LIVING ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT

LIVING ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 8:5-17

Key Verse: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:16-26; John 14:16-17, 26; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Ephesians 4:30; Colossians 3:1-17.

Description: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the flesh, live in obedience to God, and enjoy the privileges of being His children.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 8:5-17 presents one of the clearest descriptions of the Spirit-filled life. After explaining that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Paul now teaches that believers are called to live according to the Holy Spirit rather than according to the sinful nature. The Christian life is not sustained by human effort but by the transforming power of the Spirit of God.

The contrast between the flesh and the Spirit is central to this passage. The flesh represents the fallen human nature that opposes God, while the Spirit represents God's presence working within believers to produce holiness, peace, and victory. Every Christian must decide daily whether to follow the desires of the flesh or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Living according to the Spirit is the evidence of genuine salvation. Those who are led by the Spirit enjoy intimate fellowship with God, experience victory over sin, and confidently call Him "Abba, Father." Through the Holy Spirit, believers are assured of their identity as God's children and heirs of His eternal Kingdom.

1. SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT
The direction of a believer's mind determines the direction of his or her life.

a) The Mind Governed By The Flesh Leads To Death (Romans 8:5-6)
A life controlled by sinful desires results in spiritual defeat and separation from God.

b) The Mind Governed By The Spirit Produces Life And Peace (Romans 8:6)
The Holy Spirit fills believers with God's peace, joy, and spiritual vitality.

c) Renew Your Mind Through God's Word (Romans 12:2)
Transformation begins when our thinking is shaped by biblical truth.

d) Focus On Heavenly Things (Colossians 3:1-2)
Believers should set their hearts and minds on God's Kingdom rather than worldly pursuits.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42). While others were distracted, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and focus on spiritual priorities.

2. WALK IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Victory over sin is possible only through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

a) The Spirit Dwells In Every Believer (Romans 8:9)
Every genuine Christian has the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

b) Put To Death The Deeds Of The Flesh (Romans 8:13)
Believers must continually reject sinful habits through the Spirit's power.

c) The Spirit Gives Spiritual Life (Romans 8:10-11)
The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead gives life and strength to believers.

d) Depend Upon The Spirit Daily (Galatians 5:16)
Walking in the Spirit enables Christians to resist temptation and live victoriously.

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 6:5-10; 7:54-60). Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen demonstrated wisdom, courage, forgiveness, and unwavering faith even in the face of death.

3. BE LED BY THE SPIRIT AS A CHILD OF GOD
God's children are recognised by their willingness to follow the Spirit's leading.

a) The Spirit Leads God's Children (Romans 8:14)
The Holy Spirit directs believers according to God's perfect will.

b) We Have Received The Spirit Of Adoption (Romans 8:15)
Believers enjoy a loving relationship with God as their heavenly Father.

c) The Spirit Gives Assurance Of Salvation (Romans 8:16)
The Holy Spirit confirms within our hearts that we belong to God.

d) Walk In Loving Obedience (John 14:21)
True sonship is demonstrated through faithful obedience to Christ.

Biblical Example: Philip (Acts 8:26-40). Philip obeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit, resulting in the salvation and baptism of the Ethiopian official.

4. LIVE AS HEIRS OF GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST
Believers possess a glorious inheritance that motivates faithful Christian living.

a) Children Are Also Heirs (Romans 8:17)
Every believer shares in the spiritual inheritance secured through Christ.

b) Share In Christ's Sufferings (Romans 8:17)
Faithfulness may involve persecution, but it also leads to eternal glory.

c) Look Forward To Eternal Glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Present difficulties cannot compare with the glory God has prepared.

d) Persevere Until The End (James 1:12)
Those who remain faithful will receive the crown of life promised by the Lord.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul endured suffering for Christ with confidence because he knew an eternal crown of righteousness awaited him.

CONCLUSION
Romans 8:5-17 teaches that the Christian life is a Spirit-directed life. Believers are no longer controlled by the sinful nature but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to think differently, live differently, and walk in obedience to God. The Spirit gives victory over sin, assurance of salvation, and confidence that we are God's beloved children.

Therefore, let every believer choose daily to yield to the Holy Spirit. As we set our minds on God's Word, obey His leading, and remain faithful through every trial, we shall experience His peace, enjoy His presence, and inherit the glorious promises prepared for all who belong to Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives within me, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to set my mind continually on the things of the Spirit, in Jesus name.

3. Father, empower me to overcome every desire of the flesh through the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, lead me daily according to Your perfect will, in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen my relationship with You and help me to walk as Your obedient child, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fill my heart continually with Your peace, joy, and spiritual strength, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to remain faithful through every trial and temptation, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my life bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in abundance, in Jesus name.

9. Father, preserve me from every deception and keep me sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my Christian race victoriously and inherit the eternal glory prepared for Your children, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually be led by the Holy Spirit in every decision you make.

2. Every power of the flesh seeking to hinder your spiritual growth shall lose its hold over your life.

3. The peace of God shall continually rule your heart and mind.

4. You shall walk in increasing holiness, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.

5. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to overcome every temptation and every attack of the enemy.

6. You shall never lose your identity as a beloved child of God.

7. The Lord shall direct your steps and establish you in His perfect will.

8. You shall bear lasting spiritual fruit that will glorify God and bless many lives.

9. Every trial you face shall work together for your spiritual growth and eternal reward.

10. From this day forward, you shall live according to the Spirit, enjoy the fullness of your inheritance in Christ, fulfil God's divine purpose, and reign victoriously until you see the Lord in glory, in the mighty name of Jesus.