THEE Word for the Week

Walking by the Spirit Galatians 5:16-17; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Week 11 - November 7-11 Monday Read Galatians 5:16-26 In this text we see a stark contrast between walking by the Spirit & gratifying the desires of the sinful nature. What does Paul say would be the result of walking by the Spirit [v.16]? Why does Paul say that walking by the Spirit short circuits the gratification of the fleshs desires [v.17]? When we gratify the desires of the flesh we exhibit the works of the flesh. To what degree are you gratifying the desires & exhibiting the works of the flesh [19-21]? When we walk by the Spirit we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. To what degree are you walking by the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit [22-23]? Tuesday Read Ephesians 4:25-32 In this text we see that the way we treat the people of God has a direct effect upon the Spirit of God. How are we admonished to interact within the church community [25-29; 31-32]? What seems to be the implication of failing to live according to the ethic laid out in these verses? What effect does it have upon the Holy Spirit when we do not speak the truth, sin against one another in our anger, take something from another, fail to edify with our words, harbor bitterness towards one another, or refuse to forgive? How might you be grieving the Holy Spirit? Wednesday Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 In this text we see an exhortation to allow the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work in us. How might failing to respect & esteem those whom God has appointed in leadership over His people quench to the work of the Holy Spirit [12-13]? How might failing to admonish, encourage, and help quench the work of the Holy Spirit within the church [14]? How might exercising revenge on those who are either inside or outside the church quench the work of the Holy Spirit [15]? Thursday Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 In this text we see an exhortation to allow the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work in us. How might failing to rejoice, pray, and give thanks at all times quench the work of the Holy Spirit [16-18]? How might despising prophecies or failing to test the prophecies we do receive quench the work of the Spirit [20-21]? How might failing to abstain from forms of evil quench the work of the Spirit [22]? Friday Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Based on this text, John Owen penned this definition of sanctification, ... the immediate work of God by his Spirit upon our whole nature, proceeding from the peace made for us by Jesus Christ, whereby, being changed into His likeness, we are kept entirely in peace with God, and are preserved unblamable, or in a state of gracious acceptation with Him, according to the terms of the covenant, unto the end. Take several moments today to reflect upon the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in your life [changes in desires, actions, thoughts, words] and return praise unto God for the work He is accomplishing as He renews your whole nature. Thank God that indeed He keeps you unblamable unto the end.