Walking by the Spirit (4)
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1. Introduction
1. Introduction
The way we walk says a lot about us, doesn’t it? Look at the way a runway model walks versus the way a Soldier walks (marches).It’s funny, my wife says she can pick me out of a crowd by the way I walk. You know, the Apostle Paul talked about the way we should walk in his letter to the church of Galatia. And that’s what we are going to focus on today, Walking by the Spirit. Turn with me in your Bibles to Galatians 5:16-26.
2. Passage Reading Galatians 5:16-26 (NASB)
2. Passage Reading Galatians 5:16-26 (NASB)
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice 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 Now 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 walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.[1]
3.Opening Prayer
3.Opening Prayer
Father, today we enter into your presence with ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts ready to receive all that You have for us today. May Your word continue to transform us so that we are not the same leaving here today, as we came in. We pray you edify each and every person here that You may be glorified in and through us. We pray all these things in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
Father, today we enter into your presence with ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts ready to receive all that You have for us today. May Your word continue to transform us so that we are not the same leaving here today, as we came in. We pray you edify each and every person here that You may be glorified in and through us. We pray all these things in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
4. Background
4. Background
Paul’s Epistle to the Church of Galatia centers on Christian freedom and responsibility. He explains to the gentile portion of the church their freedom from the Law that the Hebrews were under before the new covenant through Jesus.
Paul’s Epistle to the Church of Galatia centers on Christian freedom and responsibility. He explains to the gentile portion of the church their freedom from the Law that the Hebrews were under before the new covenant through Jesus.
You see, during the early church period, there were a sect of people who tried to force gentile believers into different aspects of Jewish law, like circumcision. They were called Judaizers because they tried to get gentile believers to become circumcised (bring them under Mosaic Law)
You see, during the early church period, there were a sect of people who tried to force gentile believers into different aspects of Jewish law, like circumcision. They were called Judaizers because they tried to get gentile believers to become circumcised (bring them under Mosaic Law)
This removal of flesh was unnecessary for salvation and Paul shows this in a juxtaposition of the flesh and spirit. Let’s take a look at that contrast.
This removal of flesh was unnecessary for salvation and Paul shows this in a juxtaposition of the flesh and spirit. Let’s take a look at that contrast.
5. Point One: We have been called to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18; 22-23)
5. Point One: We have been called to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18; 22-23)
a) Explanation – We, as followers of Christ, are called to walk differently than the world and today we are going to look at that walk - a walk by the Spirit. But what does walking by the Spirit look like? Verse 16 shows us that we won’t carry out the desires of the flesh if we are walking by the Spirit. V 17 that the spirit and flesh are in opposition of each other and that if we are walking by the Spirit, we won’t do whatever we want to do. And verse 18 shows us that walking by the Spirit negates the need for us to be under the law. So that tells us what walking by the Spirit isn’t but let’s look at what Paul says it is. Here in verse 22 and 23 we see the Fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let’s look at these fruits a little more. When we bear the Fruit of the spirit we will choose love over hate, joy (not happiness) over depression, peace over hostility, patience over well, impatience. We choose kindness over meanness, goodness over doing evil, faithfulness over being inconsistent or unreliable, gentleness over aggression, and self-control over a rebellious lifestyle. This is the juxtaposition between those who conform to this world and those who have been called out (the ecclesia).
a) Explanation – We, as followers of Christ, are called to walk differently than the world and today we are going to look at that walk - a walk by the Spirit. But what does walking by the Spirit look like? Verse 16 shows us that we won’t carry out the desires of the flesh if we are walking by the Spirit. V 17 that the spirit and flesh are in opposition of each other and that if we are walking by the Spirit, we won’t do whatever we want to do. And verse 18 shows us that walking by the Spirit negates the need for us to be under the law. So that tells us what walking by the Spirit isn’t but let’s look at what Paul says it is. Here in verse 22 and 23 we see the Fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let’s look at these fruits a little more. When we bear the Fruit of the spirit we will choose love over hate, joy (not happiness) over depression, peace over hostility, patience over well, impatience. We choose kindness over meanness, goodness over doing evil, faithfulness over being inconsistent or unreliable, gentleness over aggression, and self-control over a rebellious lifestyle. This is the juxtaposition between those who conform to this world and those who have been called out (the ecclesia).
b) Illustration –
b) Illustration –
c) Application – As we go about our day to day lives we must be cognizant of what fruit we are bearing. It brings Romans 12:2 to mind where Paul charges us to “not conform to the patterns of this world’s system or pattern”. We are to speak differently (words of edification rather than condemnation), act differently (Patience vs. impatience), exuding the Love of Jesus rather than the wrath of man.
c) Application – As we go about our day to day lives we must be cognizant of what fruit we are bearing. It brings Romans 12:2 to mind where Paul charges us to “not conform to the patterns of this world’s system or pattern”. We are to speak differently (words of edification rather than condemnation), act differently (Patience vs. impatience), exuding the Love of Jesus rather than the wrath of man.
d) Transition - So if we are to walk by the Spirit, that means what? This brings me to my second point:
d) Transition - So if we are to walk by the Spirit, that means what? This brings me to my second point:
6. Point Two: We should NOT continue to walk by the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
6. Point Two: We should NOT continue to walk by the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
a) Explanation – So, what does walking by the flesh look like? Paul lists out the deeds of the flesh in verses 19-21. They are: immorality (porniea), impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery (pharmakia), enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. Interesting side note, the Greek word for immorality is PORNEIA, where we get the word pornography. Its meaning covers everything from premarital sex to porn sites. Also interesting is the Greek word for sorcery, PHARMAKIA, where we get the word pharmaceuticals. Its meaning suggests drugging to deaden or incapacitate. There is absolutely a good purpose for the medicines developed, but we should also recognize that there are inherent issues with relying solely on pharmaceuticals. Some say another word for factions is denominations. In any case, Paul goes on in verse 21 to point out that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Does that mean we are damned if we miss the mark? Absolutely not. Practice here shows an unrepentant and continuous cycle of lifestyle.
a) Explanation – So, what does walking by the flesh look like? Paul lists out the deeds of the flesh in verses 19-21. They are: immorality (porniea), impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery (pharmakia), enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. Interesting side note, the Greek word for immorality is PORNEIA, where we get the word pornography. Its meaning covers everything from premarital sex to porn sites. Also interesting is the Greek word for sorcery, PHARMAKIA, where we get the word pharmaceuticals. Its meaning suggests drugging to deaden or incapacitate. There is absolutely a good purpose for the medicines developed, but we should also recognize that there are inherent issues with relying solely on pharmaceuticals. Some say another word for factions is denominations. In any case, Paul goes on in verse 21 to point out that those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Does that mean we are damned if we miss the mark? Absolutely not. Practice here shows an unrepentant and continuous cycle of lifestyle.
b) Illustration – Look at how a Soldier marches. They walk differently than the rest of the world. A civilian won’t pay attention to the length of their step, the cadence of their stride, or the posture of their bodies. Just as the world walks in the deeds of the flesh, we are called to walk differently. We were born walking in the flesh but just as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – Our old walk should pass away and our new walk should emerge when we accept Jesus into our hearts.
b) Illustration – Look at how a Soldier marches. They walk differently than the rest of the world. A civilian won’t pay attention to the length of their step, the cadence of their stride, or the posture of their bodies. Just as the world walks in the deeds of the flesh, we are called to walk differently. We were born walking in the flesh but just as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – Our old walk should pass away and our new walk should emerge when we accept Jesus into our hearts.
c) Application – We should strive to avoid the deeds of the flesh and I’ve found it effective to ask for help from the Holy Spirit. I’ll pray “Father, today I choose to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Holy Spirit help me, guide me, direct my steps today.” I will also pause throughout the day to reflect on how my walk is going and give God praise for helping me.
c) Application – We should strive to avoid the deeds of the flesh and I’ve found it effective to ask for help from the Holy Spirit. I’ll pray “Father, today I choose to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Holy Spirit help me, guide me, direct my steps today.” I will also pause throughout the day to reflect on how my walk is going and give God praise for helping me.
d) Transition – Now that we know the difference between walking by the flesh and walking by the Spirit, our work has just begun. This leads me to me last point:
d) Transition – Now that we know the difference between walking by the flesh and walking by the Spirit, our work has just begun. This leads me to me last point:
7. Point Three: We should continue to exhort and edify each other into a walk that is led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-26)
7. Point Three: We should continue to exhort and edify each other into a walk that is led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-26)
a) Explanation – Look at what we are supposed to do with those fleshly desires. In verse 24 we see that if we are in Christ, we have crucified those passions and desires of the flesh. There is no place in Christian life for them. And if we have been redeemed by His spirit, we should also walk by the Spirit, verse 25. Just as proverbs 27 tells us that Just as Iron sharpens iron, so too should we sharpen each other! This isn’t a contest of holiness and a competition to see who exhibits more of the Fruits of the Spirit, but this a cooperative walk. Look at verse 26 where it says “Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” We should all strive to edify each other and rejoice in each others’ spiritual walk. In the same way, we should not flaunt how “spiritual” we are, boasting about the fruit that we are bearing. If we do, that fruit will rot from pride and be rendered unusable. The fruit we bear should be self evident by the way we speak, the way we react to situations, and the way we live.
a) Explanation – Look at what we are supposed to do with those fleshly desires. In verse 24 we see that if we are in Christ, we have crucified those passions and desires of the flesh. There is no place in Christian life for them. And if we have been redeemed by His spirit, we should also walk by the Spirit, verse 25. Just as proverbs 27 tells us that Just as Iron sharpens iron, so too should we sharpen each other! This isn’t a contest of holiness and a competition to see who exhibits more of the Fruits of the Spirit, but this a cooperative walk. Look at verse 26 where it says “Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” We should all strive to edify each other and rejoice in each others’ spiritual walk. In the same way, we should not flaunt how “spiritual” we are, boasting about the fruit that we are bearing. If we do, that fruit will rot from pride and be rendered unusable. The fruit we bear should be self evident by the way we speak, the way we react to situations, and the way we live.
b) Illustration – Look at Soldiers in formation. They are in step, marching in unison. If anyone gets out of step, it is very evident. Army buddies will help each other in what is called Drill and Ceremonies – lifting each other up to be in unison.
b) Illustration – Look at Soldiers in formation. They are in step, marching in unison. If anyone gets out of step, it is very evident. Army buddies will help each other in what is called Drill and Ceremonies – lifting each other up to be in unison.
c) Application – In the same way, we can notice if a brother or sister is “out of step” and we should work with them – edifying them, calling them to a stronger walk by the Spirit. This isn’t a admonishment or condemnation. It is calling out the treasure in them through the Holy Spirit. So that we all walk by the Spirit more and more each day!
c) Application – In the same way, we can notice if a brother or sister is “out of step” and we should work with them – edifying them, calling them to a stronger walk by the Spirit. This isn’t a admonishment or condemnation. It is calling out the treasure in them through the Holy Spirit. So that we all walk by the Spirit more and more each day!
d) Transition - We’ve seen what walking by the Spirit looks like, we’ve seen what the deeds of the flesh are, and we see how we are not only called to walk by the Spirit but also called to edify and help each other walk by the spirit.
d) Transition - We’ve seen what walking by the Spirit looks like, we’ve seen what the deeds of the flesh are, and we see how we are not only called to walk by the Spirit but also called to edify and help each other walk by the spirit.
8. Conclusion
8. Conclusion
As we go about our lives let’s ask ourselves if we are walking by the Spirit - exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit. Let us crucify the passions and deeds of the flesh. Let us sharpen each other, not out of competition or so we can boast, but so we can edify each other - calling each other into a deeper walk by the Spirit!
9. Closing Prayer
9. Closing Prayer
Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes and pray this together: (all repeat) Father, today we receive your word and I decide today, to walk by the Spirit and not by the Flesh. I want to bear the Fruits of the Spirit and not the deeds of the flesh. Holy Spirit help me walk by the Spirit. Lead me. Guide me. Direct me. Lord, we pray today that You protect the members of Your body – the ecclesia, from the tempting deeds of the flesh. Let us all walk by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ mighty name – the name that is above all names, AMEN!
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update(La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ga 5:16–26.