Transformative Power of Scripture and Spiritual Warfare

 

Summary

In Paul's letter to the Romans, he urges believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, emphasizing the need to live honestly and righteously. This call to spiritual vigilance is illustrated through the story of Augustine, whose conversion was sparked by this very passage. Augustine, once a wayward youth, was transformed when he heard children playing a game that prompted him to "pick up and read" the Scriptures. This divine encounter led him to a passage that pierced his soul and led to his conversion, highlighting the profound impact of Scripture on the human heart.

Augustine's story is a testament to the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, a theme that resonates throughout Christian life. This struggle is not merely about physical desires but involves the deeper, more insidious inclinations of the heart, such as envy and hatred. Augustine's remorse over a childhood prank of stealing pears, despite not even liking them, underscores the joy found in sinning for its own sake—a reflection of the fallen nature of humanity.

The sermon also touches on the atrocities of the Holocaust, illustrating the extreme manifestations of human depravity. Such historical events reveal the "heart of darkness" within humanity, a stark reminder of the potential for evil that resides in the flesh. This is contrasted with the call to live by the Spirit, which involves a constant battle against these darker inclinations.

The Christian journey is marked by this ongoing warfare between the flesh and the Spirit. Conversion does not eliminate the struggle but rather intensifies it, as the believer becomes more aware of the conflict within. The process of sanctification is a lifelong battle, where the power of the flesh is gradually subdued by the Spirit. This transformation requires a conscious decision to live by the Spirit, seeking the fruit of the Spirit in one's life.

Key Takeaways:

- Augustine's conversion story illustrates the transformative power of Scripture. His encounter with the Word of God was not just an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual awakening that changed the course of his life. This reminds us that the Scriptures have the power to penetrate our hearts and bring about true conversion. [02:39]

- The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is a central theme in Christian life. It is not merely about physical desires but involves deeper issues of the heart, such as envy and hatred. This ongoing battle requires vigilance and a commitment to live by the Spirit. [13:59]

- Historical atrocities, like the Holocaust, reveal the depths of human depravity and the potential for evil within the flesh. These events serve as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can reside in the human heart, emphasizing the need for spiritual transformation. [12:09]

- Conversion does not eliminate the struggle with sin but rather brings it to the forefront. The process of sanctification involves a lifelong battle against the flesh, where the believer must continually choose to live by the Spirit. [15:35]

- A Spirit-filled life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh. This requires a conscious decision to submit to the Holy Spirit and seek His influence in every aspect of life, leading to a life that pleases God. [26:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Casting Off Darkness
- [00:59] - Augustine's Conversion
- [02:13] - Divine Providence
- [03:22] - Augustine's Impact
- [04:50] - Critique of "The Confessions"
- [06:30] - Augustine's Remorse
- [08:28] - Understanding Sin
- [10:22] - Modern Examples of Sin
- [12:09] - The Holocaust's Lessons
- [13:59] - The Flesh vs. The Spirit
- [15:35] - The Struggle of Sanctification
- [17:21] - Pleasing God
- [19:44] - Misinterpretations of the Flesh
- [21:17] - The Destructiveness of Envy
- [24:06] - Living by the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 13:12-14
- Romans 8:4-8

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific behaviors does Paul urge believers to avoid in Romans 13:12-14? How does he suggest they should live instead? [00:30]

2. How did Augustine's encounter with the children playing a game lead to his conversion, according to the sermon? [02:13]

3. What does Augustine's remorse over stealing pears reveal about his understanding of sin and human nature? [07:45]

4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit in a believer's life? [13:59]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Augustine's conversion story illustrate the transformative power of Scripture? What does this suggest about the role of Scripture in personal spiritual growth? [02:39]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that historical atrocities like the Holocaust reveal the depths of human depravity? How does this relate to the concept of the "heart of darkness"? [12:09]

3. How does the sermon explain the difference between physical sins and the deeper inclinations of the heart, such as envy and hatred? [20:43]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the struggle with sin after conversion? How does this relate to the process of sanctification? [15:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when Scripture had a profound impact on your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily life? [02:39]

2. The sermon discusses the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel this struggle. What steps can you take to live more by the Spirit in this area? [13:59]

3. Augustine felt remorse over a seemingly minor sin. Are there "small" sins in your life that you might be overlooking? How can you address these with the same seriousness Augustine did? [07:45]

4. The sermon highlights the potential for evil within the human heart. How can you guard against the darker inclinations of your own heart, such as envy or hatred? [20:43]

5. Conversion is described as intensifying the struggle with sin. How can you support others in your community who are facing this intensified struggle? What role can accountability play in this process? [15:35]

6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [26:24]

7. Reflect on the historical examples of human depravity mentioned in the sermon. How can these serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance in your own life? [12:09]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Scripture
The story of Augustine's conversion is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Scripture. Augustine, once a wayward youth, experienced a profound spiritual awakening when he encountered the Word of God. This was not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep, soul-piercing moment that altered the trajectory of his life. The Scriptures have the unique ability to penetrate our hearts, revealing truths that can lead to genuine conversion and transformation. This reminds us of the importance of engaging with the Bible, allowing its truths to shape and guide our lives. [02:39]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when a specific Bible passage spoke directly to your heart. How can you create space in your daily routine to allow Scripture to continue to speak into your life?


Day 2: The Battle Within: Flesh vs. Spirit
The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is a central theme in the Christian journey. This battle is not limited to physical desires but extends to deeper issues of the heart, such as envy and hatred. Christians are called to live by the Spirit, which requires vigilance and a commitment to resist the darker inclinations of the flesh. This ongoing battle is a reminder that conversion does not eliminate the struggle with sin but rather brings it to the forefront, requiring a conscious decision to live by the Spirit. [13:59]

"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." (Galatians 5:16-17 ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. What practical steps can you take today to choose to walk by the Spirit in that area?


Day 3: The Depths of Human Depravity
Historical atrocities, such as the Holocaust, reveal the depths of human depravity and the potential for evil within the flesh. These events serve as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can reside in the human heart, emphasizing the need for spiritual transformation. The call to live by the Spirit is a call to rise above these darker inclinations and to seek a life that reflects the love and righteousness of God. This transformation is not only personal but has the potential to impact the world around us. [12:09]

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." (Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed or learned about an act of human depravity. How can you be a light in the darkness, actively working to bring about positive change in your community?


Day 4: The Lifelong Struggle of Sanctification
Conversion does not eliminate the struggle with sin but rather brings it to the forefront. The process of sanctification involves a lifelong battle against the flesh, where the believer must continually choose to live by the Spirit. This transformation requires a conscious decision to seek the fruit of the Spirit in one's life, allowing the Holy Spirit to influence every aspect of our being. The journey of sanctification is marked by growth and progress, as the power of the flesh is gradually subdued by the Spirit. [15:35]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:12-13 ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have seen growth in your spiritual journey. How can you continue to press on in your pursuit of sanctification, even when the struggle feels overwhelming?


Day 5: Living a Spirit-Filled Life
A Spirit-filled life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh. This requires a conscious decision to submit to the Holy Spirit and seek His influence in every aspect of life. Living by the Spirit leads to a life that pleases God, marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This transformation is not only personal but has the potential to impact those around us, as we become vessels of God's love and grace in the world. [26:24]

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit do you feel is most lacking, and what steps can you take to cultivate it more fully in your daily interactions?

Quotes


In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome in the thirteenth chapter he makes this comment: “The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” [00:00:02]

And this man who was walking by stopped in his tracks and had this overwhelming sense of the intrusion into his life of divine providence. For there in the garden he saw a copy of the New Testament, and he had just heard these children shouting, “Pick up and read. Pick up and read.” And so he walked over, and he picked up the Scriptures and allowed the text to fall open wherever it did. [00:02:07]

And when it did, his eyes fell upon these words: “…Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” And when he read those words, it was as if each word of that text were an arrow that pierced his soul, and his conscience was so agitated by it that on the spot he was converted to Christianity. [00:02:39]

Augustine was converted by a passage that spoke directly to the conflict in life between the flesh and the spirit. I remember just a few years ago that Rod Serling, who was the creator of “The Twilight Zone,” entered into a business relationship with Bennett Cerf and a group of other men who were trying to find ways to discover new talent in the literary world, and they tried – they set up different contests to get young writers to become involved in this particular enterprise. [00:03:43]

But Augustine explained what it was that made him feel so remorseful. It wasn’t the bare act of stealing this fruit, but he said, “As I consider my life, and I consider the things that I have done that were evil, I can see that there were certain sins I fell into that though they were not excusable, they were certainly understandable.” [00:07:48]

He said, “But I stole pears when I didn’t like pears. That is, there is nothing that would stimulate my passions to steal those pears except one thing, and that was the sheer joy in doing something that I knew was wrong.” What Augustine was lamenting was the exercise of his fallen nature, of his flesh for the sheer joy of doing it. [00:09:06]

But ladies and gentlemen, that’s not something that is done simply by wild, unbridled, evil people. This last night I was reading once again the history of the holocaust in World War II, and I was particularly reading about what happened in Poland just prior to the establishment of the Warsaw ghetto and the creation of the Camp of Treblinka where the beginning stages of the final solution of genocide was being worked out. [00:11:01]

Paul speaks of a state of humanity that he calls “the flesh,” and we’ve already noticed that Luther said that the three – the great triad of enemies for the Christian growth contain the world, the flesh, and the devil. Now when we’re talking about the flesh I want us to understand, without getting into the technicalities of it, that when the Bible talks about the struggle that we go through with the flesh, it is not simply talking about the body. [00:13:06]

So that the whole struggle and process of sanctification involves what Paul calls ”warfare.” There’s a war going on, and it’s a war between the flesh of man and the Spirit of God. Now, I get so irritated when I hear preachers stand up and say, you know, “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be over,” because that’s just simply a lie. My life didn’t get complicated until I became a Christian. [00:14:22]

Though the power of the flesh is broken, and the power of the flesh is now subordinate to the Spirit to a very real measure in regeneration, the flesh, ladies and gentlemen, is not totally annihilated at conversion. The war goes on. Now, listen to what the apostle says in chapter eight of Romans. He says in verse four “…that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. [00:16:10]

But some people have devised from that and from others the theories that there are different kinds of Christians – a carnal Christian who doesn’t have the Spirit of God and spiritual Christian who’s no longer carnal. Ladies and gentlemen, anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ is not a carnal Christian. He’s a carnal non-Christian, okay? So in that sense, “carnal Christian” is a contradiction in terms. [00:25:26]

A person who pleases God is a person who seeks the fruit of the Spirit in his life. [00:26:30]

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Transcript
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