, that God has more for you. We were created more, created for more than just the things that consume us. We were created according to scripture to reign in life, to rule in life, to have dominion, not over just the animals. And the birds of this, of the sky, but to be able to rule ourselves, but sin has a different desire for us." [46:06]
4. "Christianity is about restoration. It's not about, it's not about, I'm going to get them, man, if these people don't get everything right on the test down there, then they're going to find out when they get up here that they got a failing grade and I can't wait to say, get away from me, you filthy people. God's not like that. God so loved the world that he gave his only son, he wants to restore us. But the question is, are we willing to be restored?" [50:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The big deal is that many of us have been settling for desires far below what we were created for. See, Romans, I love this. Romans 14.17, Paul says the kingdom of God, there it is again, is not eating and drinking. What are those? Desires. Nothing wrong with eating and drinking, but it's not just primarily driven by those things. Guess what it's driven by? Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He wants to give you a right. He wants to give you a right standing. He wants to fill your heart with peace and fill your life with joy. God has good things in mind for us to experience." [55:07]
2. "The truth is, is that God will most often transform our desires by changing the way that we think. Romans 12, two says, do not act like sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. Say let, and first of all, let God give you a new mind. So how do I let God change my life? First, let him give me a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do and the things, these will be good and pleasing and perfect." [01:00:01]
3. "God's spirit will restore. God's in the business of restoring, making all things new again. And God's spirit will restore our desires. Galatians, as we read earlier, said the sinful nature wants to do evil, which is the opposite of what the spirit wants. But the spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. He will give us new desires. He will awaken desires that need to be awakened." [56:47]
4. "The challenge for a Christian is to say no to my desires. So that I can say yes to God's desires. I say no to me so I can say yes to you. And you know, what's amazing according to Psalm 134 or Psalm 34 is that eventually when you love the Lord, he starts to give you the desires of your heart. We don't know why, because your desires have actually gone into alignment with his. So he has no problem blessing you because your heart now wants what he wants. It's about alignment." [50:25]
5. "Point number two is the Holy Spirit say, Holy Spirit empowers, empowers and strengthens us to rule over our simple desires. God doesn't say, hey, good luck doing it on your own. I'm going to come back in 80 years and hopefully you haven't messed this up. What the Bible says in Romans eight, the scriptures say people who are ruled by their desires think it's connected to our thinking only of what themselves, everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit. Their thinking is renewed to spiritual things. I love this at the end of verse nine there. You are no longer ruled by your desires. But by God. By God's spirit who lives in you. The spirit empowers us to rule in life." [51:21]
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