A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 281

(a) Eph. 4.30 – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (b) Sealed, Eph. 1.13-14 – In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. c. We are now adopted into the family of God by the Spirit of God, Rom. 8.15-17 – For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

2. We are called to be filled (controlled, under the influence of) with the Spirit, Eph. 5.18 – And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

3. We are called to walk in and be led by the Spirit, Gal. 5.16-18 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

4. As we trust and obey the promptings of God through the Holy Spirit, we experience the good will of the Lord.