Overcoming the Flesh: Living by the Spirit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound struggle between the flesh and the spirit, as illustrated in Romans 7 and 8. This internal battle is something every believer faces, where the desires of the flesh often conflict with the will of God. The Apostle Paul vividly describes this struggle, acknowledging the sinful nature of the flesh and the difficulty in doing what is right. However, the key to overcoming this struggle lies in surrendering to the Spirit of God, allowing His power to work through us.
We are reminded that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is through delighting in the law of God that we find the power to live victoriously. The Spirit of God within us is not meant to be bottled up but released, transforming our lives and enabling us to fulfill God's will. This requires a denial of self and a commitment to walking in the Spirit, rather than being led by the flesh.
The message also emphasized the importance of brokenness and surrender. Just as Joseph and Job went through processes of breaking to fulfill God's purpose, we too must allow God to work through our trials and challenges. This brokenness is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to spiritual strength and maturity. By embracing the Spirit's work in our lives, we can overcome the condemnation of the flesh and live in the freedom and liberty that Christ offers.
Ultimately, the call is to live a life led by the Spirit, where our actions and thoughts are aligned with God's will. This requires a daily decision to crucify the flesh and allow the Spirit to guide us. As we do so, we become heirs of God, empowered to live out our faith with boldness and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Struggle Within: Every believer faces the internal battle between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh desires what is contrary to God's will, but through the Spirit, we find the strength to overcome and live victoriously. This struggle is not unique to us; even the Apostle Paul experienced it. [34:13]
2. Joy and Strength in the Spirit: The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is through delighting in God's law that we find the power to live according to His will. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. [43:22]
3. The Power of Brokenness: Brokenness is a necessary process for spiritual growth. It is through trials and challenges that God refines us and prepares us for His purposes. Embracing brokenness leads to spiritual strength and maturity. [52:35]
4. Living in the Spirit: To live a life led by the Spirit, we must daily crucify the flesh and allow the Spirit to guide us. This requires a conscious decision to align our thoughts and actions with God's will, leading to freedom and liberty in Christ. [59:23]
5. The Call to Spiritual Maturity: As believers, we are called to move beyond a carnal mindset and embrace spiritual maturity. This involves a commitment to walking in the Spirit, allowing God's power to work through us, and living as heirs of God. [01:24:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:26] - Commanding Liberty in Worship
- [29:26] - Authority in Praise
- [30:12] - Filled with the Holy Ghost
- [31:10] - Releasing God's Power
- [33:04] - The Struggle Within
- [34:13] - Wrestling with the Flesh
- [35:08] - The Desire to Do Good
- [36:17] - The Sinful Nature of Flesh
- [37:54] - The Law of Sin and Evil
- [43:22] - Joy in the Spirit
- [45:28] - The Wretched Man
- [48:59] - Tapping into God's Power
- [51:05] - Living in the Spirit
- [52:35] - The Process of Brokenness
- [59:23] - Freedom in Christ
- [01:01:13] - The Fulfillment of the Law
- [01:03:51] - God's Grace and Mercy
- [01:06:13] - Walking in the Spirit
- [01:11:26] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [01:18:21] - Embracing God's Will
- [01:21:35] - The Breaking Process
- [01:24:30] - Sons of God
- [01:27:25] - The Hope of Glory
- [01:30:32] - Intercession in the Spirit
- [01:32:09] - Surrendering to the Spirit
- [01:34:47] - Hunger for Righteousness
- [01:36:14] - Repentance and Renewal
- [01:37:27] - Unlocking Spiritual Pathways
- [01:38:55] - Surrendering to God's Will
- [01:39:29] - The Cry of the Spirit
- [01:40:52] - The Power of Prayer
- [01:43:38] - Communion with God
- [01:47:51] - Walking in the Spirit
- [01:51:11] - The Anointing of Brokenness
- [01:53:11] - Fighting in the Spirit
- [01:55:11] - Lost in the Spirit
- [01:56:03] - The Will of God Be Done
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:15-25
- Romans 8:1-17
- Nehemiah 8:10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 7:15-25, Paul describes a struggle within himself. What are the two opposing forces he mentions, and how does he express this internal conflict? [33:37]
2. According to Romans 8:1-17, what is the result of living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh? How does this passage describe the freedom found in the Spirit? [48:59]
3. The sermon mentions the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. How is this concept illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, and how does it relate to the message of living in the Spirit? [43:22]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the process of brokenness leading to spiritual maturity? How do these examples connect to the biblical narrative? [52:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s description of the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in Romans 7:15-25 help us understand the human condition and the need for divine intervention? [34:13]
2. In Romans 8:1-17, Paul speaks of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. What does this mean in the context of overcoming the flesh, and how does it empower believers? [51:05]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of delighting in the law of God. How does this delight transform a believer’s life, and what role does it play in spiritual growth? [43:22]
4. How does the concept of brokenness, as discussed in the sermon, align with biblical examples like Joseph and Job? What does this teach us about God’s purpose in our trials? [52:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future situations? [34:13]
2. The sermon calls for a daily decision to crucify the flesh. What practical steps can you take each day to ensure you are living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh? [51:05]
3. Consider the role of joy in your spiritual life. How can you cultivate a deeper joy in the Lord that strengthens you, regardless of your circumstances? [43:22]
4. Brokenness is described as a pathway to spiritual strength. Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for growth and surrender to God’s will? [52:35]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of being led by the Spirit. What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to the Spirit’s guidance, and how will you begin this process? [59:23]
6. How can you actively delight in the law of God and allow it to transform your thoughts and actions? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this delight? [43:22]
7. Reflect on the concept of being an heir of God. How does this identity influence your confidence and boldness in living out your faith? What steps can you take to embrace this identity more fully? [01:24:30]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Internal Battle of Flesh and Spirit
Every believer experiences the profound struggle between the desires of the flesh and the will of God. This internal conflict is vividly described by the Apostle Paul, who acknowledges the sinful nature of the flesh and the difficulty in doing what is right. The key to overcoming this struggle lies in surrendering to the Spirit of God, allowing His power to work through us. By doing so, we find the strength to live victoriously, despite the ongoing battle within. This struggle is not unique to us; even the Apostle Paul experienced it. [34:13]
"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." (Galatians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between flesh and spirit. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?
Day 2: Joy and Strength in the Spirit
The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is through delighting in God's law that we find the power to live according to His will. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. By focusing on the Spirit, we can experience a joy that transcends our daily challenges and empowers us to live in alignment with God's desires. This joy becomes a source of strength, enabling us to overcome the trials we face. [43:22]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can cultivate joy in your relationship with God today, regardless of your current circumstances?
Day 3: The Power of Brokenness
Brokenness is a necessary process for spiritual growth. It is through trials and challenges that God refines us and prepares us for His purposes. Embracing brokenness leads to spiritual strength and maturity, as seen in the lives of Joseph and Job. This process is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to becoming more aligned with God's will. By allowing God to work through our trials, we can experience His transformative power in our lives. [52:35]
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes." (Psalm 119:67-68, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or trial in your life. How might God be using this experience to refine and strengthen you spiritually?
Day 4: Living in the Spirit
To live a life led by the Spirit, we must daily crucify the flesh and allow the Spirit to guide us. This requires a conscious decision to align our thoughts and actions with God's will, leading to freedom and liberty in Christ. By choosing to walk in the Spirit, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God, enabling us to live out our faith with boldness and confidence. [59:23]
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to align your actions more closely with the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: The Call to Spiritual Maturity
As believers, we are called to move beyond a carnal mindset and embrace spiritual maturity. This involves a commitment to walking in the Spirit, allowing God's power to work through us, and living as heirs of God. By pursuing spiritual maturity, we become more effective in fulfilling God's purposes and experience the fullness of life that He offers. This journey requires dedication and a willingness to grow in our faith. [01:24:30]
"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your spiritual life where you desire to grow in maturity. What specific actions can you take to pursue growth in this area today?
Quotes
1. "If it just stays in us, it's not doing any good. If we do not learn how to allow God to flow out of us, then we are just bottling it up inside. But God wants to come out. You got to let him out. He's not going to force his way in. He's not going to force his way out. And the same surrender to receive the Holy Ghost is the surrender we need to minister and to do the will of God. It's about a denial of this self." ([00:31:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Remember when your flesh was always winning the battle when you were living for yourself in the world and you kind of felt hopeless. Anybody remember the hopeless feeling of wrestling with your flesh and just feeling like, how am I ever going to win this battle? So he says, you know, I don't want to do it. You know, I don't think people want to go out every day and seek to do evil. But yet they have a desire. They know it's right. What's right. They want to do what's right. And yet they do the wrong thing." ([00:34:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The joy of the Lord is my strength. If I'm going to accomplish the work that God has me to accomplish, I have to delight in the law of God, not after the outer man because that was Moses' law. Moses' law was 100% outer man subjection trying to conform the flesh to obey the commands. Now the spirit of the law was love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." ([00:38:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but it's righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. It's not a banquet table spread out for a king. It's not a physical party, but it's a spiritual renewal, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. That joy is our strength. So he says, I delight. I delight. Number one key for being successful in the things of the spirit is you got to learn to get excited about what God is doing on the inside, what the word of God is doing inside of me." ([00:45:02] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "To feel like you're entrapped, enslaved, and trapped to sin is what has got to be one of the most horrible feelings in the world. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way. Thank God it doesn't have to be. Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Well, how do you get out of it? What's the solution then? What's the victory? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." ([00:46:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "The power of this is that we're tapping into unlimited resource because we're tapping into the mind of God. God, the spirit of God, we are so finite and limited. And in fact, if we ever thought we could accomplish anything in our flesh, we are already deceived because the only thing we can do in the flesh is temporary. It affects the temporary. It just affects the body. It affects the here and now." ([00:47:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. There you go. So once we move past this wrestling match of our carnality and we move into a spiritual life, it says there's no more condemnation. Why? Because I'm not walking according to what my flesh and sin wants. Now I'm saying, all right, God, let your will be done." ([00:49:53] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "We have to be real, legit. When we walk into the room, Jesus has got to walk into the room. It's got to be something different about us that people recognize. They're not like everybody else. Well, that's a brokenness. That can only happen if I'm broken and my outer man wants to be whole, but I've got to allow the breaking to happen." ([00:52:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "We're all in the same situation. Even the great Apostle Paul was in the same situation. This same situation and so he said this in verse 21 I find in a law that when I would do good evil is present with me if I want to do the right thing I'm going to have that little devil sitting on my shoulder so to speak trying to get me to do the wrong thing." ([00:38:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "If you live after the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the spirit, you got to do this through the spirit, mortify, you got to crucify him. Any man wants to be my disciple. Jesus said he's got to deny himself, take up his cross, follow me. There's got to be some breaking. And so he says, if you live in the spirit, you can mortify the deeds of the body and live." ([01:25:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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