ALIVE IN THE SPIRIT – Lesson 1: LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

GIFT SCRIPTURE STUDIES (Tagalog–English)
📅 September 3, 2025 / 6:30–8:30 PM

Text: Romans 8:6

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
“Sapagka’t ang kaisipan ng laman ay kamatayan; datapuwa’t ang kaisipan ng Espiritu ay buhay at kapayapaan.”

Supporting Scriptures:

• Romans 8:1–9
• Galatians 6:1
• 1 Peter 2:5

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INTRODUCTION / PASIMULA

It is still real — the abundant life is real!
At ito ay available sa lahat ng tumatanggap sa Espiritu ng Diyos.

In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is often described as living water—refreshing, life-giving, and overflowing.
The Spirit is like a river of life that flows to redeem, heal, and bless. Whether described as water flowing from a rock in the wilderness or a glorious river proceeding from the throne of God, the source is always the same — the Lord Himself.

The river of God is abundant.
Genesis 2:10 describes the river of Eden that “was parted and became four heads”—a picture of life, nourishment, and fruitfulness.
Likewise, Revelation 22:17 invites all:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come… and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Why would anyone stand on the banks of this mighty river with only a small cup, when God offers “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over” (Ezekiel 47:5)?
Why stay at the shoreline when the depths of God’s love are waiting just beyond?

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I. BECAUSE OF THE NEED (Dahil sa Pangangailangan)

The greatest work ever done for humanity happened because God saw our need.
We were all “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), “walking according to the course of this world” (Ephesians 2:2).
Hopeless and helpless, we struggled in sin — but God responded through the Incarnation, when “God was manifest in the flesh” in Jesus Christ.

So, what does it mean to live in the Spirit?

• It means abiding in Jesus Christ (John 15:4–7, 10):
  “Abide in Me, and I in you… for without Me you can do nothing.”
• It means living in God’s flow—being led, guided, and sustained by His presence.
• It means being cleansed, sanctified, and free—yet continually dependent on His grace.

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II. DRAWN BY THE SPIRIT

God responded to humanity’s greatest need with an even greater solution—Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem.
Mercy broke through the clouds of judgment; divine love covered the shame of sin.
By His love and mercy, God draws all people to repentance.

• The Spirit always draws us toward Jesus Christ (John 16:13).
• The Spirit draws us into prayer and communion with God.
• We can choose to live on the surface—spiritually shallow—or dive into deeper spiritual life.
• True life in the Spirit comes only by surrendering our will to His.

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III. THE FINEST FRUIT (Ang Pinakamagaling sa mga Bunga)

“And by the river… shall grow all trees for food… their leaf shall not fade, nor shall their fruit fail.”
— Ezekiel 47:12

Growth takes time. After being born again, we must continue learning from Christ (Ephesians 4:20).
Spiritual maturity is shown not by gifts or achievements, but by the manifestation of love—the very nature of God (1 John 4:8).

• The Spirit’s work is progressive; it transforms our selfish, fleshly nature into Christlike love.
• The fruit of the Spirit reveals new life in the believer and the death of the old self (John 12:24).
• Like trees planted by the river, we bear fruit in due season—steady, healthy, and enduring.

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IV. SHORTCUTS AND SUBSTITUTES

There are no shortcuts to living in the Spirit.
A life of true spirituality requires dedication to Jesus and devotion to His Word.
It also calls for separation—a life distinct from the world, set apart for the will and pleasure of God.

• The gifts of the Spirit are powerful tools, but not all are mature enough to use them wisely (1 Corinthians 12–13).
• In humility, every believer must guard their heart from pride.
• Those chosen for spiritual gifts must first learn submission to the Spirit—in at least one area of life.
• True spirituality is seen not just in giftedness but in teachability and submission to godly leadership (1 Corinthians 3:1–2; Hebrews 5:12).

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V. OPPOSITION AND DISAPPOINTMENT (Pagsalungat at Pagkabigo)

Yes—there will be opposition.
There will be seasons of struggle to maintain our spiritual direction.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our real enemies are not physical but spiritual.

• Temptations are dangerous hindrances (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• The Christian life involves both battle and victory.
• The more we submit to God, the more we overcome (James 4:7).
• Jesus Himself understands our weakness:

  “For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.”
  — Hebrews 2:18

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VI. WHERE THE RIVERS FLOW (Sa Dinadaluyan ng Batis)

The Scriptures reveal the blessings God longs to pour out on His people:

“Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it… the river of God is full of water.”
— Psalm 65:9

“They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house, and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.”
— Psalm 36:8

• Where do God’s rivers flow?
  Proverbs 21:1 says, “He turneth it whithersoever He will.”
  The great flow of God’s Spirit often moves toward the low places—humble, yielded hearts.
• God’s goal is always the good of His creation.
• In Scripture, the sea often represents restless and rebellious humanity (Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 13:1).
• Living in the Spirit is the highest privilege of the believer.
• The one who delights in the Lord is like a tree planted by rivers of water, fruitful and thriving:

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water… his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
— Psalm 1:3

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NEXT LESSON PREVIEW

Lesson 2 — SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
Learning to grow deeper through prayer, study, and obedience.