What does living "in the spirit as God does" look like practically? Setting the Context 1 Peter 4:6: “For this reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” Peter contrasts two realms: • “Judged…in the flesh” – every human faces physical death and earthly evaluation. • “Live according to God in the spirit” – believers, even if they die physically, continue real life in God’s realm and are called to begin living that way now (vv. 2-3). So, what does that actually look like in everyday life? Living According to God in the Spirit: Core Marks • Christ-centered mindset ‑ Romans 8:5-6 – “those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” ‑ Daily decisions calibrated by, “Would this honor Christ?” • Freedom from old passions ‑ 1 Peter 4:2 – no longer “for human passions but for the will of God.” ‑ Galatians 5:24 – fleshly desires crucified with Christ. • Active obedience ‑ John 14:15-17 – love for Jesus seen in keeping His commands; the Spirit empowers that obedience. ‑ Choices aligned with Scripture even when culture opposes (1 Peter 4:4). • Evident fruit ‑ Galatians 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, etc., become visible relational cues that we’re Spirit-led. • Suffering with hope ‑ 1 Peter 4:12-14 – trials become platforms to display God’s glory. ‑ The Spirit steadies us so pain doesn’t derail faith or love. How This Looks Day to Day • Speech that builds: no coarse joking (Ephesians 4:29), quick to bless instead of repay (1 Peter 3:9). • Stewarding time: investing in prayer, fellowship, service (1 Peter 4:7-10). • Hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). • Using gifts as managers of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Quick repentance when convicted; refusing to excuse sin. • Inner dialogue shaped by Scripture, not anxiety or anger (Philippians 4:6-8). • Seeking reconciliation faster than self-justification (Matthew 5:23-24). • Joy that outlasts circumstances, signaling a different power source (Romans 15:13). Common Barriers and Spirit-Led Solutions • Fleshly habits linger – Solution: intentional “put off/put on” (Colossians 3:8-14). • Cultural pressure to blend in – Solution: fear God more than people (1 Peter 4:4-5). • Spiritual drift through busyness – Solution: Sabbath rhythm, guarding quiet time (Luke 5:16). • Discouragement in trials – Solution: recall future glory (Romans 8:18), lean on Spirit’s intercession (Romans 8:26-27). Habits That Keep the Flame Burning • Daily Scripture intake – aiming for transformation, not information (Psalm 119:11). • Ongoing conversation with the Spirit – quick prayers, asking guidance (Ephesians 6:18). • Corporate worship – Spirit often stirs through gathered praise (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serving others – channels grace outward, keeps us Spirit-dependent (1 Peter 4:10). • Accountability friendships – iron sharpening iron guards against deception (Proverbs 27:17). Promises to Hold Onto • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • “The law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) • “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11) Living according to God in the Spirit is not abstract mysticism. It is choosing, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, to let God’s values, power, and presence govern every facet of ordinary life—so that even now we taste the life that will be fully ours forever. |
    |