Anchor Verses:

John 14:15-31, Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:12-18

Focus Statement:

A renewed mind and obedient heart come only through partnership with the Word and the Spirit. When we know the Word, the Spirit brings truth to remembrance; when we test the Word, the Spirit grants discernment; and when we do the Word, the Spirit empowers transformation.

Introduction – The Story of Striving

  • Humanity’s story moves from rebellion and idolatry → exile → return → legalism → Christ’s invitation to abide.
  • Jesus flips the tables on empty religion, showing that God desires relationship, not ritual.
  • The Spirit isn’t given so we can memorize rules, but so we can know His heart.
  • To abide in Christ, we must know, test, and do the Word through the power of the Spirit.

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Know The Word

  • The Spirit can’t remind you of what you never knew.

  • The Word is how we come to know the voice of Jesus.

  • Reading Scripture trains our ears to recognize truth from lies.

  • You can’t claim spiritual guidance while ignoring spiritual instruction.

  • Practical challenge: Build a daily rhythm of Word intake—it’s not legalism, it’s relationship training.

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Test the Word

  • Many well-meaning voices sound spiritual but lack biblical grounding.

  • The Spirit helps us discern between God’s will and the world’s wisdom.

  • A renewed mind is not one that knows everything—but one that knows where truth is found.

  • Testing the Word guards against deception and shapes genuine transformation.

  • The Spirit never contradicts the Scripture He inspired.

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Do the Word

  • Obedience is not instant perfection but Spirit-empowered progress.

  • Conviction is evidence that the Spirit is working in you.

  • Sanctification often feels like tension: “I don’t want to, but I want to want to.”

  • Scripture isn’t an instruction manual for every scenario—it’s a map of the heart of God.

  • The goal is not rigid rule-following, but Spirit-led relationship.

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Walking it Out – Living in the Tension of Trust

  • When you know the Word, you’ll recognize the Spirit’s voice.

  • When you test the Word, you’ll stay anchored in truth.

  • When you do the Word, you’ll find joy in obedience.

  • The life of faith is not about perfection, but abiding—staying with Jesus in every season.

  • Application: Invite the Spirit daily—“Teach me. Remind me. Transform me.”

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Sermon Questions

  • What does this say about God?
    What do these verses reveal about the nature of the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Teacher (John 14:26)?
    How do they show God’s desire not just to inform us, but to transform us through His presence and truth?
  • What does this say about us?
    What does Romans 12:2 expose about our tendency to be shaped by the world rather than renewed by the Word?
    How do these verses challenge our assumptions about what it means to truly know and discern God’s will?
  • What do we do now?
    How does Philippians 2:12–13 call us to actively “work out” our faith while depending entirely on God’s work within us?
    What rhythms or practices could help us walk in obedience when our feelings lag behind our faith?

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