The Third Person: By The Spirit
May 15, 2022
Jay Haugh
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. —Romans 8:12-14
What we “owe” to our flesh is war and enmity.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. —Romans 8:7-8
The debt of our sinful flesh has been paid.
Jesus canceled our debt and because of that we don’t owe our flesh anything, besides war.
We owe the Holy Spirit everything.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13
If you try to live your life any other way than by the Spirit, you won’t make it. You’ll die.
The Christian life is a WAR.
Christianity is NOT a war against other people. It’s a war on our own sin.
There is something about war that sharpens the senses…You hear a twig snap or the rustling of leaves and you are in attack mode. Someone coughs and you are ready to pull the trigger. Even after days of little or no sleep, war keeps us vigilant. —Ed Welch, A Banquet in the Grave
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13>
“Put to death” is synonymous with “kill.”
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. —Romans 8:14
The Holy Spirit leads us to fight our sinful impulses and actions.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13
• Kill sin “by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:13)
• Worship “by the Spirit” (Phil. 3:3)
• Confess Jesus is Lord “by the Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3)
• Pray “by the Spirit” (Jude 1:20)
• Serve “by the Spirit” (1 Pet. 4:11)
• Taught “by the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:13)
• Walk “by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16)
those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. —Romans 8:5b
…we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit…but a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. —1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (NASB95)
The “things of the Spirit” is the Word of God.
for we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. —2 Peter 1:16
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. —2 Peter 1:20-21
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. —Ephesians 6:17
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13
The Holy Spirit isn’t a weapon. The Holy Spirit is a person.
We kill sin the same way we get saved.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. So faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ. —Romans 10: 13,17
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified… Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? —Galatians 3:1-2
Does God give you his [Holy] Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? —Galatians 3:5
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:19
With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. —Mark 10:27 (NIV)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18 (NIV)
Big Idea:
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
● How does the Big Idea feel to you? Do you really believe that the Christian life is war?
● How does the Holy Spirit help us kill sin? What Scripture would you use to back up your answer?
● Is it legalistic to say that all believers should memorize scripture? Why or why not?
● Where has the Holy Spirit brought freedom or victory in your life?
● What are some of God’s promises that you’re clinging to during this season?
● Where did God “break in” and get your attention in the passage? What are you “hearing” from God?
● Where is God calling you to repent? Or what is He calling you to do or believe about the Holy Spirit?
● What question wasn’t addressed that you think your small group should discuss?