Today we continue our series entitled, “Grace and Truth” by continuing to look at by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Our main scriptures are John 1:14 & 17. Let’s look at them again.
(John 1:14 New International Version)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:17 New International Version)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In this series we studied Galatians 3, 4, and 5. In our last message we stopped at verse 14 of chapter 5. Let’s take a look at verse 16 today. We will read it from three different translations.
(Galatians 5:16 The Passion Translation)
As you yield freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self – life.
(Galatians 5:16 Easy to Read Version)
So I tell you, live the way the Spirit leads you. Then you will not do the evil things your sinful self wants.
(Galatians 5:16 J.B. Phillips New Testament)
Here is my advice. Live your whole life in the Spirit and you will not satisfy the desires of your lower nature.
So what does this mean for you today? A few things.
1. The Holy Spirit enables you to live life free from the power of sin.
a) Some mistake the message of God’s grace to mean that you are free to sin. Those who think this way are clearly mistaken. Grace does not mean you are free TO sin. God’s empowering grace enables you to live a life free FROM the power of sin. Paul said, “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” (Romans 6:14). When you lived under the requirements of The Law, you were focused on rules. Basically, you were sin conscious. If you live sin conscious, you are going to sin. Your actions are birthed in your mind. Your body will perform whatever you mind is focused on. This is why Paul said, “the law gives sin its power.” (1 Corinthians 15:56). If you live your life focused on what NOT to do, you are actually giving your attention to things that you will eventually wind up doing. When you are in Christ and Christ is in you, your focus should be on God, His Word, His purpose for your life, and being led by the Holy Spirit so you can complete your divine assignment before you die.
Paul taught us that if we “live the way the Spirit leads,” we “will not do the evil things our sinful selves want.” (Galatians 5:16). The key is the Holy Spirit. If we learn to hear His voice and we develop the discipline required to do what He tells us to do, we will live free from the power of sin and the bondage associated with the requirements of The Law. At that point our life is not about a bunch of rules. Our life is about simply doing whatever the Holy Spirit leads us to do. And He will never lead us to sin. The Spirit of God will never lead you contrary to the word of God.
b) The Holy Spirit is the key to living like Jesus in this world. Jesus only said what He heard the Father say (through the Holy Spirit). Jesus only did what He saw the Father do (through the revelation He received from the Holy Spirit). God is a Spirit. He put His Spirit down inside of us, so we can be connected to Him directly, Spirit-to-Spirit, every day. If you allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit, you will live “as Jesus is, in this world” (1 John 4:17).
2. The Holy Spirit enables you to live a life beyond the limits of humanity.
a) Paul said, “Live your whole life in the Spirit and you will not satisfy the desires of your lower nature.” (Galatians 5:16). When you are Born-Again, you are a new person. God’s Spirit comes inside of you and He recreates your spirit. At that moment you are a new man. But you are still living in an old body and you need a new mind. Your spirit was changed, but your body and mind were not. Your body is not going to be changed until you receive a recreated body for heaven. That body will live forever. But that is coming in the future. So think about it this way: your spirit WAS changed (instantly), your body WILL BE changed (eventually), and for now, your focus needs to be on your mind, which MUST BE changed (progressively).
b) When you are Born-Again you have a new nature. It is God’s nature. You are naturally supernatural. It’s not that you are a natural being (natural to this world) attempting to have supernatural experiences. You are actually a supernatural being (natural to God’s realm), having natural experiences in this world. So what Paul is teaching us is that if we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things, we will experience the life God wants us to have. We will no longer be mere men. We will be men and women, walking around with God on the inside, aware of His presence, cognizant of His grace, and capable of releasing His power into any situation. But to live this way we must be led by His Spirit. If we do, we will enjoy a walk with God that is far beyond what it was when we were simply focused on obeying rules.
That’s enough for today.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I accepted Your Son, Jesus the Christ, as my Lord. I was Born-Again. Your Spirit lives in me. I am now naturally supernatural. Sin has no power over me. I am free from the power of sin and the bondage of The Law. I am free to be the man/woman I am destined to be. I declare that I am led by Your Spirit in all things, at all times. As I am Spirit-led, I live free from sin, self and selfish desires. I also live free from the limits of my humanity. There is nothing You cannot do. You live in me. Therefore, there is nothing I cannot do. Without You, I am nothing. With You, I can do all things. I enter this day ready to experience Your best, by Your Spirit, and for Your glory! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
