Posted by: Kathleen Johnson on 12/31/2024

SPIRIT RULES

Discover the transformative power of SPIRIT RULE (led by the Holy Spirit). Through absolute surrender, experience breakthroughs, joy, and freedom. Spirit Rules equips believers to walk in divine alignment, fulfilling their God-given purpose and rising up to possess the fullness of their inheritance in Christ.

1. Understanding SPIRIT RULES 

• Definition: Living fully led by the Holy Spirit, denying to self (soul life) to experience true freedom and joy.
• Dual Meaning:
  • Being Spirit-led to overcome fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16).
  • Following God’s commands to grow spiritually and mature in Christ. Surrender is not passive. It requires active obedience.

2. Clarifying “Self” in Denying Self

• Misunderstanding of Self-Denial: Many believe denying self means rejecting individuality or worth.
• True Meaning of “Self”:
  • Derived from the Greek word psuché, often translated as soul life.
  • Refers to the natural, independent life driven by human desires, emotions, and reasoning apart from God.
  • Denying self is not rejecting your God-given identity but surrendering self-reliance and autonomy.

3. The Purpose of Denying Self

• Union with God’s Spirit: Denying the self-life allows God’s Spirit to flow freely, bringing peace, vitality, and purpose.
• Freedom from Bondage: Self-reliance leads to fear, anxiety, and striving. Denying it opens the door to rest and joy in God’s presence.
• Living “In Christ”: True freedom comes when the soul and body submit to the Spirit’s leadership, restoring God’s original design.

4. Position vs. Possession

• Position: All believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:13).
• Possession: Experiencing the fullness of God’s promises requires ongoing surrender and obedience to the Spirit’s leading.

5. Barriers to Spirit-Led Living

• Misunderstanding “Self”: Mistaking self-denial (psuche or soul life) for rejecting individuality blocks spiritual growth.
• Unbelief and Self-Reliance: Depending on human logic over God’s truth.  Understanding what self-reliance actually is and how it is not a blessing but a curse is key to breakthrough.
• External Focus: Seeking fulfillment outside rather than through "the power at work within us."

6. Breakthroughs Through Spirit Rule

• Healing and Restoration: Overcoming past wounds and embracing spiritual gifts.
• Empowered Living: Excperiencing rivers of living water flow as we align with the Spirit (John 7:37-39).
• Bold Witness: Living in the joy and power of God transforms personal and community life.

7. Practical Steps to Spirit Rule

• FIGHT: Resist fleshly temptations and spiritual opposition.
• YIELD: Surrender every area of life to the Spirit’s leadership.
• GUARD: Protect spiritual growth from distractions and sin.
• FEED: Nourish your spirit through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship.

8. Addressing Leaders and Listeners

• Clarifying the Teaching: Leaders will be equipped to explain self-denial as a path to spiritual freedom and intimacy with God, not personal rejection.
• Transforming Lives: This teaching offers listeners practical tools to overcome self-reliance and fully embrace life in the Spirit.