May 21, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. Works of the Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21a
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.
II. We Have a Problem
Galatians 5:21b
I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Saying you believe in Jesus and living like the Devil is a problem.
III. We are Known by Fruit
Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
In our flesh we are out of control, but by the Spirit we live self-controlled lives.
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King.
- I commit to exercise self-control to look more like Jesus.
- I choose to submit to God by remembering His death for my forgiveness.
Deep Dive
- Compare and contrast Galatians 5:19-26 with Romans 7:13-25.
- What is the good news we read in Galatians 5:19-26?
- How are you tempted to disobey verse 26? How might you instead love and serve others?
Springboard
- How is the church different from other charitable organizations, even religious ones?
- Compare Galatians 5:22-26 and Galatians 6:1-5.
- Have you ever needed to restore a fellow Christian gently? What was that like?