The Lifestyle of a Born Again Believer

Sermon Date:  April 26, 2015

Sermon Topic: The Lifestyle of a Born Again Believer

Foundational Scripture: 

Scriptures: Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 5:2

Acts 1:8, 1 John 3:17-18, Philippians 4:11, Psalm 119:27

Sermon Notes:

When we look at the attributes of a believer, every born again believer has the Holy Spirit and also the gifts of the spirit. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Since Christ abides in us. Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

Every born-again believer has gifts for the building up of the church. Ephesians 4:8 – and Ephesians 4:11-12 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Everyone doesn’t have the same gift. Our gifts aren’t for our glory it’s for the building up and edification of the church.

The fruit of the spirit produces completely, no matter how faint the evidence may be. We can all demonstrate the fruit of love.

The fruit could be in you and you may not be a loveable person, God prunes us to make us loveable and loving people.

Agape love is an unconditional love. No matter who, where or what you’ve done – you’re loved.

Winning souls to Christ – We are to go and share the good news with everyone you come in contact with.

We are the church. The building is where we pray. The church is where I am. I’m the church with a testimony and a witness. I have to study in order to gain an increase.

Action fruit – loving people – comes from attitude fruit. What is your attitude?

Nine Characteristics of Godly fruit is produced in us by the Holy Spirit. The love of Christ dwells in us and is produced by the Holy Spirit.

Love and self-control – once you get those 2 straight you can deal with anything.

If you don’t have love, you have no patience. If you don’t have you have no self-control. When love isn’t evident in your life you lose control.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Love, hope, charity, neighbor goes beyond the person next door and it also goes beyond that person behaving properly. This is a command not an option.

Ephesians 5:2 – and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Walk in love.

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We have the power to love one another.

We can’t say that we can’t love someone and then in the next breath say, “I can do all things through Christ”.

Our behavior and attitude should reflect Christ because we are led by the spirit.

Agape love seeks out only the good in others.

Your ability to deal with adversity could change the hearts and minds of others.

God’s love is manifested in deeds. I don’t just say I love you, I show it.

1 John 3:17-18 –  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Let us not love in word and tongue, but in deeds.

The source of the spiritual fruit is the acceptance of the gospel. All things have become new and all things are of God.

We need the same mindset that’s in God. We must abide in him.

We need to study the word.

He will keep us in perfect peace because our minds are stayed on him.

Not only do we grow in love – we grow in understanding. Psalm 119:27 – Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.  Lord make me understand. That’s why the Holy Spirit teaches us. We need to grow in contentment.

Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I’m led by the spirit so I don’t go ahead of God.

What is it that comes into my life to make me lose control?

What causes you to lose control of your tongue?

Put a watch over my mouth. Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.