Be Controlled by God’s Power

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Just as He was speaking, Judas, one of the Tweve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. . . . Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” (Mark 14:41-47)
      Passage: Galatians 5:16-18

Peter had boasted that he would never deny Jesus and that he was ready to die with Jesus. He meant it and when the religious leaders came to the Garden of Gethsemane with armed armed guards to arrest Jesus, Peter wanted to protect Jesus. He failed for two reasons. One, he tried to fight in his own power and he wasn’t equipped to do it. Peter was a fisherman, not a fighter. Two, Jesus didn’t tell him to do what he did, so he did it on his own initiative without the direction of the Lord.

Obviously, Peter’s failure took place before He received the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, but it is a example of what happens when a believer lets the flesh and sin nature have more control than the Holy Spirit within. God gave you His Spirit to dwell within you and enable you to live life the way He designed it to be lived. You can live under His control by meditating on His Word, learning to listen to His promptings and staying in communication with Him. God doesn’t expect you to serve under your own strength. He wants you to relax in Christ and rely on His strength. He will lead you and use you just like He has planned.          

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)