Galatians 5:16-26
Galatians Book Study • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 1 viewGalatians 5:16-26 teaches that believers must choose between following the sinful desires of the flesh or walking in the Spirit. The flesh produces sin and division, but the Holy Spirit produces godly fruit like love, joy, peace, and self-control. Paul reminds Christians to crucify sinful desires and live in a way that reflects Christ. Trying to earn what God gives freely Listening to wrong voices Misusing or misunderstanding their freedom Losing love for one another
Notes
Transcript
Bible Lesson: Walking in the Spirit
Bible Lesson: Walking in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26
Introduction
Introduction
Every Christian faces a daily battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The “flesh” is our sinful nature that pulls us away from God, while the Holy Spirit leads us into a life that honors Christ. Paul teaches that victory over sin does not come by human effort alone, but by walking closely with the Spirit.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
1. The Battle Within
1. The Battle Within
Paul explains that the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict with each other.
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”
— Galatians 5:17
A believer may feel this struggle every day. One part wants to obey God, while another part wants to satisfy selfish desires.
Supporting Scriptures
Supporting Scriptures
“For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”Romans 7:18-19
“Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”1 Peter 2:11
Illustration
Illustration
A farmer once had two dogs that constantly fought. Someone asked him, “Which dog wins?” The farmer replied, “The one I feed the most.”
The same is true spiritually. If we feed the flesh through sinful influences, the flesh grows stronger. If we feed our spirit through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, the Spirit gains control.
Questions
Questions
What are some ways the flesh fights against the Spirit in our lives?
What things help strengthen your walk with God?
What sinful habits must be starved instead of fed?
2. The Works of the Flesh
2. The Works of the Flesh
Paul lists the sinful actions that come from the flesh.
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest…”
— Galatians 5:19
He mentions 17 sins of the flesh. Some of them are adultery, fornication, hatred, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, and envy.
These sins destroy relationships, churches, and lives.
Supporting Scriptures
Supporting Scriptures
“Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust…”James 1:14-15
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”Proverbs 14:12
Illustration
Illustration
Sin is like weeds in a garden. If weeds are ignored, they quickly spread and choke out healthy plants. In the same way, unconfessed sin grows and damages our spiritual life.
Questions
Questions
Which works of the flesh are most common in society today?
Why is it dangerous to excuse or hide sin?
How can believers guard their hearts from temptation?
3. The Fruit of the Spirit
3. The Fruit of the Spirit
When believers surrender to the Holy Spirit, godly fruit grows in their lives.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
— Galatians 5:22-23
Paul lists nine qualities:
Love
Joy
Peace
Long suffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance (self-control)
Fruit grows naturally on a healthy tree. Likewise, spiritual fruit grows naturally when we stay close to Christ.
Supporting Scriptures
Supporting Scriptures
“Abide in me… He that abideth in me… bringeth forth much fruit.”John 15:4-5
“Ye shall know them by their fruits.”Matthew 7:16
Illustration
Illustration
An apple tree does not struggle to produce apples. It simply stays rooted and healthy. Christians produce spiritual fruit by remaining connected to Jesus through prayer, obedience, and faith.
Questions
Questions
Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to grow in?
What does spiritual fruit reveal about a person’s relationship with Christ?
How can believers encourage one another to grow spiritually?
4. Crucifying the Flesh
4. Crucifying the Flesh
Paul says believers belong to Christ and must put sinful desires to death.
— Galatians 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
This means saying “no” to sinful desires and “yes” to God.
Supporting Scriptures
Supporting Scriptures
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…”Luke 9:23
“Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God…”Romans 6:11
Questions
Questions
What does it mean to deny yourself daily?
Why is surrender to Christ necessary for spiritual victory?
What practical steps help us resist temptation?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Galatians 5:16-26 reminds believers that the Christian life is not about outward religion, but inward transformation through the Holy Spirit. The flesh brings sin and destruction, but the Spirit produces godly fruit and true freedom. As we walk closely with Christ each day, our lives will reflect His character to the world.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
— Galatians 5:25 (KJV)
