Keeping in Step with the Holy Spirit

Keeping in Step
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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 depend on the Holy Spirit

We as a Nation are celebrating July 4^th 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