WE’RE SPIRIT-LED
Anchor Verses
- Galatians 5:16-22 NLT
- Genesis 22:1-24 NLT
- Romans 13:1-7 NLT
Introduction – What does it mean to be Spirit-led?
- Galatians 5:16-22 NLT
- Fruit of the Spirit vs. Fruit of the flesh
- “Hearing from God”
- Audible vs. learning His character
Analysis – Obedience
- Genesis 22:1-24 NLT
- The key point with Abraham is that he was obedient
- God provided in the midst even though it didn’t make sense and Abraham didn’t know how God would intervene
- Being tested reminded Abraham of God’s character, and focusing on God’s character and faithfulness gave Abraham hope in what God was promising – God wants to do the same for us!
- Ezekiel 36:26–27
- 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.[a] 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
- The key point with Abraham is that he was obedient
Application – Authority
- Romans 13:1-7 NLT
- Matthew 22:21
- “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
- So who do I vote for?
- As Theologian Jim Wallis says, “The right doesn’t get it. And the left gets it wrong.”
- The way of Jesus is the Third Way. Attempting to fit Jesus into our political spectrum expects too much of our political system and dilutes the power and authority of Christ
- As Theologian Jim Wallis says, “The right doesn’t get it. And the left gets it wrong.”
- Campaigning for Christ
- Our ultimate goal should be winning people for Christ
- Winning someone over to your side of a particular issue is not going to save their souls
- Our ultimate goal should be winning people for Christ
- James 3:17-18
- 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.[a]
- Our evangelism should be peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others
- 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.[a]
- When you go to vote
- The world does not pivot on the outcomes of Nov. 5th
- Be Spirit-led
- Recognized we are blessed – the book of Romans was written to a people who had experienced far worse politically: Slavery in Egypt, exile in Babylon, and ruled over by Rome. Yet, they were told to submit to authority.
- Matthew 22:21
Sermon Questions
- Reflecting on Romans 8:1-17, how can you apply the concept of being Spirit-led in your daily life, especially when you encounter people who don’t share your beliefs or values?
- When Abraham trusted in God’s provision, even though he couldn’t see the way forward (Genesis 22:1-24), it strengthened his faith. How can focusing on God’s character help you trust Him more fully in uncertain or challenging situations?
- In a world often divided by politics, Jesus calls us to a “third way” that transcends division (Romans 13:1-7). How can you remain true to your faith and values while still showing love and respect to those with whom you may disagree?