Living by the Spirit
“Living by the Spirit”
Sabbath School Class
December 17, 2011
Larry R Evans, Teacher
Introduction
Gabe Lyons, in his book The Next Christians, says that research shows that over 76% of Americans self-identify as Christian. (p. 5) However, as he points out, finding that 76% is not easy. Perhaps this coincides with research reported in the book Unchristian, also co-authored by Lyons, in which it was stated that 87% of “young outsiders labeled Christians as judgmental.” (Ibid. p.32) What’s going on! There seems to be a disconnect between a profession and the Christian walk. Lyons suggests that part of the problem comes when Christians emphasize only a “half story”. God’s story isn’t confined to the fall and redemption. In fact he says, “Creation and restoration are the bookends to Christ’s earthly work . . . “ (p.51) This week’s lesson in actuality must be seen from a comprehensive perspective which includes: creation, the fall, redemption and restoration. “Living by the Spirit” is a dynamic experience of all four parts. It is a story that God not only wants us to know but to also live out in the context of a world seeking answers. It is far more a story about God than a story about us—yet with us in the picture God’s love is made even more clear.
Reflective Quiz
1. “Walking in the Spirit” as used by Paul (Gal. 5:16) is equivalent to the Old Testament’s “walking in the law.” (Jer. 44:23) True or False?
2. The Christian’s struggle with sin is more intense than that of a person who is not a Christian. (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-20, 24-25; Jn. 3:6) True or False?
3. The singular used in “the fruit of the Spirit” suggests that there is but one source from which these qualities come. (Gal. 5:22-25) True or False?
4. To meet the problems created by the Judaizers Paul presented an alternative to the law which is Christian love. (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 5:21-22, 27) True or False?
5. It is possible to live a victorious Christian life. (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 7:24-25) True or False?
Class Notes
1. “Walking in the Spirit” as used by Paul (Gal. 5:16) is equivalent to the Old Testament’s “walking in the law.” (Jer. 44:23) True
The 1984 NIV reads: 16 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
The 2010 NIV reads: 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
The KJV and ESV (English Standard Version) both translate it as “walk”. “Walking” is a methphor drawn from the OT that reflects the way a person should live or behave. The word is in the present tense meaning: “to go on living or walking.” It is one’s “habitual conduct.” Living by the power and promptings of the Spirit is key to conquering sinful desires as pointed out in verse 25. (See also Rom. 8:2-5)
Early Christians were known as followers of “the Way” suggesting that Christianity was not an isolated set of theological beliefs “about” Jesus but rather a life characterized as walking as He did.
As Jesus sought to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17) so Christians were known as “fulfilling” the teachings of Christ by weaving the principles He taught and lived into their own lives.
2. The Christian’s struggle with sin is more intense than that of a person who is not a Christian. (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-20, 24-25; Jn. 3:6) True (but qualified)
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. (NIV8)
Keep in mind when referring to a Bible text that we must first ask what the author has in mind before we start making our own applications. Paul is not suggesting that non-Christians don’t have moral conflicts. They do in fact sense these conflicts. However, what Paul is saying is that all of us have been born with a disposition towards selfishness and that leads us have desires for that which are sinful. Accepting Christ and being filled with the Spirit does not put an end to the warring conflict that takes place between sinful self and the self that desires to be like Jesus. Sensitivity to sin and its effects become very real to the Spirit-filled Christian. This conflict is real but the good news is that this personal battle doesn’t have to end with us straddling the fence or worse yet yielding to the temptations of the flesh. Jesus had given an insight that Paul now emphasizes. Note what Jesus said about this personal conflict between good and evil (Lik 9:23-24):
23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
Carl Cosaert frames the conflict this way: “Because the converted mind is too weak to resist the flesh by itself, the only hope we have of subduing the flesh is by making a daily decision (Luke 9:23) to side with the Spirit against ourselves. This is why Paul is so insistent that we choose to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).” Galatians, p.128.
Paul is simply saying that if we walk with God and are filled and live in harmony with His Spirit, we need not succumb to sinful desires. Sin and all of its forms of selfishness need not be our ruler! The choice is ours.
3. The singular used in “the fruit of the Spirit” suggests that there is but one source from which these qualities come. (Gal. 5:22-25) True
In Galatians 5:19-24, this inner conflict between good and evil is laid out in concrete comparisons: the works of flesh (sinful nature) vs the fruit of the Spirit.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (NIV8)
There are some important differences.
Perhaps the most noticeable is that the sinful nature (the “flesh”) demands whereas the Spirit produces. This little insight has occupied much of my reflection over the past year or two. It is such an important insight and critical to our understanding of God, Satan, sin, redemption and emphasizes what Gabe Lyons does in his book The Next Christians, namely, we must read the whole story and not just the story about the fall and our redemption. The forceful nature of sin both internally and externally. This conflict began in Genesis which cast a deep shadow over God’s original design for the “newly” created earth causing Him to pronounce later the restoration called “the new earth.” The outworking of this principle is seen throughout Scripture but the questions raised in Genesis find a response in the last book of the Bible where the new earth is prepared and inhabited by a redeemed people.
Paul’s list of sins, 14 named but not meant to be an exhaustive list, could be categorized into four areas: sex, religion, society, and intemperance. What we must not overlook, however, is that Paul’s point is that the theological approach of the Judiazers is not sufficient to combat this assault by the sinful nature found within each of us. Paul is essentially saying that poor theology can be dangerous. A misunderstanding of God is much more than a difference of opinion. It can lead to excusing sin and losing eternal life. (5:21) The solution is not foun by trying to eliminate each sin one by one! Paul introduces the answer by referring to a single unifying truth: The power of belonging to Christ. As Christ was crucified on the cross so His followers must allow their “sinful nature with its passions and desires” to be crucified. (5:24) When they do they bear “the fruit” of the Spirit. “Fruit” is singular in Greek. That one Source will naturally produce qualities of the Spirit– nine are listed. For Paul the theological controversy facing the Galatians is dead serious! A corrupt view of God can lead to distorted ideas that lead to a breakdown in human relationships such as sexual and religious behaviors.
4. To meet the problems created by the Judaizers Paul presented an alternative to the law which is Christian love. (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 5:21-22, 27) False?
God’s law vs God’s love is a false dichotomy! The fruit of the Spirit found in Gal. 5:22-23 is not contrary to God’s law but rather its fulfillment. In this context notice the words of Jesus:
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Paul recognizes that the only way to have this kind of righteousness comes not by some outward legalistic exercise but by being led by the Holy Spirit. In 5:16-25 the Holy Spirit is brought front and center 7 times! This is a theme of Paul and the key to the fruit of “righteousness by faith.”
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:14-15, NIV8)
5. It is possible to live a victorious Christian life. (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 7:24-25) True
In continuation with the previous questions we should note that there are 5 key verbs in Gal. 5:16-26.
a. “walk” in the spirit (v.16)
b. “to be led” (v.18)
c. “to live” (v.25)
d. “to walk” (v.25)
e. “to crucify”
The common denominator in all cases is that they underscore the necessity an importance of the decisions we make. Making such a decision can be made difficult because of job security, family associations, internal desires, peer an cultural pressures . . . and the list could go on and on. Waiting for the pressure to subside is never a safe alternative. Note the following insights:
“The life of the Christian is not all smooth. He has stern conflicts to meet. Severe temptations assail him. "The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." The nearer we come to the close of this earth's history, the more delusive and ensnaring will be the attacks of the enemy. His attacks will grow fiercer and more frequent. Those who resist light and truth will become more hardened and unimpressible, and more bitter against those who love God and keep His commandments. Ellen G White (MS 33, 1911). {6BC 1111.7}
Closing Reflections
The spiritual choices that confront us each day may not seem all that relevant to the world around us. They may never make the headlines or the evening news yet a life is at stake – ours. The key to victory is found outside of ourselves yet it must come inside. Describe it as we may whether it be walking with, abiding with, being led or living as – every verb form of the victorious Christian reflects a link with the Holy Spirit which leads us to the closing question for this week: How often have we prayed for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, to lead us, to teach us and yes, even correct us?
Sabbath School Class
December 17, 2011
Larry R Evans, Teacher
Introduction
Gabe Lyons, in his book The Next Christians, says that research shows that over 76% of Americans self-identify as Christian. (p. 5) However, as he points out, finding that 76% is not easy. Perhaps this coincides with research reported in the book Unchristian, also co-authored by Lyons, in which it was stated that 87% of “young outsiders labeled Christians as judgmental.” (Ibid. p.32) What’s going on! There seems to be a disconnect between a profession and the Christian walk. Lyons suggests that part of the problem comes when Christians emphasize only a “half story”. God’s story isn’t confined to the fall and redemption. In fact he says, “Creation and restoration are the bookends to Christ’s earthly work . . . “ (p.51) This week’s lesson in actuality must be seen from a comprehensive perspective which includes: creation, the fall, redemption and restoration. “Living by the Spirit” is a dynamic experience of all four parts. It is a story that God not only wants us to know but to also live out in the context of a world seeking answers. It is far more a story about God than a story about us—yet with us in the picture God’s love is made even more clear.
Reflective Quiz
1. “Walking in the Spirit” as used by Paul (Gal. 5:16) is equivalent to the Old Testament’s “walking in the law.” (Jer. 44:23) True or False?
2. The Christian’s struggle with sin is more intense than that of a person who is not a Christian. (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-20, 24-25; Jn. 3:6) True or False?
3. The singular used in “the fruit of the Spirit” suggests that there is but one source from which these qualities come. (Gal. 5:22-25) True or False?
4. To meet the problems created by the Judaizers Paul presented an alternative to the law which is Christian love. (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 5:21-22, 27) True or False?
5. It is possible to live a victorious Christian life. (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 7:24-25) True or False?
Class Notes
1. “Walking in the Spirit” as used by Paul (Gal. 5:16) is equivalent to the Old Testament’s “walking in the law.” (Jer. 44:23) True
The 1984 NIV reads: 16 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
The 2010 NIV reads: 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
The KJV and ESV (English Standard Version) both translate it as “walk”. “Walking” is a methphor drawn from the OT that reflects the way a person should live or behave. The word is in the present tense meaning: “to go on living or walking.” It is one’s “habitual conduct.” Living by the power and promptings of the Spirit is key to conquering sinful desires as pointed out in verse 25. (See also Rom. 8:2-5)
Early Christians were known as followers of “the Way” suggesting that Christianity was not an isolated set of theological beliefs “about” Jesus but rather a life characterized as walking as He did.
As Jesus sought to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17) so Christians were known as “fulfilling” the teachings of Christ by weaving the principles He taught and lived into their own lives.
2. The Christian’s struggle with sin is more intense than that of a person who is not a Christian. (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-20, 24-25; Jn. 3:6) True (but qualified)
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. (NIV8)
Keep in mind when referring to a Bible text that we must first ask what the author has in mind before we start making our own applications. Paul is not suggesting that non-Christians don’t have moral conflicts. They do in fact sense these conflicts. However, what Paul is saying is that all of us have been born with a disposition towards selfishness and that leads us have desires for that which are sinful. Accepting Christ and being filled with the Spirit does not put an end to the warring conflict that takes place between sinful self and the self that desires to be like Jesus. Sensitivity to sin and its effects become very real to the Spirit-filled Christian. This conflict is real but the good news is that this personal battle doesn’t have to end with us straddling the fence or worse yet yielding to the temptations of the flesh. Jesus had given an insight that Paul now emphasizes. Note what Jesus said about this personal conflict between good and evil (Lik 9:23-24):
23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
Carl Cosaert frames the conflict this way: “Because the converted mind is too weak to resist the flesh by itself, the only hope we have of subduing the flesh is by making a daily decision (Luke 9:23) to side with the Spirit against ourselves. This is why Paul is so insistent that we choose to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).” Galatians, p.128.
Paul is simply saying that if we walk with God and are filled and live in harmony with His Spirit, we need not succumb to sinful desires. Sin and all of its forms of selfishness need not be our ruler! The choice is ours.
3. The singular used in “the fruit of the Spirit” suggests that there is but one source from which these qualities come. (Gal. 5:22-25) True
In Galatians 5:19-24, this inner conflict between good and evil is laid out in concrete comparisons: the works of flesh (sinful nature) vs the fruit of the Spirit.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (NIV8)
There are some important differences.
Perhaps the most noticeable is that the sinful nature (the “flesh”) demands whereas the Spirit produces. This little insight has occupied much of my reflection over the past year or two. It is such an important insight and critical to our understanding of God, Satan, sin, redemption and emphasizes what Gabe Lyons does in his book The Next Christians, namely, we must read the whole story and not just the story about the fall and our redemption. The forceful nature of sin both internally and externally. This conflict began in Genesis which cast a deep shadow over God’s original design for the “newly” created earth causing Him to pronounce later the restoration called “the new earth.” The outworking of this principle is seen throughout Scripture but the questions raised in Genesis find a response in the last book of the Bible where the new earth is prepared and inhabited by a redeemed people.
Paul’s list of sins, 14 named but not meant to be an exhaustive list, could be categorized into four areas: sex, religion, society, and intemperance. What we must not overlook, however, is that Paul’s point is that the theological approach of the Judiazers is not sufficient to combat this assault by the sinful nature found within each of us. Paul is essentially saying that poor theology can be dangerous. A misunderstanding of God is much more than a difference of opinion. It can lead to excusing sin and losing eternal life. (5:21) The solution is not foun by trying to eliminate each sin one by one! Paul introduces the answer by referring to a single unifying truth: The power of belonging to Christ. As Christ was crucified on the cross so His followers must allow their “sinful nature with its passions and desires” to be crucified. (5:24) When they do they bear “the fruit” of the Spirit. “Fruit” is singular in Greek. That one Source will naturally produce qualities of the Spirit– nine are listed. For Paul the theological controversy facing the Galatians is dead serious! A corrupt view of God can lead to distorted ideas that lead to a breakdown in human relationships such as sexual and religious behaviors.
4. To meet the problems created by the Judaizers Paul presented an alternative to the law which is Christian love. (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 5:21-22, 27) False?
God’s law vs God’s love is a false dichotomy! The fruit of the Spirit found in Gal. 5:22-23 is not contrary to God’s law but rather its fulfillment. In this context notice the words of Jesus:
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Paul recognizes that the only way to have this kind of righteousness comes not by some outward legalistic exercise but by being led by the Holy Spirit. In 5:16-25 the Holy Spirit is brought front and center 7 times! This is a theme of Paul and the key to the fruit of “righteousness by faith.”
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:14-15, NIV8)
5. It is possible to live a victorious Christian life. (Gal. 5:16-26; Rom. 7:24-25) True
In continuation with the previous questions we should note that there are 5 key verbs in Gal. 5:16-26.
a. “walk” in the spirit (v.16)
b. “to be led” (v.18)
c. “to live” (v.25)
d. “to walk” (v.25)
e. “to crucify”
The common denominator in all cases is that they underscore the necessity an importance of the decisions we make. Making such a decision can be made difficult because of job security, family associations, internal desires, peer an cultural pressures . . . and the list could go on and on. Waiting for the pressure to subside is never a safe alternative. Note the following insights:
“The life of the Christian is not all smooth. He has stern conflicts to meet. Severe temptations assail him. "The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." The nearer we come to the close of this earth's history, the more delusive and ensnaring will be the attacks of the enemy. His attacks will grow fiercer and more frequent. Those who resist light and truth will become more hardened and unimpressible, and more bitter against those who love God and keep His commandments. Ellen G White (MS 33, 1911). {6BC 1111.7}
Closing Reflections
The spiritual choices that confront us each day may not seem all that relevant to the world around us. They may never make the headlines or the evening news yet a life is at stake – ours. The key to victory is found outside of ourselves yet it must come inside. Describe it as we may whether it be walking with, abiding with, being led or living as – every verb form of the victorious Christian reflects a link with the Holy Spirit which leads us to the closing question for this week: How often have we prayed for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, to lead us, to teach us and yes, even correct us?
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