Advance by the Spirit

As Christians, we have the knowledge and understanding that our words have power and impact on our lives. James 3:3-5 says that "a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong." This means that our words, even though they may seem small, have the ability to steer our lives in any direction we choose. No matter how fierce the winds are.

The important question for us to answer is; “in what direction would you prefer that your tongue direct your life?" The Bible reveals a particular direction that is beyond the failings of the five physical senses.

The scripture is full of information on how the five physical senses have the potential of leading us into error. The sense of sight led Eve to eat the fruit (Genesis 3:6). The sense of smell led Isaac to bless Jacob instead of Esau (Genesis 27:27). The sense of taste can be deceitful (Proverbs 9:17-18.) The sense of hearing can entice us to fill ourselves with Junk (2 Timothy 4:3-4). And the sense of touch almost killed Abimelech (Genesis 20:6).

The Spirit of God invites you this morning to live a life powered by him. Galatians 5:25 says " If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:16 instructs us to "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." These passages offer us the opportunity to choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives.

The word walk in Galatians 5:25 is stoicheo in Greek. It means to range in a regular line. It means to march and keep steps as in military ranks. It figuratively means to conform to virtue and piety.

The word walk in Galatians 5:16 is paripateo in Greek. It means to walk at large as proof of ability. But figuratively which is the context it is being used here, it refers to living. Among other meanings, it means to progress and make due use of opportunities.

As we journey in the new year of 2023, a year full of opportunities, let us use our tongues to drive our lives in the direction of the Spirit. Speak words of faith and declare that we will follow the leading of the Spirit in all things. Let us declare that we will keep in step with the leadership of the Spirit, conform to the virtues of the Spirit and make due use of opportunities in the name of Jesus.

May we exhibit piety in all things and at all times as we journey through this year. By the grace of God, may we respond accordingly to the leading of the Spirit in every situation in the name of Jesus.