Living by the Spirit: Embracing True Freedom in Christ
Summary
In my sermon, I began by welcoming everyone back to One Church at Home and bridging the gap from our Easter series to the continuation of our study in the book of Galatians. I reminded the congregation of the universal need for a Savior and the salvation Jesus offers to all. I expressed gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, emphasizing that His death paid the price for our sins, and because He is risen, we become a new creation when we place our faith in Him.
I then addressed the marks of a Christian life, referencing Galatians 5:22-23, and encouraged the congregation to strive for these character traits. I explained that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires and now live by the Spirit. This new life should overflow with the fruits of the Spirit, and I urged everyone to use this moment as a launchpad to reflect the heart of Jesus more.
I continued by recounting the story of the thief on the cross, who, in his final moments, believed in Jesus and was promised paradise. This story illustrated that salvation is not about following the law or living a perfect life but about faith in Jesus. I then posed the question of what happens after salvation, how we are to live once we are saved. I clarified that while we are free from the bondage of sin and the law, this freedom is not a license to indulge in the flesh but to serve one another in love.
I expounded on Paul's teachings in Galatians, where he warns against using freedom as an excuse to indulge in the flesh. Instead, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, fulfilling the law through this one command. I explained that walking by the Spirit means our lives should be different, changed, and not in conflict with the desires of the flesh.
I also addressed the acts of the flesh listed by Paul, which are contrary to living by the Spirit. I challenged the congregation to examine their lives and consider whether they are drawing closer to Jesus and bringing others closer to Him as well. I emphasized that living by the Spirit means bearing fruits such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In conclusion, I prayed for the congregation, asking God to help us see and hear Him more clearly as we learn about the fruits of the Spirit. I rebuked old patterns and prayed for a transformation that would make us more like Jesus, following His Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
1. Salvation through Jesus is a gift for all, regardless of our past actions or current state. It is not about following a set of rules but about a relationship with Christ that transforms us into a new creation. ([10:00])
2. True freedom in Christ is not the liberty to indulge in our sinful nature but the opportunity to serve others in love. This freedom is expressed through our actions and the love we show to our neighbors, fulfilling the law of Christ. ([15:40])
3. The fruits of the Spirit are the evidence of a life transformed by faith in Jesus. As Christians, we are called to exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our daily lives. ([25:40])
4. Living by the Spirit requires a conscious decision to turn away from the flesh and its desires. Our identity in Christ is reflected in how we live, interact with others, and whether our lives bring others closer to Jesus. ([22:44])
5. The journey of faith is ongoing, and as we delve deeper into understanding the fruits of the Spirit, we must remain open to God's guidance and allow Him to shape us into bearers of His fruit, reflecting His love and character to the world. ([28:06])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. Galatians 5:13-14 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. Luke 23:42-43 - "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to Galatians 5:13-14, what is the purpose of the freedom we have in Christ?
3. In the story of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43), what did the thief ask Jesus, and what was Jesus' response? ([13:09])
4. How does Paul describe the acts of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, and what warning does he give about them? ([20:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that freedom in Christ should not be used to indulge the flesh but to serve one another in love? ([15:40])
2. How does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate the concept of salvation by faith rather than by works or following the law? ([13:09])
3. What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit," and how does this contrast with living according to the flesh? ([18:11])
4. How can the fruits of the Spirit serve as evidence of a life transformed by faith in Jesus? ([25:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be using your freedom in Christ to indulge the flesh rather than to serve others in love? How can you change this? ([15:40])
2. Think about a recent situation where you had to choose between acting according to the flesh or the Spirit. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? ([19:28])
3. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community? ([25:08])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Identify one practical way you can show love to a neighbor or someone in your community this week. ([15:40])
5. Reflect on the story of the thief on the cross. How does this story impact your understanding of grace and salvation? How can you share this understanding with someone who might be struggling with the concept of grace? ([13:09])
6. Are there old patterns or behaviors in your life that you need to crucify with Christ? What steps can you take to live more by the Spirit and less by the flesh? ([26:13])
7. How can you use this Bible study and the teachings on the fruits of the Spirit as a launchpad to reflect the heart of Jesus more in your daily life? ([26:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Salvation's Transformative Power
Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven or a get-out-of-judgment-free card; it is the beginning of a transformative journey. When one accepts Jesus Christ, they are not just turning away from their past but stepping into a new identity as a creation in Him. This transformation is profound and personal, impacting every aspect of life. It is not contingent on one's history or the depth of their transgressions but is a gift freely given to all who believe. This new creation is marked by a departure from old patterns and a life that increasingly reflects the character and love of Christ.
"Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." - Isaiah 42:9
Reflection: How has accepting Christ as your Savior transformed your daily life, and what 'old things' do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new identity in Him?
Day 2: Freedom to Serve in Love
True freedom in Christ is not an excuse to live according to one's selfish desires but an empowerment to serve others in love. This freedom is a radical reorientation of one's life, from serving self to serving Christ by serving others. It is a call to action, to demonstrate the love of Jesus in tangible ways, impacting the lives of neighbors and fulfilling the law of Christ through love. This freedom is not passive; it is active and visible in the way one interacts with the world around them.
"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." - Galatians 5:13
Reflection: In what practical ways can you use your freedom in Christ to serve someone in your community this week?
Day 3: Fruits of the Spirit as Evidence of Faith
The fruits of the Spirit are not just admirable attributes to aspire to; they are the evidence of a life transformed by faith in Jesus. These fruits—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the natural outgrowth of a relationship with Christ. They are not produced by human effort alone but are a result of living in step with the Spirit. As one grows in their faith, these fruits should become more evident, shaping interactions and becoming a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life, and what steps can you take to cultivate it with the Spirit's help?
Day 4: Turning Away from the Flesh
Living by the Spirit requires a conscious and continuous choice to turn away from the desires of the flesh. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification. As believers, one's identity in Christ should be evident in their actions, choices, and the way they relate to others. The conflict between the Spirit and the flesh is real, but through the power of the Spirit, believers can overcome the temptations of the flesh and live lives that are pleasing to God and draw others closer to Jesus.
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." - Galatians 5:24
Reflection: What are the 'desires of the flesh' that you struggle with, and how can you actively crucify them daily to live by the Spirit?
Day 5: Openness to God's Guidance
The journey of faith is not static; it is a dynamic and continuous path of growth and learning. Understanding and living out the fruits of the Spirit is a lifelong endeavor that requires openness to God's guidance and a willingness to be shaped by Him. As believers seek to bear His fruit, they must remain receptive to the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, allowing God to mold them into effective witnesses of His love and character to the world.
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" - Psalm 143:10
Reflection: How can you cultivate a more receptive heart to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily walk with God?
Quotes
"Christian these are the marks of people who follow Jesus whose lives have been changed by Jesus these are the character traits that we should be striving for we may not live these out perfectly we may not live all of them out well even at any given time but we should be striving to make our lives more like this right in fact I want you to here's what I want you to do I want you to Mark these verses down this is Galatians 5:22 and 23 Mark these down right make a note of it in your Bible lab you know highlight it in your Bible you know get yourself a card and write these things [25:40]
down on it because we're going to spend the next several weeks talking through how what these all mean and and how to pattern our life our lives after these things but Paul finishes this chapter by saying that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires since we live by the spirit let us keep in step with the spirit let us not become conceited provoking and envying each other and he's repeating here something from chapter two you know he's saying that when you place your faith in Jesus if your faith is real you actually crucify [26:13]
your old self to Jesus with Jesus right you've crucified your flesh the old ways your old things that you used to do all the things that are contrary to what God wants for you when you place your faith in Jesus when your life is truly Changed by him you crucify all those old things with Jesus as if you were right there on the cross with him and now you live by the spirit so that your life your life is overflowing with the fruits of the spirit amen guys this whole point the whole point here is be encouraged be encouraged to keep in step with the spirit by living by the spirit so that [26:53]
your life will bear fruit don't feel feel guilt or Shame by what's going on right now but use this moment as a Launchpad use the Salvation that we've been talking about as a Launchpad to Bear the fruits of the spirit so that you reflect the Heart of Jesus more remember from a few weeks ago this is what he says this is what Paul says he says the only thing that counts is Faith expressing itself through love that's the bottom line right there amen amen let me pray for you God Almighty we thank you for your word God we thank you for our Salvation we thank you Lord [27:29]
Jesus for the sacrifice that you made when you died on the cross and God as we receive that as we receive that for our own self Lord as we receive your salvation by faith Lord as we receive your grace God we pray Lord Jesus that our lives might be changed Lord that we would be crucified with you that we would crucify our old selves with you Lord and that our new lives as a new
does that mean if you live like this if you do those things that that you can't possibly be a Christian no I don't think that's what he's saying here but what he is saying is that your very identity is at stake your identity as a follower of Jesus is at stake if the way that you live your life is more in line with this list of things than by living by the spirit then your identity [22:44]
it really isn't in Christ your identity is in these things it's in this lifestyle living in the past and so if this represents you then your life probably hasn't changed all that much you haven't really conformed your life to be like Jesus to be more like Jesus your faith well it may not actually be as genuine as you think and quite frankly guys this is a challenge for all of us certainly back then we don't know exactly how deep these things were penetrating the galatian church right we don't we don't know that but I think for all of us including the Galatians and [23:20]
including you and me this is an opportunity right now to to kind of check ourselves to kind of check how we interact with one another how we live our Our Lives check our motives and the way that we see others the way we engage with others like are we actually bringing other people closer to Jesus first and foremost are we as humans are we drawing closer to Jesus and the way that we live the way that we think the way that we talk but then are we bringing others closer to him as well even people who are different than us even people who we know are sinning that [23:52]
we see their sin we can they express it to us right are we bringing them closer to Jesus or are we pushing them away with our judgment with our self-righteous attitude are we striving ourselves to live a Pure Life In accordance with what God's word says for us the way it lays it out for us or are we just doing what we want because that's how we want to do it and that feels good and what should our lives look like what is the mark of someone who is a Christian what is a how do how is it that we live by the spirit what does that actually mean right if we [24:29]
can't do these things what do we actually have to do well guys this is where Paul brings us right back to our theme of the year which is good ground right what does good ground look like and He suggests that if the seed planted in us if it does fall on good ground then we're going to produce what he calls fruit he says this he says but the fruit of the spirit is love joy peace forbearance kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control against such things there is no law Paul says that these are the things that Mark a [25:08]
and living for the spirit doing both of those things at the same time well that's impossible because these two things are in conflict with each other you can't live live for yourself you [19:28]
can't do whatever you want to do right exercising your freedom and whatever it is that makes you happy whatever it is in a moment that you want to do you can do that and serve the Lord right because doing those things always comes at the expense of what the spirit of God is asking you to do your heart must be in line with God's heart with God's spirit and your life must be in line with him following Jesus guys it means that you experience freedom from the punishment of death Freedom From The Bondage of the law like death no longer has control over you and the law no longer has [20:08]
control over you but if your faith is real you must be changed if your faith is real you've got to turn away and not live by the flesh you've got to now live by the spirit he's saying like salvation isn't a get out of jail free card it is a lifechanging event where Jesus comes into your Heart by the power of the Holy Spirit and restores you to to to God himself and you now get to live freely freely in your expression of love for God you live for Christ and not for the flesh but then Paul Paul he he he clarifies what he means by the flesh he says the acts of the flesh are obvious [20:48]
right they're obvious we we know what these are they are sexual immorality impurity and debauchery idolatry and witchcraft hatred Discord jealousy fits of Rage selfish ambition dissension Frac factions and envy drunkenness orgies and the like things that are just like that Paul gives us this kind of long list of sins and Lifestyles that represent our old lives that represent our sinful past that represent what we have turned away from in order to follow Jesus and it's everything from from sexual sin right like sex outside of marriage which we call IM ity it's idolatry it's placing [21:27]
other things in your life above worship of God Almighty he says witchcraft dark magic using spells and potions and and things of that nature so we go from there to to things like maybe that are a little more common to us hatred of others yeah seeding Discord or or being a divider of people instead of bringing people together you are a divider of people selfish ambition right living your life with ambition to to please your and to get yourself ahead at the expense of others creating dissensions and factions by by by by dividing God's people right again not bringing people [22:07]
together but separating them drunkenness origies where you lose your control Paul's like I warn you as I did before he says that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God now
he couldn't get his life right he certainly couldn't go by you know abiding by the law he couldn't live a good and proper Jewish life you know he couldn't make amends for his old life he couldn't follow the law even just a little bit he's there man he is done he is hanging nailed to a cross right next to Jesus he could not get his life right couldn't follow the law all he could do [13:44]
is believe in Jesus all he could do is believe in Jesus and ask him to remember him and because of that he ultimately went with Jesus us into paradise and in that moment of belief guys he was free from the bondage of sin and death and the law just like you and just like me right when we make that decision for ourselves we receive the grace of Jesus and we receive the freedom that comes with it the freedom that that Jesus Paid the price for on that cross and so here's what I want to answer today or at least what I want to start the conversation of today as as the the [14:29]
question is what happens next like we have this big salvation moment you raise your hand maybe you come forward you receive Jesus into your life as your personal Lord and Savior but what happens next right like once you're saved we're saying Paul was saying once you're saved you're free you're free from all of it but how are you actually supposed to live what does that actually look like like does that mean that that you get to live live however you want to live do whatever you want to do because because Grace covers everything right Grace is undeserved unmar favor it [15:05]
covers Us it covers our past it covers our sin but does that mean when we accept him does this mean that we can now do whatever we we want to do because the grace of Jesus covers Us right I mean it does cover us but this was a Common Thread that would be talked about this is this is something that that people would have talked about or asked back in the first century and this is where pick it up in chapter 5 in the book of Galatians because Paul says you my brothers and sisters were called to be free but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather serve one [15:40]
another humbly in love for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command love your neighbor as yourself if you bite and devour each other watch out or you will be destroyed by by each other so ball begins this section by making the point that when you've placed your faith in Jesus you're actually called to be free you're called to live freely live your life with freedom but it's not freedom in the sense that you can just do what whatever you want to do right it's not freedom in in that you can what he says indulge the flesh that's not the kind of Freedom that Paul [16:22]
creation we would reflect the spirit of the most high God lord and that we would bear the fruits of the spirit in all that we do in all that we say God we pray God for open eyes and ears over [28:06]
these next several weeks as we talk through the fruits of the spirit God give us eyes to see you and ears to hear you speaking right directly to our hearts Lord Jesus God we just want to rebuke all the old patterns of Our Lives the any any word from the enemy as he tries to draw us back into line with him Lord and we just pray pray God that you would move in our hearts Lord so that we could become more like you following your spirit Lord we love you God we thank you and this in Jesus name we pray amen well amen guys I hope that you're really encouraged by this because the [28:42]
truth is God calls us to live by his spirit and bear fruits of his spirit that is a blessing to each of us and to everyone around us so be encouraged and as we learn about these fruits I hope you join us and see where God is calling you to Bear more of his fruit guys thank you so much for spending this time with us I pray that you have a blessed day no matter where you are what you're doing and guess what we'll see you right here next time on one church at home be
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