Free to Live by the Spirit

River Church Sermons

Let Freedom Ring

Pt. 8: Free To Live by the Spirit

By Louie Marsh, 7-21-2024

ONE WEIRD WEEK!

1) There’s only TWO ways to live

“16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, BSB)

Ø By the HOLY SPIRIT

Ø By my SINFUL NATURE (flesh)

Talk about what flesh is and isn’t.

• I must choose between them CONSTANTLY.

“17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:17–18, BSB)

We will live with this war as long as we live – no Louie Land ideal life of not being torn.

2) Results of following my sinful nature.

“19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, BSB)

4 Areas:

• SEXUALITY

: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery

• FALSE WORSHIP

idolatry and witchcraft

• RELATIONSHIPS

hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;

• DRUNKENESS

drunkenness, orgies, and the like

3) Results of following the Holy Spirit

“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22–24, BSB)

• I live a life of LOVE

Love is the fruit of the Spirit – all the rest of the list define love! That’s critical in this day of having no idea what love really is!

4) So I must choose to…

“25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” (Galatians 5:25–26, BSB)

• REFUSE to follow my sinful nature.

• STAY IN STEP with the Holy Spirit.