Galatians 5:16–25

Phrases to highlight:

walk by the Spirit (led by the Spirit (18), live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit (25))

not under the law (against such things there is no law (23))

works of the flesh vs fruit of the Spirit

will not inherit the kingdom of God

crucified the flesh (Galatians 2:20)

Questions to answers:

how do we walk by the Spirit?

what does it mean that we will not gratify the desires of the flesh?

what does it mean to not be under the law? Not under the penalty of the law nor seeking to be made righteous through the law… the Spirit accomplishes what the law was unable to do.

Does 20–21 indicate that living according to the the flesh without repentance cannot coincide with the Spirit’s indwelling presence?

How does warning against conceit, provoking, and envying tie into the letter? Is he referring to the false teachers? Could the fruit he points to be a test for the false teachers too?

As I struggle with temptation/sin… what should I do?

How does this text help me in the fight against the flesh?

Warning signs of the flesh’s desires

Encouragement of where to focus: renew your mind on the Spirit and the things of the Spirit

Romans 12:2, Eph 5:5

Romans 8:1–13 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8- Free from condemnation and law, set mind on flesh/Spirit, by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live!

For freedom He has set us free… Galatians 3:13

Walk by the Spirit (the Sword of the Spirit)

Crucified the flesh with its passions and desires

John 15: how do we bear fruit? Abide in Jesus! Remain in Him! He produces the fruit in and through us!

Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and Galatians 3:2 how do we receive the Spirit?

Do you feed your mind/heart the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit?

Discussion Questions:

What are some things you can do to feed your mind and heart with what the Spirit desires?

Are there certain seasons or situations that make it difficult to feed yourself with what the Spirit desires? How might it help you to identify those seasons and prepare for the war between the flesh and the Spirit?

How could you use this passage to help a friend struggling in temptation? What truths would encourage them, warn them, and help them know what to do?

How would you respond to someone who thinks that since we are saved by grace it doesn’t matter how we live?

Read Hebrews 4:14–16, how does this passage encourage you as you face temptation? Where should we go with our temptation and sin?

End your time by praying for each other to walk by the Spirit.

Questions During Talk:

One slide:

What are your highs and lows since the last time we met?

What is the Lord currently teaching you?

What is something you are asking God for in prayer?

5:16–25, What similarities do you notice between –Galatians 5:16–25 and Romans 8:1–13? Do you notice any differences that help to clarify the Galatians passage?

Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and Galatians 3:2 how do we receive the Spirit?

5:19–21 Based on the list of the works of the flesh in 5:20–21, what are some things we should avoid that would feed these desires?

5:24 What does it look like for you to daily put the flesh to death? Do you have an example of how you put the flesh’s desires/passions to death?