May 13, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Walk in God’s Intended Design

Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Liberty + Love = Service to Others
Liberty − Love = License

II. Walk Counter to the Pattern of the World

Galatians 5:14-17
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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.

III. Walk in Rhythm with the Spirit

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

Freedom is Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and trust Jesus as my Savior and King for the first time.
• I choose to walk by the Spirit and not the flesh.
• I commit to serving others this week.

Deep Dive

1. How would you describe the conflict believers have with the flesh?
2. Compare Galatians 5:16-18 with Romans 7:13-25.
3. How do you lean on the Holy Spirit when culture pulls you in the opposite direction?

Springboard

1. How do Christians struggle with “works of the flesh”?
2. Read Galatians 5:22-26. What seems to be the most important part of the fruit?
3. How can you daily crucify the flesh?