ABF Lesson 2 Guide for March 12thof the Holy Spirit Series
Introduction
The high level theme of this series is “the Spirit filled life is like wind in your sails”!
What would it be like sitting on a sail boat with no wind?
- Hot, uncomfortable, boring, disappointing, unfulfilling, low morale.
- Could become dangerous if you become stranded, running out of food and water.
What would it be like sitting on a sail boat when it is perfect weather with the perfect strength of wind filling the sails?
- Comfortable, adventurous, fulfilling, high morale, see the sights
- Little danger because you know you have the power to get home
This is a similar reality in the Christian life.
Last Sunday, we focused upon, “Who is the Holy Spirit?” and the reality of His indwelling the life of the believer. Today we are focusing upon how the indwelling Spirit shapes our character into the character of Christ. The Spirit filled life is the Christ like life.
When the wind of the Spirit is filling our lives, we experience less self-inflicted discomfort, more fulfillment, purpose, adventure, less self – inflicted danger and a significant, fruitful lifestyle – fruits of the Spirit.
When the wind of the Spirit is not filling our lives, we are bored, aimless, unfulfilled, often leaving destruction in our paths and performing the deeds of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This is a command. It is our responsibility to start walking with the Spirit who influences our decision making, resulting in Christlikeness.
Every day, every moment, there lies the choice, “Am I going to walk by the Spirit or walk with another person or down another path?”
Testimonies
Ask members to share times when they chose the wrong person and path and what they experienced. Push them to be specific and get real and feel afresh the angst of those decisions.
Discussion
Why don’t we choose the better person and path? Ask for differing responses.
Sometimes, it has to do with possessing the wrong mindset.
Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
How does that work? It has a lot to do with mindset. Romans 8 says, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God” (Romans 8:6-7, ESV). Dr. Charles Stanley, in his book on the Spirit-filled life, writes about the battle of the mind. “Every sinful act is committed twice: once in our heads and once in our behavior. To win the behavior battle, we must first win the battle that takes place in our minds.”The spiritual battle is decided in our minds longer before it is seen in our behavior. Dr. Stanley adds, “Walking in the Spirit requires a mind-set.”
Discussion Question
A mindset of the flesh is hostile to God. How does that make you feel that you are descried as, “hostile to God”?
See the other bible passages Monty mentions in the middle of page 2 of his message.
The Holy Spirit conscience is our “constant companion”.
Discussion Question
What are differing ways that you can possess a Spirit filled “mindset”?
Answers – listening to Christian music, memorize bible verses, pray, worship, meaningful conversation with other believers etc…
The Struggle is Real
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17, ESV).
Paul admitted that his life was a life of contradictions too. “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate … And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:15, 18-19, NLT). Disgusted with himself, Paul admits he is a walking contradiction.[i]
Discussion Questions
Do you feel this battle? What does that look like for you?
Is it comforting to know that the apostle Paul felt this way?
Please renew your mind with this insight, “There is holiness inherent in your struggle”.
If you don’t struggle, then you need to become really concerned! However, the fact that your struggle is so tormenting reveals you want to be a godly man or woman.
Thoughts on this?
Conditions for Dangerous Vulnerability
Monty reminded us of our enemy the devil and how his demons and all the forces of this fallen world can leave us vulnerable if we are not alert!!
Discussion Question
What are conditions we can put or find ourselves in that can influence our conscience to become dulled, desensitized, neglected? Those below were mentioned by Monty. Let them come up with some on their own and you can add on some below as you want.
•when we’re too busy and we’re not paying attention
•when we neglect the spiritual disciplines of the word, prayer, worship, and community
•when we’re tired and worn out
•when we’re under pressure or stressed out
•when we’re in a bad mood; when we’re discouraged or angry or frustrated
•when we consume large amounts of media and allow the values of the culture to shape our thinking
•when we’re addicted to some kind of idol; like technology, video games, sports, or Pinterest!
•when we put ourselves in situations or go places where temptation is heightened
•when we’re bored and looking for some fun
•when we think no one is watching
Our Freedom is Real
The struggle is real, but so is our freedom.[ii] “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18, ESV).
Let’s be reminded again of the characteristics of a Spirit led life and a flesh driven life and close out our time together discussing how to specifically “walk by the Spirit”.
It’s Obvious When We’re Not Walking by the Spirit
But it’s obvious when we’re not walking by the Spirit. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 19-21, ESV).
When we choose not to be influenced by the Spirit, the devastating sins above are chosen and if you are truly a believer, great pain sets in.
Excerpt from Monty’s message:
The most devastating consequence for David was spiritual torment, and he was honest enough to compose several psalms about his greatest regret.[iii]
3When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. (Psalm 32:3-4, NLT)
1O Lord … 2Your arrows have struck deep … 3Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins. 4My guilt overwhelms me – it is a burden too heavy to bear. 5My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. 6I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief … 8I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart … 18I am deeply sorry for what I have done. (Psalm 38:1-6, 8, 18, NLT)[iv]
Discussion Questions
Which one or more of the deeds of the flesh could you identify with the most and why?
What were the destructive ripple effects of your choices?
Describe the angst you experienced similar to King David.
It’s Obvious When We Are Walking by the Spirit
It’s obvious when we’re not walking by the Spirit, and it’s obvious when we are. “But,” in contrast to the “works of the flesh,” “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
Discussion Question
What kind of impact does a person have on his/her world when the fruits of the Spirit bloom in their lives?
Keep in Step with the Spirit
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, ESV).
See analogies on pp.5-6 of Monty’s message helping to depict what keeping in step with the Spirit is supposed to look like.
1)Soldiers walking in lock step
Question – what impact do you have when you don’t march in alignment with God’s commands?
2)Shadow
Question – what would your shadow of Jesus look like? – similar, distorted? Why?
How to Walk by the Spirit
Remember who you are in Christ.
Stay in God’s Word!
Keep praying and talking to God.
Know your enemy and prepare for spiritual battle.
Avoid tempting situations.
Lean on friends who will encourage you and hold you accountable.
Remember the cross.
Rely on the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
I always like the idea of asking T.A.F.T. Ask each member to share with another member, what their Take Away from Today is.
This could be a truth insight, application and more.
1
[i] I believe that Paul is talking his Christian life in Romans 7, not his pre-Christian life. He must be a Christian because he has “the desire to do what is good” (Romans 7:18) and because he “delight(s) in God’s law” (Romans 7:22). As theologian John Stott writes, “So here is a man who not only acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of the law, but who loves it, delights in it, longs for it … This is not the language of the unregenerate.” [John Stott, Romans: God’s Good News for the World (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), page 206.]
[ii]Romans 6 says we are freed from the power of sin. Romans 7 says we will still struggle with sin. And Romans 8 says the Spirit can give us victory over sin.
[iii]I can imagine David muttering under his breath, “How did I get myself into this mess?” Here’s how. The Bible says, “Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:14, NAS). David was enticed by his own lust, and he was carried away. He could not resist the thrill. He gave in. And he suffered for it.
[iv] See also Psalm 51.