Chapter 19: LIVING IN WHAT IS GOOD WHILE
REJECTING ALL THAT OPPOSES THE GOOD
There is a battle going on between the good and light and evil and darkness.
THE BIG PICTURE COME FIRST. “Freedom, faith, love, fruit, and fellowship. Here we have the most important words in our spiritual battle because they tell us where we are headed. We are engaged in a spiritual battle that is waged over each word, each day, in each of us and in each community of faith.”
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS EVIL AND WHAT IS GOOD. A list of works of the flesh (what is evil) and fruits of the Spirit (what is good).
WHAT IS GOOD DOEWS NOT GROW FROM THE LAW OF MOSES.
WE NEED TO COGNIZE THE MORAL BATTLE. “The Bible is clear on the matter of good and evil. The spirits, the powers, the principalities are at work to bring death and destruction, and hence the list of what is evil is the list of death. Behind all this is the devil. But the Spirit of God is at work to bring life, and that is why the list of what is good can be called the List That Brings Life. We will get nowhere morally until we admit we are engaged in a moral battle.”
WALK, FOLLOW, LIVE, AND MARCH IN THE SPIRIT. Paul uses 4 description of how we are to interact with the Holy Spirit.
- Walk by the Spirit.
- Be led by, or follow, the Spirit.
- Live by the Spirit.
- March, or keep in step, with the Spirit.
NINE-A-DAY. A prayer that John Stott prayed every morning. “Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Quotes from: Scot McKnight & Dave Ferguson. “Open to the Spirit.” iBooks. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/open-to-the-spirit/id1255402428?mt=11