Galatians 5:14-26
14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[a] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[b] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
CG Discussion Points
- What is the most significant thing the Holy Spirit spoke to you about through this sermon? (Gal 5:14-26)
- In Gal 5:17, what two things are in conflict? Can you describe them in the context of your everyday life? When we find ourselves frustrated by the desires of the flesh, how do we avoid discouragement?
- What keeps us engaged in the fight against the flesh? In view of Galatians 5:19-21, what sinful acts are dead and buried in your life? What are still alive and well?
- Which aspects of the spiritual fruit are blossoming in your life? Which are still in the bud?
- How does being “plugged in” to the Holy Spirit help you crucify your sinful nature (v24) and allow the fruit of the Spirit to grow? Describe some “plugged in” initiatives in the context of the two points: “More of us surrendered” (v24) and “More of Him invited” (v25)
Introduction
(AD 54) 1 Cor 15:9; (AD 63) Eph 3:8; (AD 65) 1 Tim 1:15
1 Cor 15:31; Rom 7:14-25; 3:23; Mark 7:21-22; John 15:1-8
Acts of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
a. _____________ deeds (v19)
b. _____________ deeds (v20)
c. _____________ evils (v20)
d. Self-_____________ (V21)
Big Idea: Plugged In
Fruit of the Spirit
1. _____________ -ward – Love, Joy and Peace
2. _____________ -ward – Forbearance, Kindness and Goodness
3. _____________ -ward – Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control
(Mt 22:37–39)
How do we do that?
1. More of us _____________ (Gal 5:24) James 1:13-15
2. More of Him _____________ (Gal 5:25)