Keeping in Step courtesy photobucket.com |
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand
firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in
step with the Spirit.
Pastor
Jerry read from Galatians chapter 5, and the works of the flesh are obvious and
there is a list that we all know; and the Fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and
self-control.
Gleaning
from Pastor’s sermon he gave an illustration of the first TV in his home as a
child. He remembered the cartoon
character trying to make a choice to do right or wrong. An angel sat on one shoulder and a devil on
the other.
He
stated that he learned right from wrong from his parents and we probably did
also. In some cultures there are certain
wrongs that we would not consider wrong.
For
example, whistling or laughter in certain places shows disrespect and is
frowned upon.
If
you ask the terrorist what is right and then ask the victim the same question,
you will receive a different answer.
In
the early church there was much arguing that the new Christians must obey the
Jewish laws, especially circumcision.
Paul
was not only a Jew, but he was a Pharisee and knew all the 600 or more Jewish
laws. After his amazing conversion, it
was the Holy Spirit that taught Paul all about Grace and freedom.
Paul
taught that it goes without saying, that to place bondage on the new Christians
was wrong. He stated that we are not to use our freedom
to indulge the flesh; rather, to serve one another humbly in love.
As
we manifest the nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, we will focus on
our relationship first to God, then to our neighbor and also to our self. Paul emphasized that on this law of LOVE hangs all the
law.
Jesus
Christ has set us free from false doctrine, but we are not free to participate in
what ever we desire. We are free from
sin, not free to sin.
We are free to serve God and others.
We are free to serve God and others.
We are free to depend on the Holy Spirit
We as
a Nation are celebrating July 4th as our Independence Day. Our Declaration of Independence declares: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights,”
We can view that Freedom
is being filtered into other nations.
Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in
Prison but it did not kill his spirit.
He challenged South Africa to move out of the Dark Ages and to treat all
as equals. He extended kindness and
forgiveness even to those who had imprisoned him. SA still has problems, but it has taken a
giant step toward freedom.
There
is a always a constant working together for us all.
If
we live by the Spirit, let us be led by the Spirit.
In a
marching band, it is wise to keep our eyes on the one in front and also those
on either side.
As
Christians, may we always strive to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.
This post is shared with
Charlotte’s Spiritual
Sundays
This post is also Linked with
Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday
5 comments:
Dear Hazel
Our dear Mr Nelson Mandela is currently critically ill in a hospital in Johannesburg. Madiba, his clan name, is such a gentle wonderful man that changed the course of South Africa with the greater weapon against the enemy, forgiveness. Please pray for him and our country! He was in prison for 27 years, dear friend.
Blessings
Mia
I always appreciated those cartoons with the "good" self and the "bad" self sat on each shoulder. May we all rest in the peace of not being a slave to the world and our flesh. Great reminder, Hazel.
Love your take on freedom, Hazel. I definitely want to keep in step with the Spirit, although He often has to bump me to get me back in line. :-) Have a great week.
Great post for this upcoming Independence Day. God makes us FREE, let's enjoy that freedom and not entangle ourselves with needless trials.
Good thoughts Hazel, I think I might listen better in the season I am in now...because health issues force me to be still physically more often. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who teaches, encourages, enlightens and points us to the Lord.
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