Walking by the Spirit - Part 4

INTRODUCTION: Please turn in your Bible’s to Galatians 5:19-25.

Attention: 

Need:

Textual idea: 

Interrogative: 

Transition:

Galatians 5:19–25 “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. (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.”

In describing the believer’s walk by the Spirit, Paul first sets forth the command and the conflict (vv. 16-18) of that walk. Next he focuses on the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 19-23) and then presents the conquest (vv. 24-25) that has been provided.

BODY

The Contrast (Gal. 5:19-23).

Explanation: Galatians 5:19–23 “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. (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.”

As a motivation to godly living, Paul places the products of life lived in the flesh side by side with the products of life lived by the Spirit. The sins of the first list are the ugly and repulsive results of evil desire, whereas the virtues of the second are the beautiful and attractive results of walking by the Spirit. Neither list is exhaustive but only suggestive (see v. 21, “things like these”; and v. 23, “such things”) of things that first of all were pertinent to the Galatians church and, second, are pertinent to all believers.

The Deeds of the Flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).

Galatians 5:19–21 “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.”

The works of flesh reflect the sinful desires of unredeemed humanness, which are in spiritual warfare against the desires of the Spirit (vv. 16-17; v. 24). These works are so evident that Paul mentions them primarily by way of a reminder.

Illustration:

Argumentation:

Application:

Transition:

2. Division Statement

Explanation:

Illustration:

Argumentation:

Application:

Transition:

3. Division statement

Explanation:

Illustration:

Argumentation:

Application:

Transition:

4. Division statement

Explanation:

Illustration:

Argumentation:

Application:

CONCLUSION

(Keys Cue) Visualization:

Reiteration:

Action:

(The Gospel/Salvation) Appeal:  

What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?

Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.

1. God Is Sovereign Creator

Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.

2. God Is Holy

God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. First Peter 1:16 says, You shall be holy, for I am holy.

3. Mankind Is Sinful

According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).

4. Sin Demands a Penalty

God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.

5. Jesus Is Lord and Savior

Romans 10:9 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).

6. The Character of Saving Faith

True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don't love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).

(Pray)