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

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

e. Gal. 3.11 – Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

B. Pretending that our discipline counts more than the Spirit

1. The Problem : thinking that our disciplined lifestyle provides us with power and position that makes the role of the Spirit either unnecessary or less critical for our spiritual development.

2. The Remedy : realizing that, whatever our efforts may be, only if these efforts are done in the name of the Lord Jesus and energy and power of the Spirit will they have any usefulness whatsoever.

a. Gal. 5.4-5 – You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. [5] For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

b. Eph. 2.18 – For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

c. 1 Cor. 12.3 – Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

d. Gal. 3.2-5 – Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? [3] Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? [4] Did you suffer so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain? [5] Does he who supplies the Spirit to