Living by the Spirit: Embracing Community and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: True Freedom in Christ

Christ has set us free from the bondage of the law, not so we can indulge in sin, but so we can live in the freedom of grace. This freedom is not a license to do whatever we want, but a call to rejoice in our salvation and live lives that honor God. When we remember the cost of our salvation—the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross—we are moved to gratitude and a desire to walk in obedience, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who set us free. Let this truth fill you with joy and motivate you to live each day in the freedom Christ has purchased for you. [08:23]

Galatians 5:1, 13-14 (ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. ... 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. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been using your freedom in Christ as an excuse rather than an opportunity to serve others in love? How can you choose to serve someone today?

Day 2: The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

Every believer faces a daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our sinful nature pulls us toward actions and attitudes that are contrary to God’s will, but the Spirit empowers us to resist and walk in newness of life. This struggle is not a sign of failure, but evidence that the Spirit is at work within us, calling us to put to death the old ways and live according to God’s purposes. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with this tension, reminding us that we are not alone and that God’s grace is sufficient for us in the fight. [17:06]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one specific “desire of the flesh” that you find yourself battling most often? What practical step can you take today to walk by the Spirit instead?

Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit as Evidence

The fruit of the Spirit is the visible evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in a believer’s life. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not achieved by human effort, but are cultivated as we surrender to God and allow Him to transform us from the inside out. The fruit is not a checklist to accomplish, but a package deal that grows together as we mature in Christ. As these qualities increase, they not only bless our own lives but overflow to bless others, showing the world what God is like. [25:19]

Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Reflection: Which aspect of the fruit of the Spirit do you most long to see grow in your life? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate this fruit in you today?

Day 4: Stop Excusing Sin—Daily Surrender

We are called to stop making excuses for our sin and instead daily surrender ourselves to Christ, putting to death the desires of the flesh. This is not a passive process, but an active, ongoing choice to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. No matter how long you have struggled or how deeply ingrained a habit may be, in Christ you are a new creation and empowered to change. The journey of transformation requires honesty, repentance, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit lead you into freedom, one day at a time. [36:49]

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Reflection: What is one excuse you have been making for a recurring sin? What would it look like for you to deny yourself and take a concrete step of obedience today?

Day 5: The Power of Biblical Community

God designed us to grow in faith and bear the fruit of the Spirit in the context of authentic, accountable community. Life is not meant to be lived in isolation; we need others to encourage us, challenge us, and walk alongside us as we pursue Christ together. In biblical community, we find support to confess our struggles, celebrate victories, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Committing to a group of believers is one of the most important steps you can take to experience transformation and help others do the same. [37:42]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who is someone in your church community you can reach out to for encouragement or accountability this week? How can you take a step toward deeper connection in biblical community?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a community to reflect on what it truly means to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh. At the heart of our life together is the conviction that everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and with Jesus, anything is possible. We are called to be together, to grow in discipleship, and to experience transformation in the context of biblical community. This is why life groups are so vital—they are not just social gatherings or Bible studies, but intentional spaces for spiritual growth, deep relationships, and accountability.

We began a new journey through Galatians 5, focusing on the fruit of the Spirit. Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is not about legalism—following rules to earn God’s favor—nor is it about license—using grace as an excuse to indulge our sinful desires. Instead, true freedom in Christ means being set free from the law, but also being called to serve one another in love. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not spiritual merit badges, but the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

We confronted the reality of our sinful nature, recognizing that left to ourselves, we default to the desires of the flesh. Paul’s list of the works of the flesh is sobering, especially the emphasis on relational sins—those that harm others. Before we can appreciate the beauty of the Spirit’s fruit, we must first acknowledge the depth of our brokenness. Only then can we marvel at the miracle of the Spirit producing new life in us.

The fruit of the Spirit is a package deal—these qualities grow together as evidence of the Spirit’s presence. We cannot manufacture them on our own; they are the outflow of a life surrendered to Christ. For those who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus, the invitation is to receive new life, not just new habits. For those who struggle with sin, the call is to stop excusing it, to daily die to self, and to seek help from the Spirit and from community. Life groups provide the context for confession, accountability, and encouragement as we walk together, growing in the fruit of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways

1. True Christian freedom is neither legalism nor license. Christ has set us free from the burden of the law, but this freedom is not an excuse to indulge our sinful desires. Instead, it is a call to serve one another in love, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our relationships. [13:15]
2. The battle between flesh and Spirit is real and ongoing for every believer. Even Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, struggled with doing what he hated and failing to do what he desired. This struggle is not a reason for despair, but a reminder of our dependence on God’s grace and the Spirit’s power to transform us. [16:25]
3. The fruit of the Spirit is not a collection of individual virtues to pick and choose from, but a unified evidence of the Spirit’s presence. Growth in one area should not come at the expense of another; the Spirit desires to cultivate all these qualities in us as we surrender to Him. [24:15]
4. The fruit of the Spirit is not for private spiritual display, but for the sake of others. As the Spirit works in us, the outflow is love, service, and encouragement to those around us. Our growth in the fruit of the Spirit is meant to build up the community and reflect Christ to the world. [25:19]
5. Community is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. Life groups provide a space for confession, accountability, and encouragement, helping us to put to death the desires of the flesh and to walk in the Spirit. We are not meant to follow Jesus alone; together, we help one another grow in love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit. [34:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Our Values: Together in Community
[02:30] - Introduction to Life Groups
[03:01] - The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5
[05:59] - Why the Fruit of the Spirit Matters
[07:03] - Freedom in Christ vs. Legalism
[09:32] - Grace, Sin, and the Danger of License
[13:15] - True Christian Freedom Explained
[13:57] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[16:25] - Paul’s Struggle and Our Own
[18:09] - Categories of Sin and Their Impact
[21:35] - Facing Our Brokenness
[22:43] - The Miracle of the Spirit’s Fruit
[24:15] - The Fruit as a Unified Evidence
[25:19] - The Outflow of the Spirit’s Work
[29:01] - How the Spirit Grows Fruit in Us
[32:17] - Stop Excusing Sin and Take Up Your Cross
[34:13] - The Necessity of Community
[35:22] - Applications: Surrender, Repent, Commit
[39:07] - Challenge: Join a Life Group
[40:05] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:13-26 (ESV) —
> 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. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
>
> 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
>
> 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. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
>
> 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.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in Galatians 5, what is the difference between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit? ([13:57])
What are some of the “works of the flesh” that Paul lists, and which category does he spend the most time on? ([19:56])
How does Paul describe the “fruit of the Spirit”? Is it presented as individual traits or as a unified whole? ([24:15])
What does Paul say is the purpose of our freedom in Christ? ([13:15])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that the fruit of the Spirit is a “package deal” and not a list of separate virtues to pick and choose from? ([24:15])
The sermon points out that most of the “works of the flesh” are relational sins. Why might Paul focus so much on how we treat others? ([19:56])
The pastor said, “True Christian freedom is neither legalism nor license.” What does this mean in practical terms for how we live? ([13:15])
Why is it important to recognize our own brokenness before we can appreciate the work of the Spirit in our lives? ([21:35])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to use grace as an excuse to keep sinning. Are there areas in your life where you tend to excuse your behavior because you know God will forgive you? What would it look like to “stop excusing sin” in that area? ([32:17])
Think about the list of the fruit of the Spirit. Which one do you find most difficult to see growing in your life right now? What is one specific step you could take this week to surrender that area to the Holy Spirit? ([27:52])
The pastor said that the fruit of the Spirit is not just for our own benefit, but for serving others. Can you think of a recent situation where you could have responded with more love, patience, or kindness? How might you handle it differently next time? ([25:19])
The message emphasized the importance of community for spiritual growth. Are you currently part of a group or relationship where you can confess, be held accountable, and be encouraged? If not, what is holding you back from seeking that out? ([34:13])
The battle between flesh and Spirit is ongoing for every believer. When you feel that struggle, what is one practical thing you can do to “walk by the Spirit” in the moment? ([16:25])
The pastor encouraged us to “take up your cross daily” and follow Jesus. What does that look like for you in your daily routine? Is there a specific habit or pattern you need to surrender? ([36:49])
For those who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus, the invitation is to receive new life, not just new habits. If you have questions or doubts about faith, what is one step you could take this week to explore those questions honestly? ([29:01])

Sermon Clips

``Paul is pointing out something vividly important in this passage. Yes, we're set free from the law, but we're not called to go on sinning, and Paul would say this, true Christian freedom is neither legalism nor is it license. It's not legalism to live under the burden of the law, and it's not license to go on sinning. True Christian freedom is neither legalism nor is it license. [00:13:15] (25 seconds) #TrueChristianFreedom

While the list of the desires of the flesh clearly points out our sin, this list of the fruit of the Spirit clearly points out our dependence on the Holy Spirit. Church, there is no chance that you or I could ever fully live up to these qualities. There is no chance that without the Holy Spirit's help in our lives that we could ever have true love, that we could ever have true peace or joy or patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, or self -control. You might be able to produce fake versions of those in your own life to have temporary joy, to have temporary love towards others or patience or kindness, but without the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, you will never be able to have these to their fullest extent. We must rely on the Holy Spirit. [00:28:03] (45 seconds) #DependOnHolySpirit

There's no amount of good works. There's no amount of effort that you could ever do to earn your spot into heaven. It is only through the grace of God. And here comes the good news, that God sent his Son to die for you. That if you would place your faith in him, as Romans says, if you would confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. And this is incredible, incredible news. [00:30:07] (26 seconds) #StopExcusingSin

Some of you might be sitting in this room and saying, Rob, I've just battled with this sin for far too long. It's just who I am. I'm always going to be bitter. I'm always going to be angry. I'm always going to have a bad marriage. I'm always going to be depressed. I'm always going to look at pornography. I'm always going to be divisive. I'm always going to fill in your own blank. And I would say to you, maybe that's who you were before Christ. But you need to stop excusing your sin. You need to stop saying, that's just who I am. That's what I have done my entire life, and I'm never going to be able to overcome it. You need to, as Jesus said, take up your cross daily, follow him, put to death your sin, and follow Jesus as your Lord and as your Savior. [00:32:26] (45 seconds) #LifeInSpiritLeadsToFreedom

Paul makes it clear that desires of the flesh are always going to lead to death, but life in the Spirit leads to freedom. Before we can appreciate the miracle of the Holy Spirit producing his fruit in us, we have to realize our own sinful nature. The fruit of the Spirit isn't something we can fake or manufacture, but it's evidence of the Spirit's presence in us. Remember, our natural desire is sin and our desire with Christ or our natural outflow of Christ living in us will be these fruits. And the fruit isn't just for ourselves, it's given so that we can serve and love one another. [00:34:48] (39 seconds) #ObedienceOverExcuses

Surrender to Christ. Surrender your life to Christ. It might be the simplest application that you will ever do. It might be the hardest application that you will ever do. Some of you need to recommit your life to Christ. You've followed him, but you've walked away. Give your life to Christ. Stop running from him. [00:35:34] (20 seconds) #CommunityInChrist

Stop excusing your sin, saying that this is just who I am, or I'm just going to do it this one more time. Stop mocking God and saying, I know that your grace is free, so I'm going to continue in my sin. Each day, die to yourself. Ask the Spirit for help, and take a step of obedience. [00:36:32] (23 seconds) #DefaultToSinReturnToChrist

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