Galatians 5:16-26 // 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 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.
- Walking by the Spirit is a daily challenge
Galatians 5:17 // 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 you want.
- The battle for your future is won or lost in the small decisions no one else sees.
- The flesh always overpromises and underdelivers
- Three Lies of the Flesh:
- Indulge me, you'll be happy.
- Follow me, you'll be free.
- You deserve this.
- Big sins usually begin as tiny permissions.
- The Spirit empowers us to do what we can’t do in our own strength.
- Fruit of the Spirit
John 15:1-5 // “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
- Fruit is never about effort, it’s about connection.
- Walk with the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 // Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
- 3 Challenges:
- What are you feeding?
- What fruit is growing?
- Who is in control?
