Transformative Living: Embracing the Spirit's Guidance
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when we live by the Spirit of God. This transformation is akin to rewiring an old gas lamp to function with modern electricity. Just as the lamp needs new wiring to shine, we need the Spirit to infuse us with life and purpose. Our old selves, driven by the flesh, are incapable of pleasing God or living the life He desires for us. However, through Christ, we are given a new heart and a new spirit, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will.
We delved into Romans 8, which reassures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This freedom from condemnation is not a license to live according to the flesh but an invitation to live by the Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to set our minds on things above, leading to life and peace. This is a daily, moment-by-moment choice, as we navigate the tension between the flesh and the Spirit.
The Spirit's work in us is a progressive journey, not an instant transformation. We are being rewired, and though we may not yet be where we want to be, God sees us as we are becoming. This process involves letting go of the flesh and embracing the Spirit's guidance. It requires us to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ, continually turning to Jesus for strength and renewal.
We also discussed the importance of confession and repentance. Confessing our sins is not about self-condemnation but about receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing. It's about allowing the Spirit to rewire us, moving us from self-justification or self-condemnation to a life of freedom and peace in Christ.
Finally, we were reminded of the power of prayer and the presence of Christ in our lives. St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer served as a powerful example of invoking God's strength and protection in our daily walk. As we rise each day, we are called to live in the strength of Christ, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation by the Spirit: Just as an old gas lamp needs rewiring to shine, we need the Spirit to transform us from within. This transformation is a progressive journey, requiring us to let go of the flesh and embrace the Spirit's guidance. [02:32]
- Freedom from Condemnation: In Christ, there is no condemnation. This freedom invites us to live by the Spirit, setting our minds on things above, leading to life and peace. It's a daily choice to align with God's will. [09:41]
- Confession and Renewal: Confessing our sins is about receiving God's forgiveness and allowing the Spirit to rewire us. It's not about self-condemnation but about embracing the freedom and peace found in Christ. [22:47]
- Living in Christ's Strength: St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer reminds us of the power of invoking God's strength and presence in our lives. As we rise each day, we are called to live in the strength of Christ, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us. [37:20]
- Participating in Resurrection Life: The Spirit guarantees our participation in the resurrection life of Christ. This life is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we are being rewired to live in alignment with God's purpose. [27:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:32] - The Need for Spiritual Rewiring
- [05:55] - The Tension Between Flesh and Spirit
- [09:41] - Freedom from Condemnation
- [13:36] - Turning to Jesus for Transformation
- [17:36] - The Spirit's Role in Our Lives
- [20:48] - The Danger of Sin and Self-Condemnation
- [22:47] - Confession and Freedom in Christ
- [27:56] - Participating in Resurrection Life
- [30:58] - Identifying and Repenting from Idolatry
- [34:10] - The Power of Confession and Gratitude
- [37:20] - St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
- [42:24] - Living with Purpose and Meaning
- [45:24] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What analogy was used in the sermon to describe the transformation by the Spirit, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [02:32]
2. According to Romans 8:1, what is the status of those who are in Christ Jesus, and how does this relate to the concept of condemnation? [09:41]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of being "rewired" by the Spirit, and what does this imply about our spiritual growth? [05:55]
4. What role does confession play in the process of spiritual renewal, as discussed in the sermon? [22:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the analogy of the gas lamp help us understand the necessity of the Spirit's work in our lives? What does this suggest about our own efforts to live a godly life? [02:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living by the Spirit is a daily choice? How does this align with the teachings in Romans 8? [09:41]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between confession, repentance, and freedom in Christ? How does this process contribute to our spiritual transformation? [22:47]
4. How does the sermon use St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer to illustrate the power of invoking God's presence in our lives? What does this suggest about the role of prayer in our spiritual journey? [37:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the analogy of the gas lamp. In what areas of your life do you feel like you need spiritual "rewiring"? What steps can you take to invite the Spirit's transformation? [02:32]
2. Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation for those in Christ. How does this truth impact your daily life and mindset? Are there areas where you still feel condemned, and how can you address them? [09:41]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on things above. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on spiritual matters rather than fleshly desires? [09:41]
4. Confession and repentance were highlighted as key to spiritual renewal. Is there a sin or struggle you need to confess to God or a trusted friend? How can this act lead to greater freedom and peace? [22:47]
5. Consider the role of prayer in your life. How can you incorporate elements of St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your reliance on God's presence? [37:20]
6. The sermon discusses the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. Identify a specific area where you often struggle with this tension. What strategies can you implement to choose the Spirit over the flesh? [05:55]
7. How can you actively participate in the resurrection life of Christ in your current circumstances? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with God's purpose for you? [27:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Rewiring for a New Life
The transformation that occurs when we live by the Spirit of God is akin to rewiring an old gas lamp to function with modern electricity. Just as the lamp needs new wiring to shine, we need the Spirit to infuse us with life and purpose. Our old selves, driven by the flesh, are incapable of pleasing God or living the life He desires for us. However, through Christ, we are given a new heart and a new spirit, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will. This transformation is a progressive journey, requiring us to let go of the flesh and embrace the Spirit's guidance. [02:32]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck in old patterns? How can you invite the Spirit to begin the process of transformation in that area today?
Day 2: Embracing Freedom from Condemnation
In Christ, there is no condemnation. This freedom invites us to live by the Spirit, setting our minds on things above, leading to life and peace. It's a daily choice to align with God's will, as we navigate the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to set our minds on things above, leading to life and peace. This is a daily, moment-by-moment choice, as we navigate the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. [09:41]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What thoughts or habits are keeping you from experiencing the freedom and peace that come from living by the Spirit? How can you intentionally set your mind on things above today?
Day 3: Confession as a Path to Renewal
Confessing our sins is about receiving God's forgiveness and allowing the Spirit to rewire us. It's not about self-condemnation but about embracing the freedom and peace found in Christ. Confession and repentance are crucial in this journey, as they allow us to let go of the flesh and embrace the Spirit's guidance. By confessing, we move from self-justification or self-condemnation to a life of freedom and peace in Christ. [22:47]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Is there a sin or burden you need to confess to God today? How can you embrace His forgiveness and allow the Spirit to bring renewal in your life?
Day 4: Living in the Strength of Christ
St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer reminds us of the power of invoking God's strength and presence in our lives. As we rise each day, we are called to live in the strength of Christ, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us. This involves continually turning to Jesus for strength and renewal, recognizing that we are being rewired to live in alignment with God's purpose. [37:20]
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek Christ's strength in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to remind yourself of His presence and power throughout the day?
Day 5: Participating in Resurrection Life
The Spirit guarantees our participation in the resurrection life of Christ. This life is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we are being rewired to live in alignment with God's purpose. We are called to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ, continually turning to Jesus for strength and renewal. This involves letting go of the flesh and embracing the Spirit's guidance. [27:56]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the resurrection life of Christ today? How can you live out this newness of life in your interactions and decisions?
Quotes
But when we're trying to live a new life by the Spirit of God, we've got to let Him do the work. And you say, I'm actually not even equipped to bring your light to the world. I'm not equipped to live with this kind of brilliance. I don't have that. I just don't have it. [00:01:56] (19 seconds)
But living by the power of the Spirit is going to take an upgrade, even to your hardware. I mean, the law that was given was a good thing we've been learning. It's great. No, it's good. I mean, do the right thing. Don't do the wrong thing. That sounds wise. Let's do that. [00:03:51] (17 seconds)
So that's what we want. We want to be rewired by the Spirit. And so we're going to look at how this is happening where the flesh is expiring and the Spirit is rewiring. Can you say that with me? The flesh is expiring while the Spirit is rewiring. You experience this tension. [00:04:36] (16 seconds)
For those who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For those who live, get it, according to the flesh, you're going to set your mind on the things of the flesh. And those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [00:08:43] (25 seconds)
If you're in Christ, you're a new creation. The old is gone. The new has come. The spirit of God is within you and he's there to rewire you and welcome you back into life that is truly life. So just receive it. [00:35:09] (13 seconds)
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the threeness, through a confession of the oneness of the Creator of creation. I arise today through the strength of Christ's birth and his baptism, through the strength of his crucifixion and his burial. [00:37:20] (22 seconds)
I arise today through the strength of the love of the cherubim, in obedience of angels, in service of archangels, in the hope of the resurrection to meet with reward, in the prayers of the patriarchs, in the predictions of the prophets, in the preaching of the apostles. [00:38:19] (15 seconds)
I rise today through the strength of heaven, the light of the sun, the radiance of the moon, the splendor of fire, the speed of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, the stability of the earth, the firmness of rock. [00:39:59] (14 seconds)
But through Christ, the Spirit is rewiring us. And so let's embrace that reality of His presence in our life and watch God's life flow through us in a world that you know is desperate for hope. They're sort of surviving, but they're not in Christ. [00:44:53] (21 seconds)
Instead of this, I started to do this. And I'm starting to realize that I shouldn't try to present myself to God as if I'm something special. We already got someone special. And He did this for me. And however simply you want to put it, you've got a story to tell. [00:45:24] (12 seconds)
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