The Gospel and the Spirit (Gal 5.16-26)

Key Topics

Explain why Paul might mention these things here.

“Paul, this sort of teaching will lead people to lead lawless lives. Where will God’s glory be there?”

Paul needs to explain righteous living is not excluded from the Christian life, but it has a different motivation. From love, not achievement.

How to walk by the Spirit (Proposition) How to plant a Christian Garden

Be led by the Spirit

The Spirits relation to Christ’s message (He doesn’t go beyond the world) “John Ortburg’s Soul Keeping”

Look at John’s summary of the Spirits work

Look at the common misconception of Spirit’s work

Search in your heart for the Spirits movements

The Spirit is neglected

Look at the 3 different types of sins Paul lists

Look how they correspond to Paul’s situation

Answer the question what does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit

Show the difference between the flesh and the Spirit

It is a battleground; we choose between the two

We do not live in a vacuum, just like the fact we were born into a country who’s laws we must abide, we’re born into a conflict between the spirit and the flesh

Show the difference between Spirit and Law

The Law of the Lord is a light is a biblical idea, but maybe we should say the Spirit of the Lord is a light.

The Spirit has the ability to provide power and ethical guidance far above the law

“Why do you want the Law when the Spirit of God is better!”

Parallel Passages

“led by idols”

The New Revised Standard Version Spiritual Gifts

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak.

The Spirit speaks not on his own, (Like Jesus)

The Spirit is sent to glorify the Son

Introduction: Old Man River

There once was an old man.

Bind to Sermon:

Choose the Spirit to guide you

CHOOSE THE SPIRIT TO GUIDE YOU

WE MUST CHOOSE THE SPIRIT OR FLESH; NO OTHER OPTION

THE FLESH DIVIDES

THE SPIRIT MENDS

POWER AND HIGHER ETHICS

APP: THERE ARE NOT NEUTRAL OPTIONS

COMMIT TO GROWING

FRUIT OVER WORKS

SPIRIT FULFILLS LAW

GROWTH IS GRADUAL

GROWTH IS CONTINUAL

APP: DON’T CRAM

CONSIDER YOURSELF CRUCIFIED

LIVE OUT THE TRUER REALITY

HOW? CRUCIFYING THE FLESH; GIVE IT NO OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE

ILLUSTRATION: COVERING UP PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

APP: DON’T PUSH YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER’S BUTTONS