Living a Spirit-Filled Life Through Surrender
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on how we can live a Spirit-filled life rather than just Spirit-filled moments. As we dive into Galatians 5:22-23, we see that the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives. These are not hats we put on and take off; they are qualities that should naturally flow from us as we yield to the Holy Spirit.
I want to share a personal story to illustrate this. My daughter, when she was 15, gave me a simple but meaningful Father's Day gift—a sign that reads, "My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it." This sign has been on my desk for ten years, reminding me that our actions speak louder than words. Similarly, the Holy Spirit doesn't give us a list of rules to follow; He lives within us, guiding us to live in a way that reflects God's love and grace.
We often struggle with trying to produce the fruit of the Spirit on our own. For example, I find it challenging to practice self-control while driving. My wife noticed this and pointed out that I was trying to produce self-control rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. This is a common struggle for many of us. We try to wear different "hats" of the fruit of the Spirit, but this approach leaves us exhausted and frustrated.
Let's look at the story of Samson in the book of Judges. Samson was a man called by God, but he struggled with self-control, particularly in his relationships with women. Despite his great strength, he failed to yield to the Holy Spirit, leading to his downfall. Samson's life serves as a cautionary tale for us. We may be called by God, but if we don't fully surrender to Him, we will struggle to live the life He intends for us.
Paul, in Romans 7:24, expresses a similar struggle, saying, "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life dominated by sin and death?" The answer is Jesus Christ. When we accept Him as our Savior, we are no longer slaves to sin. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ, freeing us from sin's power. This freedom allows us to live a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit naturally.
Living in the cycle of shame, where we try and fail to control ourselves, is not what God intends for us. Instead, we should live in a cycle of surrender, where we acknowledge our identity as God's children and yield to the Holy Spirit. This surrender strengthens our faith and empowers our actions, allowing us to live closer to God.
In conclusion, if you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I encourage you to give your life to Him today. Allow Him to live within you and guide you. For those who are already believers, remember that you are not a slave to sin. You can live free by yielding to the Holy Spirit. When you do, you will experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a Spirit-filled life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Understanding our identity as children of God is crucial. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have received God's Spirit, affirming that we are His children. This identity frees us from the bondage of sin and empowers us to live victoriously. When we live in this truth, we can fully rely on God and experience His victory in our lives. [01:06:28]
2. Cycle of Surrender: We have two options: live in a cycle of shame or a cycle of surrender. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, our faith is strengthened, and our actions are empowered. This cycle of surrender allows us to live closer to God and experience His power working through us. [01:08:02]
3. Holy Spirit's Role: The fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce on our own. It is the Holy Spirit living within us that produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we try to produce these qualities ourselves, we become exhausted and frustrated. Instead, we should allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. [01:09:26]
4. Samson's Example: Samson's life illustrates the dangers of not yielding to the Holy Spirit. Despite his calling and strength, he failed to control his passions, leading to his downfall. Like Samson, we may struggle with certain sins, but we must remember that self-control is about allowing the Holy Spirit to control us, not us controlling ourselves. [01:13:12]
5. Freedom in Christ: Romans 6:6 tells us that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ, freeing us from sin's power. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin. This freedom allows us to live a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit naturally. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a Spirit-filled life. [01:17:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:32] - Pastor Scott's Journey in Africa
[41:24] - Introduction to the Fruit of the Spirit
[44:53] - Personal Story on Self-Control
[47:18] - Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruit of the Spirit
[48:54] - The Story of Samson
[52:03] - Samson's Struggle with Self-Control
[55:20] - The Cycle of Shame
[58:16] - Paul's Struggle and Our Freedom in Christ
[01:03:14] - Living Free in Christ
[01:06:28] - Identity in Christ
[01:08:02] - The Cycle of Surrender
[01:09:26] - Holy Spirit's Role in Producing Fruit
[01:13:12] - Samson's Example
[01:17:14] - Freedom in Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23
2. Romans 6:6
3. Judges 16:19-21
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the nine qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives according to Galatians 5:22-23?
2. How does Romans 6:6 describe our old sinful selves and the freedom we have in Christ?
3. In Judges 16:19-21, what led to Samson's downfall and loss of strength? [53:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that the fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Holy Spirit and not by our own efforts? [44:23]
2. How does the story of Samson illustrate the dangers of not yielding to the Holy Spirit? [52:03]
3. What does it mean to live in a "cycle of surrender" as opposed to a "cycle of shame"? [58:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to produce the fruit of the Spirit on your own. How did it make you feel, and what was the outcome? [44:23]
2. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with self-control. How can you yield this area to the Holy Spirit this week? [52:03]
3. Think about your identity as a child of God. How does this identity empower you to live victoriously over sin? [01:06:28]
4. What practical steps can you take to move from a cycle of shame to a cycle of surrender in your daily life? [58:16]
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with your family? [47:18]
6. Reflect on the story of Samson. Is there a "Delilah" in your life that you need to surrender to God? How can you take steps to do that this week? [53:47]
7. How can you remind yourself daily to yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to produce His fruit in you? Consider practical tools like prayer, scripture reading, or accountability partners. [01:15:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Christ
Understanding our identity as children of God is crucial. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have received God's Spirit, affirming that we are His children. This identity frees us from the bondage of sin and empowers us to live victoriously. When we live in this truth, we can fully rely on God and experience His victory in our lives. Our identity in Christ is not just a label; it is a transformative reality that shapes our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.
When we embrace our identity as God's children, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or current struggles. Instead, we are defined by the love and grace of our Heavenly Father. This understanding allows us to live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we begin to reflect His character more and more, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. [01:06:28]
Romans 8:15 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"
Reflection: How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you view yourself and your daily challenges? Take a moment to thank God for adopting you into His family and ask Him to help you live out this identity today.
Day 2: Cycle of Surrender
We have two options: live in a cycle of shame or a cycle of surrender. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, our faith is strengthened, and our actions are empowered. This cycle of surrender allows us to live closer to God and experience His power working through us. When we surrender, we acknowledge our limitations and invite God to work in and through us, transforming our weaknesses into strengths.
Living in a cycle of shame keeps us trapped in guilt and self-condemnation, but surrendering to God brings freedom and peace. It is a daily choice to let go of our own efforts and trust in God's power and guidance. As we practice surrender, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading and more capable of living a life that reflects God's love and grace. [01:08:02]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Holy Spirit's Role
The fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce on our own. It is the Holy Spirit living within us that produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we try to produce these qualities ourselves, we become exhausted and frustrated. Instead, we should allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. The Holy Spirit's role is to transform us from the inside out, making us more like Christ in our character and actions.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we experience a supernatural ability to exhibit these qualities, even in challenging circumstances. This transformation is a testament to God's power at work within us, and it serves as a witness to others of His love and grace. Trusting in the Holy Spirit's work allows us to live a life that is not only pleasing to God but also impactful to those around us. [01:09:26]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to produce the fruit of the Spirit on your own? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to take control and work through you today?
Day 4: Samson's Example
Samson's life illustrates the dangers of not yielding to the Holy Spirit. Despite his calling and strength, he failed to control his passions, leading to his downfall. Like Samson, we may struggle with certain sins, but we must remember that self-control is about allowing the Holy Spirit to control us, not us controlling ourselves. Samson's story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of surrendering our weaknesses to God.
When we rely on our own strength, we are prone to failure and frustration. However, when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, we can overcome our struggles and live a life that honors God. Samson's example teaches us that true strength comes from dependence on God, not from our own abilities. [01:13:12]
Judges 16:20 (ESV): "And she said, 'The Philistines are upon you, Samson!' And he awoke from his sleep and said, 'I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength rather than God's? How can you begin to surrender these areas to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to take control?
Day 5: Freedom in Christ
Romans 6:6 tells us that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ, freeing us from sin's power. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin. This freedom allows us to live a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit naturally. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a Spirit-filled life. This freedom is not just a theological concept; it is a practical reality that transforms our daily lives.
Living in the freedom of Christ means that we are no longer bound by our past mistakes or current struggles. We are empowered to live a life that is pleasing to God and impactful to those around us. This freedom is a gift from God, and it is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. As we embrace this freedom, we can live with confidence and joy, knowing that we are no longer slaves to sin but children of God. [01:17:14]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: How does the freedom you have in Christ change the way you approach your daily life? What steps can you take today to live more fully in this freedom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And you know what happens when we realize that Jesus has set us free from the bondage of sin? We realize that he is there cheering us on. In heaven, there is a cloud of witnesses that are cheering us on going, you can do this. You know what that does to us? It sets us free from having to live in the bondage of that sin that we try to put the hat on to do better and better and better. We're free from it." [01:06:28]
2. "When we get our identity right, I am a child of God. When we get our identity right, we get our responses right. Good reflexes. We get our responses right. Romans chapter 8 in verse number 15, it says, Romans 8, 15, it says, So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slayers. Instead, you received God's spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him Abba Father for his spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children." [01:08:02]
3. "God has a way that He wants you to live that really isn't that difficult. And yet you can show all of those things that we try to show. And the way that you do that is you simply yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. That thing that you think you'll never overcome, you can overcome it. Not in your power, not in your strength, not by anything that you do. You will overcome it when you yield to Him." [01:15:26]
4. "This morning, if you're here and you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I want to challenge you. Give your life to Him. Allow Him to live and indwell you to live out the way that He wants you to live. There'll be people that'll be standing up here in just a few minutes and they'd love to talk with you and just show you how you can know Jesus Christ as your Savior. It's not difficult. It's simply trusting in Him and confessing to Him and allowing Him to become Lord of your life." [01:17:14]
5. "You see, if you have your Bible this morning and you want to turn to Galatians chapter number 5, that's where we're going to be, Galatians 5 and we see in Galatians 5, we see the passage that talks about the fruit of the spirit, Galatians 5 verses 22 and 23. As a kid, we learned a song. I won't sing it for you but it gives you the fruit of the spirit and if you read with me here, Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23, it says, 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." [47:18]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have two options. We can live in the cycle of shame, or we can live with the cycle of surrender. I have the right identity. I am God's child. So then I'm going to yield to the spirit. And as I yield to the spirit, my faith is strengthened, and that empowers my actions, and then I live closer to God." [01:08:02]
2. "When we live in the power of the Holy Spirit, and we think, you know what? I have to practice self-control. And we move away from that to, I don't have to produce this fruit. If I just realize that I am God's child, his Holy Spirit lives within me. When I trust in him, my faith is strengthened, and I'm tested with self-control. And I walk away from that going, I don't know how I'm going to stand up. I don't know how I'm going to stand up. Lord, I need your help. I stand up to it. I walk away going, with God's power, I can defeat this thing. God, thank you for empowering me. It wasn't on my own that I could do this because I would have failed, but it's because of you." [01:09:26]
3. "The pull of sin is strong but the living Christ is stronger so open yourself to his spirit and you will bear his fruit. It's not about us producing fruit, it's about us letting the Holy Spirit produce it in us." [46:16]
4. "You see, Paul, he identified with us. Paul said, you know, the things that I want to do, those are the things I don't do. The things that I don't want to do, those are the things that I find myself doing. Paul was just like you and me. We read Scripture and we think, well, man, he must have been something that was special and unique. And he was very special and he was unique, but he struggled the same way you and I do. Trying to do the things that he was supposed to do in his own flesh and could never do it." [59:49]
5. "You see, the problem with us trying to produce self-control in our life is it causes us to go into what I want to call a cycle of shame. We sin and we fall into the cycle of shame. We do something and we feel bad about it. And so then we begin this process. And if you look at the next slide here, this shows you what the cycle of shame is. I'm a failure. So what I'm going to do is I'm going to get my self-control hat on and I am going to try harder to not do that thing. But then as I try harder and I think that I've got this, I'm really doing well. I feel like I've got this thing under control. All of a sudden, a stress comes. Something in our life that causes family relationships, something at work." [56:54]
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