Walk In The Spirit - Part 5

When we were born again our spirits had an instant change.  Ezekiel 36:26, 27 states it this way .....................the Lord put a new spirit within us...............I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes.  This was the change that took place when we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  One of our main Scriptures for this series is Galatians 5:25 which says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, Paul by the Holy Spirit was instructing the church that we are to live our Christian lives from the same place that we received it, in the spirit.  According to Scripture we are spirits, we possess souls, and we live in bodies (1 Thess. 5:23).  

Currently in the series we are looking at how we can develop our spiritual awareness.  One of the main ways to do this is to have our thinking renovated by the Word of God.  

Scripture:  Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJV

Renewing – The renovation of the mind, the complete change for the better, adjusting our thinking to God’s thinking.

Transformed – To change into another form, to transfigure.

Metamorphosis entails an immature form transitioning into adulthood in distinct stages – going from one type of life form to a completely different one.

In order to walk in the spirit this is what needs to take place in our minds.  Our minds need to be renovated from one form to a completely different one.  This process takes place as we read and study the Word of God.  The Word of God has the transforming power that our minds need consistently. 

Let's look at several other Scriptures that will reinforce this truth in our lives.  

Scripture:  James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. NKJV

• Here again we have a phrase similar to the one that Paul used in Romans 12:2.  James speaks of the Word of God being able to “save your souls.”  This phrase expresses the same thing as Romans 12:2 “being transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  The Word of God is the item we use to save or transform our minds.  Having a saved soul will help us walk in the spirit, having a carnal mind and living in filthiness, wickedness will cause us to walk in the flesh, it will cause us to be spiritually sluggish or dull rather than spiritually aware. 
• Renewing or transforming the mind with the Word of God directs our minds toward the spirit, which then strengthens our ability to “walk in the spirit.” 

Scripture:  Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. NKJV

Scripture:  Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. NKJV

Col 3:2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things),         not on the things that are on the earth. AMP

Set your mind – To exercise the mind, to entertain or have a sentiment opinion.  To interest oneself with concern or obedience.  To be of the same mind.  To direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek or strive for it.  To be minded in a certain way.
 

• As believers we are to be of the same mind of heaven.  We are to set our mind to Christ and His seating at the right hand of God.  No matter my situation I am to be thinking about it from the perspective of the right hand of God, from the perspective of the seated Christ. 

Below are some passages of Scripture that will help you become and remain spiritually aware.  Take time to read over these passages and declare them over your life.  

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV

Mark 10:27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” NKJV

Matt 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” NKJV

Mark 14:36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” NKJV

The key to maturity in this area is to stop being alarmed by or even impressed with circumstances. Instead, be changed by what the Word of God has to say about life. Circumstances can change and often do.  But the Word of God never changes. Circumstances will never change the Word of God, but the Word of God will change circumstances.  

The renewing of the mind, learning to think according to Scripture, having the mind of Christ, is one of the real keys in learning to walk in the spirit.  This maturity helps you see life as it truly is and move through circumstances as Jesus Himself did when He was on earth.

In Christ, Pastor Sean