GalatiansThe Gospel No Other Gospel

Episode 23

Galatians 5:13-26The Liberated Lifestyle of the Spirit-Guided Man

Galatians 6:1-18Christ’s Cross: The True Motive for Serving

Pre-scheduled sick dayIntro to __________

What’s next?

A) Ephesians: Christ’s Church

B) James: The Gospel of Common Sense

C) Bible Guys with names ending in -iah

D) Trees

E) Another study by Edward C. Wharton-Christ and the Church-The Church of Christ-Redemption Is: Planned, Needed, Provided

F) Something else entirely

The Holy Bible, English Standard Versionby Crossway Bibles

Freed for Freedomby Edward C. Wharton

Commentaries on the Bibleby James Burton Coffman

“The message of the gospel is that if we, by faith in Christ, practice walking by the Spirit, we can have the confidence of our salvation that will motivate us to a greater life of holiness and to higher attainments of spiritual insight and development.”

- Edward C. Wharton, Freed for Freedom

Gal 5:25 (NKJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Gal 5:13-15 (ESV) 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.

Gal 5:16-18 (ESV) 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.

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Gal 5:13-15 (ESV) 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.

Does Satan have us convinced, through our sin-dulled perceptions, that we are not enslaved to sin?

Does Satan have us convinced, through our sin-dulled perceptions, that the God’s love is an overstatement?

Does Satan have us convinced, through our sin-dulled perceptions, that gap between the two isn’t all that big?

Gal 5:13-15 (ESV) 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.

Law Love

Can we accomplish this through mere obedience?

Gal 5:13-15 (ESV) 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.

Law Love

Can we accomplish this through mere obedience?

Example: School zonesExample: Marriage

Give me an example: _________________

Gal 5:13-15 (ESV) 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.

How can genuine Christian love accomplish what the law cannot?

Can our love for our Savior shape us to the extent that we want to be obedient as an expression of our gratitude?

Gal 5:16-18 (ESV) 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.

How does the Christian know when he is walking by the Spirit?

Is this subjective or objective?

Subjective = based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Objective = not subjective

Gal 5:16-18 (ESV) 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.

How does God guide us through our Christian lives?

Gal 5:16-18 (ESV) 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.

How does God guide us through our Christian lives?

2 Tim 3:16-1-7 (ESV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Tim 3:16-1-7 (ESV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

How does that work?

1 Pet 1:22-23 (ESV) Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

Did the Spirit save us by the Word of the Gospel?

2 Tim 3:16-1-7 (ESV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

How does that work?

Gal 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Does the Spirit bear His fruit by His Word?

Gal 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Does the Spirit bear His fruit by His Word?

John 1:1-5 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Gal 5:16-18 (ESV) 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.

Why is a man who is under the law unable to be led by the Spirit?

Will the Spirit lead us to a legal system?

Image via Creative Commons

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Why do the works of the flesh keep the natural man from inheriting the kingdom of God?

2 Cor 3:14 (ESV) But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Can you group the listed works of the flesh into categories?

- Sexual- Religious- Social relationships- Substance abuse

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Can you group the listed works of the flesh into categories?

- Sexual- Religious- Social relationships- Substance abuse

What are some “such things” that aren’t listed?

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Is there a distinction between a practice and an act when it comes to the works of the flesh?

Can the works of the flesh keep us out of the kingdom of God?

Gal 5:19-21 (ESV) 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.

Is there a distinction between a practice and an act when it comes to the works of the flesh?

Can the works of the flesh keep us out of the kingdom of God?

What is the “kingdom of God”?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Is it “fruit” of the Spirit or “fruits” of the Spirit?

What difference does it make?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Tell me about the 9 virtues of the fruit of the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Love: Am I motivated to do for others as Christ has done for me, or am I giving in order to receive something in return?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Joy: Am I experiencing a joy of life on a regular basis, or is my happiness dependent on things going smoothly in my day?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Peace: Do I find myself frazzled by the crashing waves of turmoil in my life, or am I experiencing “the peace that passes all comprehension” (Philippians 4:6-7)?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Patience: Am I easily set off when things go wrong or people irritate me, or am I able to keep a godly perspective in the face of life’s irritations?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Kindness: Is it my goal to serve others with kindness, or am I too focused on my own needs, desires or problems to let the goodness of God overflow to others?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Goodness: Does my life reflect the holiness of God, and do I desire to see others experience God at a deep level in their own lives?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Faithfulness: Are there areas of hypocrisy and indifference toward others in my life, or is my life characterized by faith in Christ and faithfulness to those around me?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Gentleness: Do I come across to others as brash and headstrong, or am I allowing the grace of God to flow through me to others?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Self-control: Are my fleshly desires controlling my life, or am I allowing the Spirit to direct me to the things that please God and serve others?

-Scott Williams, 10 Ideas: Reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit, www.familylife.com

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Why do you think Paul left out tongue-speaking, premonitions, visions, healings, and charismatic experiences from the list describing the fruit of the Spirit?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

While the works of the flesh are quite evident, does the fruit of the Spirit take time to grow?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

While the works of the flesh are quite evident, does the fruit of the Spirit take time to grow?

Is that growth within our control, like trying harder?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

What does it mean that there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Although we have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, we still sin. Why?

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

Although we have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, we still sin. Why?

Heb 5:13-14 (ESV) For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Gal 5:22-26 (ESV) 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.

What does Paul mean to live by the Spirit?

There is more misunderstanding in current times over the meaning of the Spirit's indwelling of Christian hearts than of any other doctrine of the New Testament.

God is in Christians.Christians are in God.Christ is in Christians.Christians are in Christ.The Holy Spirit is in Christians.Christians are in the Holy Spirit.The mind of Christ is in Christians.The word of Christ is in Christians.

These are descriptions of ONE CONDITION, the saved condition.

- James Burton Coffman, Commentaries on the Bible

Galatians 6:1-18Christ’s Cross: The True Motive for Serving

Pre-scheduled sick dayIntro to __________