Living by the Spirit: Transforming Flesh into Fruit
Summary
### Summary
In our study of Galatians chapter 5, we delved into the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh, such as adultery, fornication, idolatry, and hatred, are manifestations of our fallen human nature. These actions preclude us from inheriting the Kingdom of God because they reveal a heart not aligned with Christ. Paul emphasizes that while we are not saved by the law, our lives should reflect our faith in Christ by avoiding these sinful behaviors.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—are not products of our efforts but the natural outcome of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Just as a tree naturally bears fruit, a life filled with the Spirit will naturally exhibit these qualities. This fruit is evidence of a sanctified life, a life that has been purified and cleansed by the Holy Spirit.
Paul also discusses the concept of crucifying the flesh, which means putting to death our old, sinful nature. This transformation is not about eradicating our human nature but resetting our default inclination from sin to holiness. This change is made possible through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. While we still face temptations, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome them.
Finally, Paul warns against seeking vain glory and provoking one another. Instead, we should live humbly, recognizing that any righteousness we exhibit is the fruit of the Spirit, not our own efforts. This humility fosters unity and prevents division within the body of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit: The works of the flesh, such as adultery and idolatry, are manifestations of our fallen nature and preclude us from inheriting the Kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and others—are natural outcomes of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. These fruits are not achieved by our efforts but are the result of the Spirit's work in us. [01:35]
2. Crucifying the Flesh: To crucify the flesh means to put to death our old, sinful nature. This transformation is not about eradicating our human nature but resetting our default inclination from sin to holiness. This change is made possible through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. [23:43]
3. Living in the Spirit: If we profess to be under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit, our conduct should reflect that. This means yielding to the Spirit daily, allowing His power to help us overcome temptations and live a life that pleases God. [33:39]
4. Humility and Unity: Paul warns against seeking vain glory and provoking one another. Instead, we should live humbly, recognizing that any righteousness we exhibit is the fruit of the Spirit, not our own efforts. This humility fosters unity and prevents division within the body of Christ. [35:35]
5. Sanctification and the Holy Spirit: The process of sanctification involves a second work of grace, where the Holy Spirit cleanses our fallen nature and empowers us to live a holy life. This is not about achieving perfection but about being equipped to face the world with a heart inclined towards God. [38:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - Works of the Flesh
[03:23] - Understanding the Flesh
[06:42] - Fruit of the Spirit
[10:13] - Love, Joy, and Peace
[13:56] - Long-Suffering and Gentleness
[15:36] - Faith and Meekness
[17:59] - Temperance and Self-Control
[20:00] - The Role of Law
[23:43] - Crucifying the Flesh
[29:46] - Repentance and Transformation
[33:39] - Living in the Spirit
[35:35] - Humility and Unity
[38:06] - Sanctification and the Holy Spirit
[45:30] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:19-26 (NIV)
> "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. 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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions 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."
2. Romans 6:6 (NIV)
> "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
> "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the "works of the flesh" listed in Galatians 5:19-21, and what is their consequence according to Paul? [01:35]
2. How does Paul describe the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22-23, and what is unique about these qualities? [06:42]
3. What does it mean to "crucify the flesh" according to Galatians 5:24 and Romans 6:6? [23:43]
4. How does Paul suggest believers should live if they are led by the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:25? [33:39]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul contrast the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit"? What does this contrast reveal about the nature of a life led by the Spirit? [06:42]
2. How does the concept of "crucifying the flesh" relate to the transformation of a believer's life? What does this process entail? [23:43]
3. In what ways does living by the Spirit foster humility and unity within the body of Christ, according to Paul's teachings? [35:35]
4. How does the process of sanctification, as described in the sermon, equip believers to face the world with a heart inclined towards God? [38:06]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "works of the flesh" that you struggle with? How can you begin to address these areas with the help of the Holy Spirit? [01:35]
2. Choose one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" that you feel is lacking in your life. What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate this fruit? [06:42]
3. Think about a recent situation where you were tempted to act according to your old, sinful nature. How could you have responded differently by yielding to the Holy Spirit? [23:43]
4. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions to foster unity within your church community? Share a specific example where you can apply this principle. [35:35]
5. Identify a person in your life who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? [13:56]
6. Reflect on a time when you sought "vain glory" or provoked someone. How can you change your behavior to align more closely with Paul's teachings on humility and unity? [35:35]
7. How can you incorporate daily practices that help you live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit? Share one practical habit you can start this week. [33:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit
The works of the flesh, such as adultery, fornication, idolatry, and hatred, are manifestations of our fallen human nature. These actions preclude us from inheriting the Kingdom of God because they reveal a heart not aligned with Christ. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—are not products of our efforts but the natural outcome of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Just as a tree naturally bears fruit, a life filled with the Spirit will naturally exhibit these qualities. This fruit is evidence of a sanctified life, a life that has been purified and cleansed by the Holy Spirit. [01:35]
Galatians 5:19-23 (ESV): "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Identify one work of the flesh that you struggle with. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you replace it with a corresponding fruit of the Spirit today?
Day 2: Crucifying the Flesh
To crucify the flesh means to put to death our old, sinful nature. This transformation is not about eradicating our human nature but resetting our default inclination from sin to holiness. This change is made possible through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. While we still face temptations, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome them. Crucifying the flesh is a daily commitment to live in alignment with God's will, allowing His Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. [23:43]
Romans 6:6-7 (ESV): "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to crucify the flesh? How can you take a practical step today to surrender this area to the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: Living in the Spirit
If we profess to be under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit, our conduct should reflect that. This means yielding to the Spirit daily, allowing His power to help us overcome temptations and live a life that pleases God. Living in the Spirit involves a conscious decision to follow His leading in every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and words to our actions and relationships. It is a journey of continual growth and transformation, marked by the increasing presence of the Spirit's fruit in our lives. [33:39]
Ephesians 5:18-21 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: How can you intentionally yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to ensure you are living under His influence?
Day 4: Humility and Unity
Paul warns against seeking vain glory and provoking one another. Instead, we should live humbly, recognizing that any righteousness we exhibit is the fruit of the Spirit, not our own efforts. This humility fosters unity and prevents division within the body of Christ. By acknowledging that our strengths and virtues are gifts from God, we can avoid pride and cultivate a spirit of cooperation and mutual support within our community. Humility allows us to see others through the lens of grace and to work together for the common good. [35:35]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your interactions with others today? How can you contribute to unity within your church or community?
Day 5: Sanctification and the Holy Spirit
The process of sanctification involves a second work of grace, where the Holy Spirit cleanses our fallen nature and empowers us to live a holy life. This is not about achieving perfection but about being equipped to face the world with a heart inclined towards God. Sanctification is an ongoing journey of becoming more like Christ, marked by the increasing presence of the Spirit's fruit in our lives. It is a work of grace that transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to reflect God's character in our daily lives. [38:06]
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
Reflection: What steps can you take to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification in your life? How can you cultivate a heart that is more inclined towards God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We live in a world, it seems like, that they're not wanting to name things out. If you name the name of Christ, we're all going to make it. But the scripture says, if we name the name of Christ, we need to depart from iniquity. And the scripture is very clear here. If we do these things, we will not inherit the kingdom of God." [01:35] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fruit of the Spirit is a result of the Lord in our life. So, if there are some of these attributes, and we'll read through them, but if there's some of these attributes, then we'll read through them. But if there's some of the fruit of the Spirit that I am lacking in, what is the answer to yield to the Lord, and instead of biting my lip, if I'm frustrated, instead of biting my lip, what should I do? Yes, pray." [08:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The fruit of the Spirit is not something that comes by nature, but it's by the divine influence and power of the Holy Spirit working in our life. And so this is the product or the result or the fruit of a sanctified life, of a soul that has been purified and cleansed. And then as we yield more to the Lord, we do grow in these things." [10:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the answer to having the fruit of the Spirit to be more like Christ is to yield more to Him. I'm ceasing from my labors, and it's the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life that's coming out. And that doesn't mean that we shouldn't say, Lord, I need some more gentleness, and be aware of the needs in our life, but how do we get it? As has been said, by submitting to the Lord." [08:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the first one is love. Someone defined love for us. A result of a pure heart, love. I know there's multiple definitions of love, but it's that intense desire to please God here, isn't it? The fruit of the Spirit, you want to see someone has love. It's that desire more than anything else. Lord, I want to please you." [12:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The works of the flesh. This is the flesh. It's talking about depraved mankind. Okay. Sin passed on the whole world when Adam and Eve sinned. It did something morally in all of us. So, maybe it, it, it really changed our moral character or makeup with the sin of Adam and Eve. There was something lost, and it wasn't just the innocence." [03:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, when it uses the word flesh here, I want us to understand, it's not talking about this flesh and blood. It's talking about the fleshly nature of mankind. Okay. Some refer to it as the old man, and we talked about that last time. This is what the scripture calls it. The old man or the flesh. In Galatians, he used the word flesh." [04:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, if we are adulterers, idolaters, fornicators, liars, cheaters, all of those things are on that list, that is going to preclude us from entering into heaven. Because what's not right if we're doing those things? Our hearts aren't right. So, we're not saved by, keeping the law. Again, that's the whole point of this. We're not saved by keeping the law, but these are some of the works of the flesh." [01:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, part of the evidence and the fruit of the spirit in our life is going to be temperance, self-control. Then he said, against such there is no law. So people can have, if you had all of this fruit working in your life, Paul was, letting them know, he said, there's no law. You can't be condemned by any law. The moral law of God, the moral law of God is fulfilled and evidenced by those that have the fruit of the spirit." [19:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, when we recognize we have a need, the answer is still the same. Lord, help me to get closer to you. Help me to draw closer to you. All right, what about gentleness? What's gentleness? It's not harshness. The word actually is translated as kindness in some translations in this context. Gentleness being kindness or moral excellence. Just being kind. Kind to people. That is a fruit of the Spirit." [14:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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