Next Level Relationships (2)
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Deeds of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit!
Galatians 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident . . . But the fruit of the Spirit . . .
In a previous message dealing with taking our relationships to the next level of maturity,
we addressed the relationship between Husbands and Wives, Wives and Husbands, Children and Parents, Fathers and Children!
Today, I want us to examine the relationship between the Believers flesh and spirit, and others!
There is one thing that will reveal the level of maturity in our life and that is how we handle conflict with others!
Relationships are messy and one thing we know for sure is that every relationship applies pressure to those in the relationship.
When pressure is applied whatever we are full of will come out of us! If we are full of the flesh, the deeds of the flesh will manifest. If we are full of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will manifest!
In other words, whatever is in the well will come up in the bucket!
I. The PROBLEM we often FACE!
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
This is a great compliment and a great question: You were running well; but who hindered you from obeying the truth?
Galatians 5:8 This persuasion (not obeying the truth), did not come from Him who calls you!
A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
II. The ENCOURAGEMENT we always NEED!
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
What is Freedom? It is not the ability to choose to do whatever you want to do. True freedom is the ability to choose to do the Righteous thing at all times!
What happens when we do not utilize the ability we have to choose to do the right thing? We turn our ability to choose into an opportunity for the flesh!
How should we use our freedom? We should use our freedom to serve one another through love!
III. The STRUGGLE we regularly EXPERIENCE!
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.
What is the definition of the flesh? The part of you or me that we are born with that alienates us from God. It is identified in Scripture as “the old self” or “the old nature.”
What is the definition of the spirit? The part of you or me that is made alive in Christ when we repent of our sin and believe in Christ!
What is the relationship between the flesh and the spirit? The flesh sets its desire against the spirit, and the spirit sets its desire against the flesh!
IV. The EVIDENCE we always DISPLAY!
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
What does it mean that the deeds of the flesh are “evident”? It means the deeds of the flesh are put on display in our life like a huge digital billboard!
What are some of these deeds of the flesh that become evident in our life?
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
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.
What is the danger if the deeds of the flesh are habitually on display in our life? Just as I have forewarned you, that those who PRACTICE 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.
V. The TRUTH we must individually OWN!
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Two truths to remember: We can’t cast the flesh out of each other and we can’t disciple a demon!
A. There will be happy COMMUNICATION with each other!
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
B. There will be continual THANKSGIVING!
always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
C. There will be mutual SUBMISSION!
and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
In conclusion, how should we live our daily lives?
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
What do others see when your digital billboard is on display? The deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit?
It is impossible to walk by the Spirit when we empower and or justify the flesh!
that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
We need to lay aside the old self and we need to put on the new self . . .
