Today was the last message in this wonderful teaching series called "The Art of Being Unordinary" based on the fruit of the Spirit. This is one of those studies it might be worth while coming back to over and over again. All these "Ten Minutes With God" are found at www.Rockhills.com under "Resources." This week we dig into the fruit that holds all of them together: self-control. Without self-control, all the other topics we have talked about (gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, patience, peace and love) are fleeting attempts at good behavior.
Self-control requires more than just "try harder." Trying harder to keep the rules or stay in a system (or under the law) over and over again only ends in frustration and feeling defeated. Especially when you are relying on your own willpower and not "Spirit power." As Pastor Adam pointed out, there is always a battle between the Spirit and the flesh, but progress is possible. God is not in a hurry. Your story is not finished and any and all of your failures are forgiven. They are removed from you "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12).
In this study we have previously written about training vs. trying harder. Here is the question every person needs to address: How can you go into training to live more under the guidance of the Spirit and the self-control provided to live an unordinary life?
INVITATION: The way of the law relies on a "system" or rules to follow. This way ultimately has us obsessed and focused on ourselves. It happens even when we don't intend it to happen. The way of the Spirit relies on the Savior and the finished work of Jesus. This focus is, of course, more centered on the movement of the Spirit in our lives. When you encounter troubles and problems, do you rely on "rules" and your own willpower and logic, or do you rely on the Spirit of God that lives in you? How can you go into training this week, using the power of the Holy Spirit?
MONDAY: Galatians 5:16-18 & Romans 7:22-23: These scriptures describe the battle that exists between the way of the law and the way of the Spirit. The flesh and the Spirit. To be in step with the Spirit is to live in such a way that we reflect the fruit of the Spirit and the characteristics of Jesus Christ. It is the "unordinary" life followers of Jesus should reflect and this entire teaching series has been about. Your life is the primary means by which people will "find and follow Jesus" (the mission statement of Rockhills Church). Where do you go for self-control in your life? To a system (and rules/law) or to the power of the Spirit that lives within you? How might you begin to pay closer attention to the movement of the Spirit in your heart, mind and soul?
TUESDAY: Galatians 5:19-21: Are you willing to take an honest inventory of yourself using these verses as a diagnostic tool? Where is the "check engine" light coming on? God's character is full of grace and love. This self-assessment is not to shame or judge or beat you up. It also is not to become self-obsessed, but only self-aware following the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1 tells us there is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. You can come to God openly and honestly for His power and His help. His open arms are waiting to receive you and set you free.
WEDNESDAY: Galatians 5:22-23: These have been our key verses for the entire series. They are the fruit (singular) of the Spirit. The life of the believer isn't focused on one or two of them, but on ALL of them. Rules, laws and trying harder over and over does not change anyone from inside out. It only frustrates us and leaves us feeling defeated. However, the Spirit of God, when we allow it, changes us from the inside out. It is slow work that occurs over time, but God is faithful and is not in a hurry. Our culture values quick fixes. Are you willing to surrender to the slow work of God within you? The typical "rules" of being a Christian (read the Bible, pray, go to church, etc.) are all great things, but you can remain unchanged if you do not surrender. Many people find it helpful to begin each day with some sort of prayer/ritual/practice of surrender to the Spirit. Perhaps Psalm 143:8 might be worth memorizing for such a practice? "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
THURSDAY: Galatians 5:24-25: Pastor Adam stressed the importance of re-focusing on something better as you seek to live an "unordinary" life and grow in self-control. This re-focus will help you "crucify the sinful nature" over time and will help you develop new neural pathways in your brain. Is there some sort of practice you can put into your life that might provide a "hard stop" to help you re-focus? Has simply trying harder to keep the rules made you feel defeated? Perhaps ask the Lord to give you or show you a Spiritual practice to use in training for more self-control?
FRIDAY: Hebrews 12:2; Phil. 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2: Modern brain science says we can create new neural pathways. How might these verses help you as you seek to live with self-control and create new neural pathways that rely on the Spirit rather than the flesh and the law? It's great that science tells us this, but how might you bring your desires to the "throne room of grace with confidence" today and pray about the formation of these new pathways? (Heb. 4:16).
SATURDAY: Colossians 2:20-23: You have been set free because of Jesus Christ. Are you still in the prison of trying to live by your own willpower and by rules to "try harder?" Rules and laws and systems have their place, but they have no power to conquer our flesh and sin desires. Only The Spirit of God can do that. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Are you living in the freedom that Jesus Christ died for? How might you "stand firm" against living in the flesh this week?