How Serious Should We Take God?

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18, CSB) 

Welcome God’s Spirit and the people God calls to hear His Word.
Worship is directing our Spirit to God’s Spirit.
We work out our salvation as we walk by the Spirit.

Question: What do you think it means to “walk by the Spirit?” Why would authenticity matter as we follow Jesus? 

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36–37

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:1–2

How often do we desire comfort without commitment?
How often do we want reward or acclaim without sacrifice?

3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it?” Acts 5:3

“And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” Acts 5:4

When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. Acts 5:5

Question: how serious do you take being real and honest with God? How serious do you think God takes it? 

Working as walking
Walk BY the Spirit
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar…. Galatians 5:19–21

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. 
Galatians 5:22–23

17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. Galatians 5:16–17

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Devote yourself to God. 
When you are devoted, 
You study You serve
You give your talent You give your treasure

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Die to live.
For something new to live, sometimes something has to die. 

“So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!”  
Romans 8:12-14 The Message

Every day is another day you will have to say “no” to your desires, and “yes” to God’s wonderful, rich life! 

7 Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7–8

We work out our salvation as we walk by the Spirit.

Reflection
What needs to die in me so I may live for Christ?
What is one practical way I can express my devotion to God through my time, talent, or treasure?