The Revolutionary Gospel
Galatians 5 – Flesh and Spirit
October 10, 2021
Every year, I receive a full blood test report and the lab sends me results. There are usually about 20 results, each with a range that tells me if I’m healthy or sick.
Galatians 5:19-23 NIV
“The acts of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissension, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
The acts (works) of the flesh are obvious…
Even unbelievers acknowledge that there is nothing wholesome and wholesome about this list of behaviors.
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When people get rid of all restrictions, they are inviting dark forces to wreak havoc on their souls.
Sin makes us less human. (Show photo of Smeagol and Gollum)
These behaviors cannot become habits.
Dissensions and factions are the sins of tribalism: quarreling apart and looking down on anyone who disagrees.
The works of the flesh are self-focused, using others to gain something for oneself.
These behaviors are an attempt to manipulate our world.
Matthew 7:15-20 NIV
“Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside they are fierce wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruits you will recognize them.
“Watch out!”
The fruits of the Spirit…
The Holy Spirit gives life and makes fully human.
What we feed and water grows.
The fruits of the Spirit are focused outward, with the intention of blessing others.
What are we? producing with our words and posts on social media?
We can disagree and debate with our flesh or we can disagree and debate with the Holy Spirit.
Our flesh will separate us from the people we are called to reach, love and serve.
Imagine walking down the street and on one sidewalk were the works of the flesh and on the other the fruits of the Spirit. What group of people would you join?
Jesus is desperately trying to reach people and he needs us.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
kindness, self-control
Pause, pray and obey.
Photo of Smeagol and Gollum – https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-smeagol-gollum-name-reason-why/