FP 39 The Bible – Digging Down

A Practical Study

Okay, I know these are a little longer than usual but they’re worth the extra time to learn how to really begin to dig into God’s Word so let’s “dig” in!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

This week we’ve talked a lot about reflecting on God’s Word rather than just reading it. The key to all of our relationships is to understand them against the backdrop of our lives as they relate to God first and others second. Too many times we’re trying to live a “Christian” life in a worldly way and then when our marriages or friendships don’t work out, we turn to God and ask Him why He let them fail. The failure didn’t happen in the relationship with others first; the failure happened because one or both individuals failed to live the Spirit led life!

While any contact with God is good such as prayer, meditation, serving, and reading daily devotionals, nothing will move you into a deeper walk with God and others like taking time to dig down deep into His Word. But how do you do that?

Today let’s take just a moment and practice digging down on the passage from yesterday but before we do, let me give you the first key to digging down deep. Pray! Stop and ask God to guide your thoughts and to help you understand His Word and apply it to your life and relationships right now. Tell Him that you desire to live the Spirit led life and to produce fruit that will last and be a blessing to Him and to others. Amen! Now - Galatians 5:16-26.

The desired result God has for His children is that we would yield our lives daily to His Holy Spirit in us and produce His fruit. How do we know this? As you study the entire passage slowly, methodically, reading it aloud, let the movement of the words drive you as you listen to what God is telling you while you read. Notice this:

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 (NLT)

I’ve underlined the key phrases for you (it’s good to do so in your Bible as well) which are the keys to producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. How do we begin to live in ways that are pleasing to God and stop the frustration of the double life? Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, it’s that simple. When you do, THEN you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. There’s always a cause and effect to all of our actions. Tomorrow we’ll talk about not getting the two confused!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Here are some links to a few really great study tools but don’t use the commentaries until after you’ve prayed, read, meditated, and allowed God to speak to you first, then click on the helps:

http://www.biblegateway.com
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com