Overcomer - Fruit vs Flesh

Thurs.  9/24

Read Galatians 5:16-26

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 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.

Often the New Testament letters follow a similar pattern.  As they draw to a close they shift focus from the theological to the practical. This is one such passage from the Apostle Paul to his friends in Galatia.  Notice the contrast between the two different lists, one of sins and the other of fruit. Notice how the fruit will overcome the flesh!

Memory Verse

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the son of God.

1 John 5:5

Reflect

Questions

This passage contains two lists, the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.  Write them out in columns and then look to see which fruit can overcome which sins.

Read the passage again slowly.  What two or three phrases stand out to you?  Why?

What would it take this week for you to move from the first list to more of the second list?

Prayer

Father in heaven, thank You for the power of your Spirit to help me resist sin and embrace grace.  I need your help today - right now - to let go of the old way of living and to take hold of the new way you have planned for me.  I long for more fruit that comes from keeping in step with you.  So by faith, I step into the flow of your Spirit.  May your fruit flow into and out through my life - especially today.  Amen.

Share

Gather some family friends together and read the passage. Then ask this question:

• Looking at this passage what is a sinful pattern on the list that surprises you?  How could you help each other to stay in the flow with the Spirit?

DFM Nation

Sunday Pastor Glenn will dive into a more in depth teaching on how Humility can overcome the deadly sin of Pride.  Take a moment to pray for and invite someone.