Living by the Spirit: Embracing True Faith and Humility

In these latter times, we are warned that some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. This departure is often marked by a reliance on human traditions and teachings that hinder the true walk of faith. The essence of faith is not in adhering to a set of rules but in living by the Spirit of God, which brings conviction and guides us in righteousness. The early church faced similar challenges, where new believers were burdened with unnecessary rules, yet the apostles decided to focus on a few essential teachings, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers.

The danger of pride and self-righteousness is ever-present, leading us to judge others and impose our convictions on them. This is not the path of true holiness. Instead, we are called to live in the liberty of the Spirit, not using it as an opportunity for the flesh but as a means to love and serve others. The flesh, with its desires for money, recognition, and immorality, must be crucified. Baptism symbolizes this death to the old self and a new life in Christ.

Jesus exemplified humility and service, washing the feet of His disciples and teaching that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is found in being the least and serving others. The Kingdom of Heaven is not about outward appearances or human accolades but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We are invited to come to Jesus, to find rest in Him, and to exchange the heavy yoke of religion for His light and easy yoke.

In our pursuit of holiness, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of legalism or self-justification. Instead, we should be led by the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. This transformation is not about seeking the approval of men but about being obedient to God and His Word. We are called to love God with all our heart and to love others, leading by example and covering the faults of others with love, just as Shem and Japheth covered their father's nakedness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Danger of Departing from Faith: In these times, many are led astray by false teachings and human traditions that obscure the true essence of faith. True faith is living by the Spirit, which convicts and guides us in righteousness, not by adhering to a set of rules. [01:00]
• 2. Liberty in the Spirit: We are called to live in the liberty of the Spirit, not using it as an opportunity for the flesh but as a means to love and serve others. This liberty is not about indulging in sin but about being free from the bondage of legalism and human traditions. [09:22]
• 3. Humility and Service: Jesus taught that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is found in being the least and serving others. We are called to follow His example of humility and service, not seeking recognition or accolades but serving others in love. [20:27]
• 4. Transformation from the Inside Out: True transformation comes from being led by the Spirit, allowing Him to change us from the inside out. This is not about seeking the approval of men but about being obedient to God and His Word. [28:44]
• 5. Covering with Love: We are called to cover the faults of others with love, just as Shem and Japheth covered their father's nakedness. This act of love and honor is a reflection of our relationship with God and our understanding of His grace. [31:01]
  ** [31:01]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:11] - Warning of Deception
• [00:32] - Traditions and Teachings
• [01:00] - Faith and Maturity
• [01:46] - Early Church Challenges
• [02:45] - Role of the Holy Spirit
• [03:09] - The Great Falling Away
• [04:18] - Widening the Gate
• [06:05] - Traditions of Men
• [07:11] - Dietary Laws and Liberty
• [09:09] - Liberty vs. Legalism
• [10:03] - Dying to the Flesh
• [11:29] - Money as a Master
• [13:07] - Justification and Immorality
• [14:27] - Lust and Destruction
• [16:01] - Yielding to God
• [17:22] - Washing of Feet
• [19:05] - John the Baptist's Greatness
• [20:27] - Humility in the Kingdom
• [22:15] - Judgment and Mercy
• [23:54] - Revelation to Babes
• [24:35] - Rest in Jesus
• [26:07] - Exhaustion in Pursuit
• [27:45] - Yoke of Jesus
• [29:09] - Obedience to the Spirit
• [30:07] - Honor and Love

1. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."
2. Galatians 5:13 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

1. According to 1 Timothy 4:1-2, what are some of the signs of departing from the faith mentioned in the sermon? [00:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, as seen in the early church's decision-making process? [02:07]
3. What examples of human traditions and teachings were mentioned in the sermon that can hinder a true walk of faith? [06:05]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of liberty in the Spirit, and what are the potential pitfalls of misusing this liberty? [09:22]

1. What does it mean to live by the Spirit rather than adhering to a set of rules, as discussed in the sermon? How does this relate to the concept of true faith? [01:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that pride and self-righteousness can lead to judging others? How does this contrast with the example of Jesus? [03:23]
3. How does the sermon interpret the act of covering others' faults with love, as demonstrated by Shem and Japheth? What does this teach about our relationship with God and others? [31:01]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between legalism and true transformation in the life of a believer? [28:44]

1. Reflect on a time when you may have relied more on human traditions than on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How can you shift your focus to living by the Spirit this week? [01:00]
2. Consider an area in your life where pride or self-righteousness might be affecting your relationships. How can you practice humility and service, following Jesus' example? [20:27]
3. Identify a specific way you can use your liberty in the Spirit to serve others in love this week. How can you ensure that this liberty does not become an opportunity for the flesh? [09:22]
4. Think of someone whose faults you have been quick to judge. How can you cover their faults with love, as Shem and Japheth did, and what steps will you take to do so? [31:01]
5. Reflect on your pursuit of holiness. Are there areas where you might be falling into legalism? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out? [28:44]
6. Jesus invites us to take His yoke and find rest. What burdens are you currently carrying that you need to exchange for His light and easy yoke? How will you do this practically? [24:35]
7. How can you lead by example in your community, showing love and covering others' faults, rather than seeking the approval of men? [29:50]