The Spirit of freedom

Galatians 5:16-25

The Spirit of freedom

KEY: Gal 5:16. But I say, walk by the Spirit.

Why are some things that seem natural so difficult?

• walking is a learned skill

Coordination, muscle memory & confidence are learned through painful effort over time

• Zoë, not Zen!

“By” the Spirit

 “Walk through the instruments of the Spirit”

• Spirit leads (v. 18)

“If you are led by the Spirit…”

• Spirit empowers (v. 25)

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”

5:16. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Context for “walking” is not an ideal world

“Flesh”

• sinful nature opposed to God

“Wait for the hope of righteousness”

• Struggle for control
• desires of the flesh
• overwhelming drive
• life on my terms under my control

  Freedom is not control of the flesh, but victory of the Spirit

Gal 5:19. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 22. Idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissentions, factions, 21. Envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

What characterizes the flesh?

• Gratification of sensual desire
• Substitutes for God
• Inevitable failures in relationships: sins we try to manage because we can’t legislate against them

Unrighteous comparisons:

Envy: I want what they are

Jealousy: I want what they have

Greed: I want more than what I have

Unrighteous demands:

• Anger: You must treat me right!
• Disputes: I have to have my way
• Strife: I’ve got a bone to pick…
• Enmity: I’ve grown to dislike you
• Factions: I’m no longer one of you

Crucial point:

• Life in the flesh is our natural way of living
• You will not be free of these things until you learn to walk by the Spirit

Romans 8:5. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

“Mind set”

• conscious, undistracted, consistent time seeking God
• take our thoughts captive to Christ
• a transformed mind

What you feed grows!

• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• God gave you you’re personality, gifts & moment and place to express them.

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…God has placed each member in the body, just as He desired” 1 Corinthians 12:7, 18

• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• Rather than envy, you come to appreciate the complimentary roles people play.
• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• God has forgiven you more than you can begin to imagine.

While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Not only this, but we exult in God, through whom we now have reconciliation.          Romans 5:10, 11

• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• Rather than bitterness & anger, you begin to sense compassion and understanding for others.
• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.

God has blessed you with all He has.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

• Scripture provides a change in perspective as our thinking is challenged & shaped. New passions aroused & old voices muted.
• Rather than greedily demanding more, you begin to consider how you can give from your abundance.

How the Spirit empowers

• Old mind-set: taking thoughts captive willing to critique self.
• New mind-set: developing God’s view / accept God’s word.
• Empowered actions: act with confidence & humility
• Trust that God will accomplish His will through you.
• As we live like this God will mold us into His shape!