Living Fully in the Spirit: A Call to Transformation
Summary
Today’s focus is on the call to live fully in the Spirit, not just as a personal pursuit, but as a witness to the world and a blessing to the next generation. The invitation is for every person—regardless of age or spiritual maturity—to move beyond routine religion and into a life that is continually renewed and transformed by God’s Spirit. This is not about outward acts or religious heritage, but about a deep, daily repentance that crucifies the flesh and allows the Spirit to bear fruit in us.
The events and ministries we share, like camp and Vacation Bible School, are not just for the young; they are opportunities for all generations to come together, to encourage one another, and to model a faith that is alive and contagious. The heart of our mission is to be people who are so transformed by the good news of Jesus that sharing it becomes a natural overflow of our lives. But this can only happen if we are truly living by the Spirit, not just in word but in the reality of our daily choices and desires.
Paul’s words in Galatians 5 remind us that the battle between flesh and Spirit is real and ongoing. The promise is clear: if we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Yet, this is not a call to perfection, but to a continual process of crucifying the flesh, repenting, and allowing God’s Spirit to shape us. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not optional extras, but the evidence of a life surrendered to God.
We must ask ourselves honestly: what realm are we living in? Are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit, or are we content with a form of religion that lacks power? The world is watching, and our witness depends on whether we are truly different—set apart, holy, and alive in Christ. Repentance is not a one-time event but a daily turning from the flesh to the Spirit. This is the invitation for all: to repent, to be exposed before God, and to let Him transform us for His glory and the sake of the world.
Key Takeaways
- Living by the Spirit is not a theoretical concept but a daily, practical reality. The promise of Galatians 5 is that if we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. This requires honest self-examination and a willingness to let God’s Spirit have full control, not just a part of our lives. The battle is ongoing, but the Spirit’s power is sufficient for real transformation. [57:24]
- The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a crucified flesh and a surrendered life. It is not enough to claim allegiance to Christ with our words while our lives reflect the world’s values. True learning leads to changed behavior; when we understand what it means to crucify the flesh, our actions and desires are transformed, and the world sees the difference. [01:01:33]
- Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual, daily practice. We are called to repent not just at the beginning of our faith journey, but every day as we battle the pull of the flesh. This ongoing repentance keeps our hearts soft, our witness authentic, and our lives open to the Spirit’s renewing work. [01:11:05]
- Our calling is not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the world. God forms a people who, together, bear witness to His character and mission. The fruit we bear is not just for our benefit, but so that others may see Christ in us and be drawn to Him. Our collective life as a church is meant to be a living testimony of God’s transforming power. [01:08:05]
- The patience and grace of God are real, but so is His expectation that we bear fruit. Like the fig tree in Jesus’ parable, we are given time and care, but we are also called to produce the fruit of the Spirit. If we are not bearing fruit, we must ask whether we are truly living in the Spirit or merely going through religious motions. The call is urgent: repent, be renewed, and let your life be a testimony to the world. [01:14:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[49:23] - Announcements: Camp and Vacation Bible School
[51:55] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
[53:19] - Life in the Spirit: A Fresh Perspective
[55:08] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[57:24] - Walking by the Spirit: The Promise and the Struggle
[59:31] - No Perfection, Only Transformation
[01:01:33] - Crucifying the Flesh: Learning and Change
[01:02:47] - The Consequences of Sin and the Call to Discipline
[01:05:35] - What Realm Are You Living In?
[01:08:05] - Bearing Fruit: God’s Patience and Expectation
[01:08:54] - The Danger of Counterfeit Christianity
[01:11:05] - Repentance: More Than a One-Time Event
[01:11:58] - A Call to Repentance for All
[01:14:03] - The Cost and Necessity of Repentance
[01:14:54] - Prayer for Repentance and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Life in the Spirit
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### Bible Reading
- Galatians 5:13-26
(Key focus: verses 16-17, 22-24)
- Romans 8:5-8
- Luke 13:1-9 (Parable of the fig tree)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Galatians 5:16-17, what does Paul say is the relationship between the flesh and the Spirit? How does he describe the ongoing struggle? [55:08]
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the specific qualities listed as the fruit of the Spirit? [59:31]
3. In Romans 8:5-8, what does Paul say about the mindset of those who live according to the flesh versus those who live according to the Spirit? [01:02:47]
4. In the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:1-9), what is the owner’s expectation for the tree, and what does the caretaker ask for? [01:08:05]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that walking by the Spirit is not just a religious idea, but a practical, daily reality? What does it mean for this to be more than just words? [57:24]
2. The sermon mentions that repentance is not a one-time event but a continual practice. Why is ongoing repentance necessary for living by the Spirit? [01:11:05]
3. According to the sermon, what is the danger of having a form of religion that “lacks power”? How does this relate to the world’s perception of Christians? [01:08:54]
4. In the parable of the fig tree, what does God’s patience look like, and what is the risk if there is no fruit? How does this connect to the call for transformation? [01:08:05]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to move beyond routine religion and into a life that is continually renewed by the Spirit. What is one area of your spiritual life that has become routine or stale? What is one step you could take this week to invite God’s Spirit to renew it? [51:55]
2. Paul says, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” What is one specific “desire of the flesh” that you struggle with? What would it look like to surrender that area to the Spirit this week? [57:24]
3. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a surrendered life. Choose one aspect of the fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). What is a practical way you can intentionally cultivate this fruit in your relationships this week? [59:31]
4. The sermon says our calling is not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the world and the next generation. How can you model a faith that is “alive and contagious” to someone younger or newer in the faith? [01:05:35]
5. Repentance is described as a daily turning from the flesh to the Spirit. What is a daily practice or prayer you could adopt to help keep your heart soft and open to God’s transforming work? [01:11:05]
6. The parable of the fig tree reminds us that God is patient, but He expects fruit. Is there an area of your life where you sense God is waiting for you to bear fruit? What is holding you back, and what would it look like to take a step forward? [01:08:05]
7. The sermon warns against “counterfeit Christianity”—claiming allegiance to Christ with our words but not our lives. Are there any ways your actions or desires are out of step with your faith? What would repentance and realignment look like for you this week? [01:08:54]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s Spirit to renew, convict, and empower each person to live a life that bears fruit for the sake of the world and the next generation.
Devotional
Day 1: Walking by the Spirit Overcomes the Desires of the Flesh
To walk by the Spirit is to intentionally choose a life that resists the pull of our fleshly desires, trusting that God’s Spirit within us is stronger than our temptations. This is not a call to perfection, but to a daily, conscious surrender—believing that the Spirit’s presence truly empowers us to say no to what is contrary to God’s will. The struggle between flesh and Spirit is real and ongoing, but God’s promise is that as we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Let this truth move from a distant religious idea to a lived reality, shaping your choices and your identity as one set apart for God. [57:24]
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 specific area where you feel the pull of the flesh most strongly? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you choose differently today?
Day 2: Crucifying the Flesh and Living as New Creations
Crucifying the flesh means putting to death our old ways and allowing God to discipline and transform us, even when it’s uncomfortable. This is a daily process, not a one-time event, and it requires honesty about the ways we still cling to the world. True change happens when we let go of our excuses and allow the Spirit to shape our desires, so that our lives reflect Christ rather than the world around us. The call is to ongoing repentance and renewal, trusting that God’s discipline leads to lasting freedom and peace. [01:02:47]
Galatians 5:24 (ESV)
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Reflection: What is one habit or attitude you need to “crucify” today? What step can you take to surrender it to Christ?
Day 3: Bearing Fruit as Evidence of Life in the Spirit
God patiently looks for fruit in our lives—not just any fruit, but the fruit of the Spirit that shows we are truly His. If we are not bearing this fruit, we risk being cut off from the source of life. Jesus calls us to abide in Him, allowing the Father to prune and care for us so that we become more fruitful. The evidence of the Spirit’s work is seen in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, not just in religious activity or outward appearances. [01:08:54]
John 15:1-2 (ESV)
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
Reflection: When others observe your life, what kind of fruit do they see? How can you intentionally cultivate the fruit of the Spirit this week?
Day 4: Repentance is a Daily Call, Not a One-Time Event
Repentance is not just for the moment of conversion; it is a daily turning away from the flesh and toward the Spirit. Each day brings new opportunities to admit where we have fallen short and to realign our hearts with God’s purposes. This ongoing repentance keeps us humble, open to God’s correction, and ready to be transformed. It is through this continual process that we become people who truly reflect Jesus to the world. [01:11:58]
Mark 1:15 (ESV)
"And saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to repent today? What would it look like to respond to that call right now?
Day 5: Living in the Spirit for the Sake of the World
God calls us to live in the Spirit not just for our own benefit, but so that our lives bear witness to His character and mission in the world. Our transformation is meant to be visible, drawing others to Christ as they see the difference He makes in us. When we pledge allegiance to Christ with our lips but live according to the flesh, our message loses its power. Instead, let us be people whose lives are so marked by the Spirit that others are drawn to the hope and love we have in Jesus. [01:09:58]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of Christ through you today? What is one way you can intentionally reflect Jesus to them?
Quotes
And when we are truly focused on him, that it changes our perspective in everything. And I pray that as we continually push this mission and we hopefully live this mission, that we are thinking more about life in the spirit and all the opportunities that are continually presented to us to share the good news of Jesus. [00:55:56] (21 seconds)
We, as a church, not just here, but the church, we are a very worldly church. We look too much like the world, rather than like the called out, where God constantly is calling in the Old Testament and the New Testament, be holy because I am holy, not because you're going to be perfect, but because I've called you out to be separate and live in a different way, and that's the work of the Spirit in us, continually shaping us and making us who we are to be in Him. [00:58:50] (35 seconds)
We're to be transformed daily into the very likeness of Christ. That's the point of the Spirit coming, because the Spirit came in John 14 through 17. Jesus says, when He comes, you will know these things. He will point things out to you. It's better if I go away. You need the counselor. You need the one who is going to come to be the comforter, and He'll live in you. [00:59:25] (26 seconds)
And then we understand that as we cultivate this fruit of the Spirit, something changes in us. And so, you know, verses 22 and 23, the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self -control. Against such things there is no law. There's nothing that says these are not good. In fact, these are the very good things that the Spirit wants out of us. [01:00:41] (26 seconds)
Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. And I hate to admit, my flesh is not crucified. And that bothers me. Does it bother you? [01:01:15] (25 seconds)
When learning takes place, behavior changes. When we learn that we've crucified the flesh, the behavior changes. But unfortunately, it seems like too many times, we act so much like the world, we don't even know what it means to be like Christ anymore. [01:01:49] (26 seconds)
Too often we are pledging our allegiance to Christ with our lips while engaging in practices that cultivate quite a different set of loyalties, dispositions, and convictions. The predictable result is that we keep on insisting that we are fig trees, yet we bear many of the outward attributes of the stinging nettle. Is it any wonder that people looking for fig trees go elsewhere? [01:09:20] (28 seconds)
For their sake, I'm asking all of us to repent of our fleshly lives and repent to lives in the spirit. And no, it's not easy. Because when we admit that we're wrong, and we repent of the things that we've not done right, and we live in the spirit, it's just like the word of God in Hebrews chapter four says, the word of God, it's a double -edged sword. And it cuts open to the very flesh, to the marrow, and it exposes everything. And if we're going to be people who live in the spirit, we've got to be willing to be exposed for the good and the bad. [01:13:53] (39 seconds)
Our life is about you and the spirit that you have given us to live in us, to comfort us, to lead us, to guide us, to transform us into the image of your son. [01:16:02] (18 seconds)
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