Pastor Stephen Dedman

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬

The apostle Paul contrasts the mindset of those who are controlled by the flesh with those who are led by the Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on spiritual things rather than earthly desires, highlighting the power of living according to the Spirit.

Paul identifies two distinct ways of living: according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are characterized by their preoccupation with worldly desires, selfish ambitions, and sinful inclinations. Their minds are consumed with temporal pleasures and pursuits, leading to spiritual bondage and death.

In contrast, those who live according to the Spirit are guided by a different mindset—one that is focused on the things of God. Their minds are set on spiritual truths, heavenly realities, and eternal values. They are led by the Spirit of God, who empowers them to live in obedience to His will and to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised.

Living according to the Spirit produces fruit in our lives—fruit that is evidence of our spiritual transformation and intimacy with God. This fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), qualities that reflect the character of Christ and draw others to Him.

May we surrender our thoughts to the leading of the Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out and to bear fruit in our lives for His glory.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Help me to set my mind on the things of the Spirit, turning away from the desires of the flesh. Renew my mind and transform my heart, that I may bear fruit that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭18‬-‭19‬

One day a rich young man asked Jesus what good thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus responded by listing several commandments, including those related to relationships with others (such as not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, and honoring parents) and one that includes love for both God and neighbor (loving one’s neighbor as oneself).

Jesus affirms the importance of following the commandments related to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the need for love, honesty, and respect in our interactions with others.

Firstly, Jesus underscores the sanctity of human life and the value of preserving it by commanding against murder. He emphasizes the sacredness of the marital bond by prohibiting adultery and emphasizes honesty and integrity through the prohibitions against stealing and bearing false witness.

Furthermore, Jesus highlights the significance of honoring one’s parents, recognizing the role of family relationships in shaping our lives and society. But perhaps most importantly, Jesus concludes His response by pointing to the overarching principle of love: loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

Loving one’s neighbor as oneself goes beyond mere adherence to a set of rules; it requires genuine care, compassion, and empathy for others. It calls us to treat others with the same kindness, grace, and respect that we desire for ourselves.

Today, let us commit ourselves to loving God and loving others, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill the greatest commandments of all.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the guidance You provide through Your Word. Help me to be characterized by love, honesty, and respect for others. Enable me to honor You by loving my neighbors as myself, reflecting Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬

John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and prepared the way for His ministry. He baptized people with water as a symbol of repentance, but he prophesied that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, signifying a deeper, transformative work in the hearts and lives of believers.

John the Baptist contrasts his baptism with water, which symbolizes repentance and cleansing from sin, with the baptism that Jesus will bring—a baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism represents the impartation of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, which brings about spiritual renewal, empowerment, and transformation.

As Christians, we are called to experience this baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is not merely an external ritual but a deep and inward work of God in our hearts and lives. The Holy Spirit gives us power to live as disciples of Jesus, enabling us to bear fruit, overcome sin, and walk in obedience to God’s will. He convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and empowers us to live lives that glorify God.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit represents a purifying fire that refines and purges us from all that hinders our relationship with God. It burns away impurities, strengthens our faith, and empowers us to live boldly for Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into the image of Christ, becoming more like Him in character and conduct.

Today, let us invite the Holy Spirit to come and fill us anew, empowering us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which brings transformation and empowerment. Fill me with Your Spirit today, and purify me with Your refining fire. Help me to walk in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.