Paul Walked With God In Spirit

Temple Baptist Church - 9-10-2017

Romans 8:1-17

Introduction:

A.  As far as I am concerned, the Apostle Paul was possibly the greatest Christian in the early years of the church.  As with the other men of God that we have looked at, there had to be one thing that made Paul a man who walked with God.

B.  Again, Paul was not a perfect Christian, just a good one!  We often equate spirituality with perfection and failure with carnality.

C.  Though other epistles make mention of the blessed Holy Spirit, the Pauline Epistles introduce the believer to the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost and His work.  The Apostle Paul was truly a Spirit filled man!

D.  The Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts are transitional in nature with both passing and permanent gifts given for the edification of the saints and the work of the ministry.

E.  The greatest of all gifts given is the blessed, precious Holy Ghost!  Almighty God living in the believer!

1. He teaches (John 14:26)

2. He guides (Rom 8:14)

3. He commissions (Acts 13:4)

4. He commands men (Acts 8:29)

5. He restrains (Cen6:3)

6. He intercedes (Rom 8:26)

7. He speaks (John 15:26; 2 Peter 1:21)

F.  There is a lot of mis-information in religious circles about the person and work of the Holy Ghost. Some religious denominations practice unscriptural works and blame the Holy Ghost for them.  The scripture cannot be violated and the Spirit of God gave the scripture.

2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

G.  To walk with God, one must walk in God or walk in the Spirit.  Paul was such a man.  The Bible does not specifically say that Paul walked in the Spirit but I believe that his epistles testify to it. What is walking in the Spirit?

1.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires a spiritual birth.  John 3:5-8  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and ofthe Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  (7)  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  (8)  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

a.  The New Birth and the Word of God.  Romans 10:14-17  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  (15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  (16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  (17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

b.  The New Birth and the Spirit of God.  1 Corinthians 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires being conscious of His Presence.  Galatians 5:16-17  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  (17)  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  (Realizing the constant battle that we have with our old sinful flesh and knowing the presence of the blessed Holy Spirit: our Comforter, Friend, and Guide.)

a. Consciousness of God is not based upon Emotions.  I do not necessarily feel God in me or with me.  Emotions can leave one fearful and drained because we cannot see God’s presence.

b. Consciousness of God is not based upon Circumstances.  There are times when I do not think that things are right nor do I like where I am in life.  Circumstances can leave one confused and discouraged because we cannot see God working in the background.

c. Consciousness of God relies completely upon His Promises.  He said that He would be there with me and for me.  Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light!

d.  Walking in the Spirit involves knowing that He is with me; He sees me; He protects me; and He cares for me.  All the time!

3.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18-21  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  (19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  (21)  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  (The filling of the Holy Ghost is not evidenced by the modern day “tongues” but by a sweetness of singing and making melody in our hearts coupled with thankfulness.)

a.  Sensitive to the Spirit.  Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is imperative. 

b.  Obedient to the Spirit.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout the day.

c.  Not Grieving the Spirit.  Heeding the reproof of the Holy Spirit when we commit sin.

4.  Walking with God in the Spirit is evidencing the fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-25  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (24)  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  (True Biblical Christianity is always evidenced with the inward, outward, and upward fruit of the Spirit.  You cannot be Spirit filled without all 9 aspects of the fruit.)

5.  Walking with God in the Spirit is evidenced by living for God instead of living for the world.  Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

a. Consecration for God is Realization that I belong to God.  We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ.  We are not our own but we are His.

b. Consecration for God is Presentation of my body to God. Separation is simply giving to God what He has already paid for: our lives!  We owe all that we have or ever will have to Him.

c. Consecration for God is Glorification of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which isin you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

d.  Consecration is dying to self and living for the glory of God -Luke 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

6.  Walking In The Spirit Involves Compliance To God - 1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

a. Compliance to the Holy Spirit’s Direction - John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

b. Compliance to the Holy Scripture’s Doctrine - John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,then are ye my disciples indeed;  32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Conclusion:  Walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh.  Walk in the flesh and deny the Spirit.  Our Lord said that we are either for Him or against Him with no room for middle ground.