The Spiritual Solution
Introduction
The solution to every problem depends on the nature of that problem. If a problem is medical in nature, we will seek a medical solution. If the problem is financial, we will find ways to come up with financial solutions. When it comes to relationships, we often assume it’s a natural problem. So, we look for natural solutions. But this is wrong. The problem, as we have seen, is that relationships involve people who are spiritual beings with a spiritual problem (i.e., the flesh) and spiritual enemies. Therefore, the solution must be spiritual. It takes a Spirit-filled person to navigate the Road to Forever. What does it mean to be a Spirit-filled person?
Four Spiritual Characteristics
- Received the Spirit by faith. (Galatians 3:1-5) – Every human being is spiritual in nature but not every person is Spirit-filled. To be Spirit-filled is to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from God through faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, every person needs to be born again in the Spirit to become Spirit-filled. This requires hearing the Gospel, understanding it, and believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Without this experience, a person cannot navigate the Road to Forever successfully.
- Reflects on one’s spiritual identity always. (Galatians 3:26-29; 4:6-7) – Identity is crucial in navigating the Road to Forever. A false identity or a poor self-identity can lead to various problems in any relationship. Only the security of one’s spiritual identity in Christ can enable a person to love others for God’s sake. Otherwise, he or she will always cling to idols to find his or her identity. As a result, it would be very hard for any person to love anyone unconditionally.
- Resists the temptation of slavery again. (Galatians 5:1, 4-6, 13-15) – Being born in the Spirit is not a guarantee that a person will never revert back to slavery again. The flesh and all the spiritual enemies out there will see to it that we will be enslaved again. It’s a constant spiritual battle. Living as if the flesh is not a problem or that the spiritual enemies will not distract us from our sincere devotion to Christ is foolishness. We must be wise in the way we live because the days are evil.
- Remains under the leadership of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-18, 24-26) – Only the Holy Spirit has the power to transform us so that we will become like Jesus. Without His presence, power, and purpose, we will not succeed in our spiritual lives. Sin will always overtake and overpower us. The solution is to keep in step with the Step, obeying His leadership in our lives on a daily basis. This is the only way we can defeat the flesh and all our spiritual enemies.
Conclusion
- Central Idea: “It takes a Spirit-filled person to navigate the Road to Forever.”
- Being a spiritual person does not mean that you are a Spirit-filled person.
- Examine yourself if you have the characteristics of a Spirit-filled person.
Discussion
- Why is it important to know the spiritual nature of relationships?
- What does it mean to be a Spirit-filled person?
- How can you be a Spirit-filled person starting today?