Evan Rogers - Patience In The Process

Galatians Greatest Hits

Patience In The Process

Evan Rogers

February 24, 2019

The book of Galatians is the 48th book inside of the Bible. It was probably written in the 50’s by the apostle Paul. It has 6 chapters and 149 verses.

I. “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Section 1: Credibility

            No Other Gospel 1:6-10

            Called By God 1:11-24

            Accepted By The Apostles 2:1-10

Opposing Peter Rightly 2:11-14

Section 2: Faith Vs. Works

            Justification Through Faith 2:15-21

            Saved By Faith Or By Works? 3:1-9

            The Righteous Live By Faith 3:10-14

Galatians 2:15-16 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Section 3: The Bridge / Relationship With God

The Law and The Promises 3:15-29

            Sons and Heirs 4:1-7

            Concerns for Galatians 4:8-20

            Examples of Hagar and Sarah 4:21-31

Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Section 4:

Christ Has Set Us Free 5:1-15

            Keep In Step With The Spirit 5:16-26

            Bear One Another’s Burdens 6:1-10

Final Warning & Benediction 6:11-18

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

II. Two Views

We often Focus on doing the right thing because it pleases God and we want to earn something from him. This is earned merit, the __________ mentality.

We often focus on not sinning thinking that it clears us with God. This is earned righteousness, the _____________ mentality.

This is a _______________ fix.

“God’s salvation does not come in response to a changed life. A changed life comes in response to the salvation, offered as a free gift.”

T. Keller

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

III. The cross saved us from ______________.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Our greatest challenge as a Christian is ________________.

Philippians 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God deserves our _____________.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Deuteronomy 6:5 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

We should live a _____________ focused life. (Romans 12:1-2)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

Be patient in the process. God will finish what he started. (Philippians 1:6)

How different could your life look if you spent more time focusing on God than you do your problems?

John1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

If Christ has ultimate value and you are part of the body of Christ you have immeasurable value.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Keller

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 24, 2019

Opener: Has anyone ever tried to help you with something, but only made it worse.

1.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 What are the biggest pit falls of works based righteousness?

2.     A Band-Aid Solution is one that only fixes the surface level symptoms not the real problem. What results have you had employing Band-aid solutions in the past?

3.     Read Galatians 3:29 What does it mean to be a child of Abraham?

4.     Read Galatian 6:14 Have you ever boasted in your own works or righteousness? Why? What where the results of your boasting?

5.     Read Galatians 2:15-16 Which false mentality do you find yourself believing more, the job mentality (we earn things from God) or the perfectionist mentality (we fight sin alone to please God)?

6.     Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 What Christ has saved us from? (name as many things as you can think of)

7.     Read Philippians 1:6 Take a moment of self-reflection to ask yourself, do you really believe that God alone can save you despite your actions? If so what encourages you to believe that? If not what is stopping you from believing it?

8.     Read Deuteronomy 6:5 Why does God deserve our love? What do you do to maintain a close relationship with God?

9.     Read Romans 12:1-2 What benefits do we receive from focusing on God more than our problems?

10.  What in your life would change if your value wasn’t based on your actions or possessions but was based on your identity in Christ?

11.  Is there anything in your life that you need to surrender to God, any worry or insecurity? Is there any you focus on more than God that needs to be removed from your life?

John Lloyd - Sowing and Reaping

Life by The Spirit:  A Study of the Book of Galatians

Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:6-18

Pastor John Lloyd

February 17, 2019

The law of “big returns” is shared in the final verses of Galatians.  The principle of sowing and reaping can work positively to bring forth much fruit, or negatively to bring destructive results.  Every relationship we have requires our careful attention.  We need to be wise sowers and trust the Lord to bring His harvest even when the seed lies dormant.

Galatians 6:6-10. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Memory Verse: 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Big Idea:    Our part is to sow, God brings the harvest in His time.          

God is faithful all the time.  All the time God is faithful!

I.               Sow ________________ with your spiritual leaders and teachers.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

The person referred to has received oral instruction in the Word of God. The word share means “to share, to be a partner in a thing with a person,” here “to hold fellowship with another person.” That in which the person holds fellowship with another is designated by the context. The one who is taught should hold fellowship with his teachers in all good things. Wuest

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflective question:  What would the state of the work of God be if every believer adopted your sharing patterns? 

II.             Reaping is always connected to ____________.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Proverbs 1:30)

The truth that what a person sows he will also reap is an axiom, it need no proof, no “because.” This clause “For” namely that we must not be deceived as to any possibility of God’s being mocked.”  Lenski

A.   The ________ and the _________ are always providing seed to sow.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (See questions 3 & 4)

For one sows in order to get more of the same product.  This will indeed happen. The flesh and the Spirit will pay us back for sowing to them. Moo

Hosea 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.

B.   I am _____________________ for the seeds I sow.

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Lord, help me to sow your spiritual seeds in my life.

III.            God’s calling is for you to sow __________________ seeds.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Sowing for the spirit is hard work, long continued work, and although the harvest is eternal blessedness,, we may, while we are waiting for it, grow discouraged.  Lenski. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Never tire of doing good

A.   Sow the message of the ___________ and new _________ in Christ.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Co-crucifixion)  (Galatians 2:20)

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Co-resurrection) (See questions 8 &9)

B.   Sow His __________________ into all your relationships.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

D o trust the Lord for every person in your life.

O nly one life is soon past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

G ive generously to God’s work and people.

O ften prayer is the best seed that can be sown.

O penly share your life and testimony with others

D on’t give up, you will reap if you faint not.

C.  The ________________ is truly coming and will be beautiful.

Galatians 6:9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Matt. 9:37-38, Jn.4:35)

2 Corinthians 9:6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.    (I Corinthians 3:8)  (See question 5). Psalm 126:5

Galatians 6:16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, (Question 10)

Join us in sowing God’s precious seeds in the Bay Area.  Our job is to sow, God will bring the harvest.

God is faithful all the time, all the time God is faithful!

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 17, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when you were blessed by reaping where spiritual seed had been sown. 

1.    Read Galatians 6:6-18.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What verse stands out to you as you read this passage?  Why?

2.   Read Galatians 6:6, I Timothy 5:17-18.  How does this verse apply to those in Christian ministry and those who benefit from their ministry?  Why is sharing so critical to the future of the church and kingdom?

3.   Read Galatians 6:7-8, I Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 9:6. What are some examples of both bad and good sowing and reaping? 

4.   Can you think of times in your own life when sowing to please your sinful nature has forced you to reap “destruction?”  How are you reaping to please the Spirit in your specific set of God-given circumstances?

5.   Read Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 12:3. What are some ways we can get tired from doing good?  What things help you to keep going and sowing?  How does the example of Jesus help you?

6.   Read Galatians 6:10, Titus 3:8. Why should “the family of believers” deserve our special attention?

7.   Read Galatians 6:11-13.  How does Paul show the Galatians that real Christianity is a matter of inward change, not external observance? Discuss how without the “cross” good people are in as much trouble as “bad” people?   

8.   Read Galatians 6:14 &17.  Paul shares that the heart of religion is what you boast in.  What, at the bottom is the reason you think you are in a right relationship with God?  How does this verse thrill and challenge you? 

9.   Read Galatians 6:15-16.  Consider accomplishments you are tempted to boast about.  How can you turn those around and give credit to Christ?  Spend time specifically thanking God for His blessings. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Relationships

Life by The Spirit:  A study of the book of Galatians

Spiritual Relationships Galatians 5:25-6:5

Pastor John Lloyd

February 10, 2019

What does it look like to have spiritual relationships?  The apostle Paul was concerned that the churches of Galatia would be competing with one another instead of experiencing true community in the Spirit.  Paul shares that we can help each other bear burdens, keep one another on the right path and have a closer walk with God.  Today, we hope to help each other bring these truths into our relational network which will truly please God.

The Passage: Galatians 5:25-6:5.

Big Idea:  Spiritual relationships value people enough to restore and bear one another’s burdens for the glory of God. 

I.               Spiritual relationships start with __________________.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What it does not look like?    Conceited- empty praise.  

Provoking- irritating, thinking you are better than others (superiority).   Envying-feeling ill will towards someone else in a more favorable position.  Thinking you are worse than others. (inferiority). 2 Cor. 10:12

“In both cases your focus is heavily on how the other person makes you feel.”  Tim Keller

What it looks like?

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Romans 12:10, I Pet.5:5)

Every person has value before God.  Gen.1:26, Mark 8:36

The Holy Spirit wants you to be a vessel for spiritual relationships!

II.             ______________ restore erring brothers and sisters.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

You who are spiritual- keeping in step with the spirit is restorative.

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Restore- setting a broken limb, mending a net. It means integrating them into the full fellowship with the Lord and their spiritual family.  The goal is to put the car back on the road. Lenski

To administer correction with mildness is a spiritual gift.  I Cor. 4:21, James 5:19-20, Luke 19:10

Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted-  spiritual relationships live by this motto:  “there by the grace of God go I.” 

Spiritual relationships are restorative.

Pray about a relationship that needs to be restored.

Take one step towards restoration. 

III.            Spiritual relationships bear and share ___________________.



Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The assuming of those burdens in a willing, helpful, sympathetic way, despite the fact that the bearing of them may involve unpleasantness and heartache.  Wuest, K. S. I Corinthians 13:5. Love bears all things…

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are fooling yourself.” NLT

Burden-means a heavy weight, something that would be impossible for a person to carry by themselves.  Luke 10:33

A.    Help me feel what they __________.

Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Isaiah 53:3a He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

B.   Help me __________ the burden, not add to the struggle.

Matthew 11:29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  I Peter 5:7

I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

What can I do to walk with you during this time?

God greatly rewards burden bearers!

IV.           Spiritual relationships are _____________________ before God. 

Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. I Corinthians 11:28



Galatians 6:4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

The sum and total of one’s conduct and service to the Lord.  Martyn

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Bear his own load- is a picture of a backpack, something that each of us is responsible for. Personal responsibility and accountability. 

God rewards spiritual relationships!

Spiritual relationships are a gift and they please God.

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 10, 2019

Opener:  How has the Holy Spirit helped you love someone you would otherwise not find very loveable?    

1.   Read Galatians 5:25-6:5. Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What positive and negative commands does Paul give the Galatians?

2.   What difference does the Holy Spirit make in your relationships?  How does it affect the way you look at yourself in terms of those around you? Also, how do you look at others in terms of yourself?

3.   Read Galatians 5:26, James 3:14-16, Philippians 2:3.  Why would conceit lead us to provoke and envy each other?  Do you tend to  provoke or envy?  How will having a self-image based on the gospel change the way you see yourself and see others?  When do you particularly need to preach the gospel to yourself?   “making us neither self-confident nor self-disdaining but both bold and humble.”  How does humility build spiritual relationships?   

4.   Read Galatians 6:1. What temptations accompany seeing another Christian sin?  What role does gentleness play in restoration?   Read Romans 14:1, 15:1, I Corinthians 10:12, 2 Timothy 2:25 for advice. What specific advice would give to someone restoring a wayward friend?

5.   Read Galatians 6:2. What burdens of your own do you need to share with others?  What burdens could you help carry for someone else today?  Commit to one action step to both share and carry a burden this week. Pray for these at the end of group.

6.   Read Galatians 6:3. What spiritual self-view is Paul proposing for believers?  How can this help us in our relationships? 

7.   Read Galatians 6:4-5.  What type of pride is Paul talking about here? Burden vs.2 means a heavy weight. Load vs.5 means a person’s back pack. What sort of things do we need to carry on our own?  How can we carry it in a way that honors God? Why do relationships matter so much to God?

John Lloyd - Walking His Way

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

What Spiritual Growth Looks Like?

 Galatians 5:16-25

February 3, 2019

It’s wonderful to see children grow up into adults and, in many cases, look like their parents.  Physical growth is something we naturally expect.   It’s a blessing to see people come to believe in Jesus and grow in Him spiritually.  What does this growth look like?  Paul gives an incredible description in today’s passage of growing more like Jesus.  Spiritual growth brings health to every area of our lives.  May each day look more like the life of Jesus.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Memory Verse:  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Big Idea:  We have forgiveness in Jesus Christ and He provides a new way of living.  Walk His Way! 

What does spiritual growth look like?

I.               Spiritual Growth is not only receiving forgiveness but it also is a ________ ________ of life.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 2:20)

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

I John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

If you have the Son, He is calling you to become like Him.          Walk His Way!

II.              Spiritual Growth is truly ___________________.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Fruit- is singular as well as collective.  The flesh spreads out in many directions with its evil works. The spirit follows one direction, and produces unit fruit. Fruit is a sweet harmony.  Lenski

Love- means to serve a person for their good and intrinsic value, not just for what the person brings you. 

Joy- is a delight in God for the sheer beauty and worth of who He is. The opposite is hopelessness or despair and its counterfeit is elation that is based on experiencing blessings, but not the Blesser, causing mood swings based on circumstances.  (2 Corinthians 6:10, 7:4)

Peace – a confidence and rest in the wisdom and control of God, rather than in your own. It replaces anxiety and worry.  (Romans 5:1, Is.26:3)

Patience- an ability to face trouble without blowing up or leaving.  Its opposite is resentment toward God and others.  (2 Timothy 2:10)

Kindness- is an ability to serve others practically in a way which makes me vulnerable coming from a deep inner security.  Its opposite is envy, which leaves me unable to rejoice in another’s joy. (Eph.2:7, Rom. 2:4)

Goodness- (integrity) being the same person in every situation, rather than a phony or hypocrite.  It implies generosity.  Romans 15:14

Faithfulness-(loyalty, courage) being utterly reliable and true to your word.  Its opposite is to be an opportunist, a friend only in good times. ITim6:11 It denotes an attitude or response that we have towards others.

Gentleness- (humility, self-forgetfulness) the opposite is to be superior or self-absorbed. When we are wronged or abused we shall show no resentment or threatening vengeance. (Matt.5:5, 11:29, 2 Timothy 2:25)

Self Control- the ability to pursue the important over the urgent, rather than always be impulsive or uncontrolled. Holding our desires and passions in check. (Acts 24:25, Titus 1:8)

 “When we stop looking at our gifts as a sign that we are Christ like, and stop looking to our natural strengths as a sign we are Christ like, but challenge ourselves to look at nature, unity and definitions of the Spirit, we have a much deeper sense of how we lack these things.” Keller (Q5)

Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical. (Q4)

Lord, make me more like You.  Walk His Way!

III.             Spiritual ____________ is produced when I walk His Way.

Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“This combination of “indicative” (what God has done) and imperative (what we must do) is typical of Paul’s presentation of our walk. A concentration on either to the neglect of the other leads to an imbalance.” Moo

a.   Know to whom you ______________.  (Romans 6:6)

b.   Bring God your fleshly passions and desires to the ____________. (Rom.8:13, Galatians 6:14)

c.    Choose to live in step with the ______________.  (Galatians 5:25)

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16, 18)

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  (John 15:7-8)  (Question 8 &9)

Commit to growing in this new way of life.  Walk His Way

Growth Group Questions for February 3, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe the longest walk you have ever taken. 

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-25.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What is the value of the list of fruit in 5:22-23? 

2.   Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Romans 8:3-4.  Write down the relationship between the Holy Spirit and God’s statutes?  How are things different now that we have the Spirit? (Romans 8:3-4)

3.   Read Galatians 5:16, 5:25. How is it helpful to know that the Holy Spirit is the dominant power in the battle against the flesh?  What helps you to remember the power of the Holy Spirit in this battle?

4.   Read Galatians 5:22-23 and from our outline.   Spiritual growth is gradual, inevitable, internal, and symmetrical.  Examine yourself.  How can you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life?

5.   Do you have natural characteristics which could be confused with the fruit of the Spirit? Which fruit do you chronically lack?

6.   Read Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6 & 6:11. Why is it important to not just deal with what we do wrong, but to deal with the “why” we did what we did?  Why must we have it?   How can these verses help you?  

7.   What are the idols which need identifying and dismantling in your life? How can you replace them with Christ? Consider this quote: “The flesh demands but the Spirit produces.” 

8.   Read Galatians 5:25, Romans 13:14, John 15:7-8  How can the fruit of the Spirit take root in our hearts and be produced in our lives?  What helps you to keep in step with the Spirit?

9.   How will you choose to live by the Spirit today and this week? How can we pray for you?  Encourage someone to join you on this journey. 

John Lloyd - Spiritual Discernment

Life by the Spirit: Study of Galatians

Spiritual Discernment: Living by the Spirit

 Galatians 5:16-21

January 27, 2019

Followers of Jesus endeavor to live a life pleasing to God but sometimes are challenged with how.  The Galatians were told they needed to double down on their religious rituals to please God.  The apostle Paul teaches them another way which goes way beyond their own efforts.  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to fulfill laws and commandments as well as deal with our fallen nature and impulses. Living in step with the Spirit will produce lasting fruit.  Praying for 2019 to be a great year of living by the Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  (New Living)

Big Idea:  The Holy Spirit is sufficient to discern, direct and empower Christian living.  (Galatians 5:16)

Walk is common in the NT (30 times in Paul) depicting a way of life as a particular way or road to be followed.  Douglas Moo

I.               The Holy Spirit gives ________________ as to the roads to avoid. 

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Romans 8:5-6

Living the way of the Spirit is what we most deeply ‘want’, yet the sinful nature continues to generate alternative and competing desires which we experience and can give in to, but which now contradict our most abiding love and goals. Timothy Keller

The conflict is between God’s Spirit and the impulse to sin, an impulse that no longer rules in the believer but still exerts influence that must be resisted.  Paul brings this to our attention with the utmost seriousness. Moo

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.  (Galatians 5:13)

5:19 Are evident- phanera- obvious, well known.  (Not an exhaustive list)

Three sins of sensuality- sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality

Two associated with pagan religions- idolatry and sorcery

Eight having to do with relationships- enmity through envy

Two with dissipated living- drunkenness, orgies.  (Lightfoot)

Gratifying  the flesh destroys relationships. It is building on sand. 

Sexual immorality- porneia- which is sexual intercourse between unmarried people.   Impurity-akatharsia- unnatural sexual practices and relationships

Sensuality/debauchery- aselgia-uncontrolled sexuality

Idolatry and sorcery- very specific occult practices.  Providing an inadequate substitute for God, and the second faking the work of the HS. 

Ambition/enmity- namely competiveness, a self-seeking motive

Envy- desiring what others have.

Jealousy- the zeal and energy that comes from a hungry ego

Hatred- a hostility , an adversarial attitude

Discord eris- being argumentive or seeking to pick fights

Fits of rage-thumoi- outbursts of anger; dissensions

Dissensions- divisions between people (which is what rage leads to)

Divisions- permanent warring parties and warring groups.

Drunkenness and orgies- One of the works of the flesh is addiction to pleasure creating substances and behavior.

Galatians 5:21 I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Those whose mark is the practice of such things.” Lenski.

“Paul is referring to habitual practice, rather than infrequent, and repented-of, lapses.  For someone continually to indulge the sinful nature without battling against it is to show that the Son has not redeemed them, and the Spirit has not renewed them.  Paul is not looking to undermine Christian assurance here; but he is aiming to banish complacency.”  Keller

Confession:  This is not the real me nor what I really want.  Redirect my desires towards you Jesus and your will for me. 

II.             Choose living in step with the Spirit for _______ and __________.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

“Sin is not a pet to tame but a beast to slay. You cannot slay it on your own. This is why God sent Jesus.  And why Jesus sent The Paraclete/Holy Spirit to those who believe and place their trust in Him.”  Bubot Parago

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Philippians 4:8-9

Flee- 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV - "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord                                                                                                                                                                    

Find- I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,                                                                                                                                  

Follow- Matthew 16:24- "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."                                                                                                                            

Fill- Ephesians 5:18b “Be filled with the Spirit.”  Philippians 1:9-11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…   

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.                                        To walk by the Spirit each day we must Flee-Find-Follow-Fill

Spiritual Growth Group Questions for January 27, 2019

Icebreaker:  Describe a time when you got lost?  How did you find your way?

1.   Read Galatians 5:16-26.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  Why do you think Paul gives both lists 19-21 and 22-23?   How can this be helpful for a follower of Christ?

2.   Read Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5.  Why does Paul give these warnings?  Is it loving for Paul to warn? What stands out to you as you read these passages? 

3.   What are the over-desires that cause you to think or behave in these ways?  How does living by the flesh destroy relationships? 

4.   Tim Keller states: “We have to ask ourselves not just what we do wrong, but why we do it wrong.”  Try and answer this question from what you know of Scripture and also what you feel battling inside of yourself.  How can battling the motives be more helpful than battling the behaviors?

5.   Read & Reflect on Galatians 5:24- “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” “Lord, my heart thinks that I must have this thing, otherwise I have no value. It is a pseudo-savior. But to think and feel and live like this is to forget what I mean to you, how you see me in Christ. By your Spirit, I will reflect on your love for me in Him until this thing loses its attractive power over my soul.” Practice this with one over-desire you battle and share your results with a friend or group member.

6.   Read the quoted verses: Living by the Holy Spirit means to Flee-         2 Tim.2:22. Find-I Cor.10:13. Follow-Matthew 16:24 and Fill- Eph.5:18b, Phil.1:9-11.  Pray over these thoughts.  Ask God to give you one way to implement each one. Share with a friend or group member to pray for you.

Memory Verse:Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.