Week 6 | Spirit-Filled Living

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in freedom, bearing fruit that points to Christ.

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-6:18

Intro:

Have you ever felt like you’re being pulled in two different directions? Like part of you wants to do the right thing — to be patient, kind, and loving — but another part of you just wants to give in to whatever feels good in the moment? Maybe you’ve had a moment where you tried to stay calm, but anger burst out instead. Or maybe you knew you should speak up and encourage someone, but instead you stayed quiet because it was easier.

It’s like there’s a battle going on inside of us. And that’s not just a feeling — the Bible tells us it’s true.

Show video clip from Inside out (1 minute).

Riley’s emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — are constantly fighting for control in her mind. Joy tries to keep things positive, but no matter how hard she tries, Sadness keeps interfering. The more Joy fights Sadness, the more chaotic things get.

Eventually, Riley feels lost and overwhelmed.

That’s a picture of what happens in our hearts. We have desires that pull us toward selfishness, pride, or comfort. But the Holy Spirit is also working inside of us, guiding us to live in love, peace, and purpose.

The key to living in true freedom is learning to listen to the right guide — the Holy Spirit.

Tension:

Every day, we face this internal struggle.

One voice whispers, "Do what feels good now. Don’t worry about the consequences." Another voice — the Holy Spirit — says, "Trust God. Follow Jesus. Walk in love."

Have you ever had a moment where you knew the right thing to do, but you chose the easier or more selfish option instead?

The truth is, this isn’t a new struggle. Paul saw this same tension happening in the early church.

The Galatians were being pulled in two directions:

One side told them they had to follow Jewish laws to be accepted by God.

The other side tempted them to indulge in sin and selfishness.

Paul’s message was clear: There’s a better way — walk by the Spirit.

Big Idea:

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in freedom, bearing fruit that points to Christ.

Truth:

Background of Galatians 5-6:

Paul is wrapping up his letter by showing the Galatians what Spirit-filled living looks like.

He’s just spent time warning them not to return to legalism or to indulge in sinful desires. Now, he gives practical advice on how to walk in freedom through the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-21 – The Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:16–21 ESV

16 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. 19 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.

Paul lists behaviors that result from following selfish desires: sexual immorality, impurity, hatred, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, and envy — and that’s not even the full list!

Notice that Paul isn’t just talking about "bad behavior"; he’s describing patterns of life that are centered on self. These behaviors lead to broken relationships, damaged trust, and ultimately, distance from God.

Paul warns that those who continually live this way will not inherit the kingdom of God. It’s a sobering reminder that sin doesn’t just harm us — it separates us from the life God intended for us.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He presents a better way — life in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26 – The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–26 ESV

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 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.

In contrast to the destructive works of the flesh, Paul describes the beautiful and life-giving fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Notice Paul doesn’t call these "the acts of the Spirit." Instead, he calls them "fruit." Why does that matter?

Fruit isn’t something you manufacture overnight. It’s not something you produce by simply trying harder.

Fruit grows naturally when a plant is healthy and connected to its source. In the same way, the fruit of the Spirit grows in our lives as we stay connected to Jesus and surrender to His Spirit.

It’s also important to notice that Paul calls this "fruit" — singular, not "fruits." This isn’t a spiritual buffet where we pick and choose what qualities we want. The Spirit produces all these qualities together in a growing believer.

Love, joy, and peace aren’t just personality traits — they’re supernatural evidence that the Spirit is working in us.

So how do we cultivate this fruit in our lives? By consistently walking with the Spirit. That means inviting Him to guide our decisions, relying on His strength when we’re weak, and trusting His voice over the voice of selfishness or temptation.

Paul’s message is clear: a Spirit-filled life is one where God’s character overflows from us in ways that bless others and bring glory to Him.

Read Galatians 6:1-10 – Living Out the Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 6:1–10 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Paul urges believers to carry one another’s burdens, restore those who are caught in sin, and not grow weary in doing good.

Spirit-filled living is practical — it shows up in how we treat others.

Read Galatians 6:11-18 – Boasting in the Cross

Galatians 6:11–18 ESV

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Paul closes by reminding the Galatians that their identity is not in their accomplishments but in what Jesus has done for them.

The Spirit leads us to boast in Jesus, not ourselves.

Application:

Walk by the Spirit Daily

The key to Spirit-filled living isn’t just “trying harder” — it’s surrendering to the Spirit’s guidance.

Challenge: Start your day by asking, “Holy Spirit, guide me today.”

Bear Fruit in Your Relationships

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t just for you — it’s meant to bless others.

Challenge: Identify one person this week you can intentionally show love, patience, or kindness toward — even if it’s difficult.

Landing:

Spirit-filled living isn’t about checking boxes or following rules — it’s about walking closely with God.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, He empowers us to live in freedom and produce fruit that draws others to Jesus.

So this week, when you feel tension — when you’re pulled between selfishness and the Spirit — stop and ask yourself this question: "Which choice points to Jesus?" Then follow Him.

Final Challenge: Each day this week, pause before you react, respond, or decide — and pray, "Holy Spirit, lead me." Watch how God shows up when you invite Him into your everyday life.

Pray