Galatians 5:13-25 Living by the Spirit





Key Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 (New Living Translation)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!






Ice Breaker:

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – which of these would you like to see increased in the culture?




Discussion Questions:
1. Read Galatians 5:16-17 on the back of your handout. This passage describes the internal conflict of the two natures – the sinful nature we are born with and the new nature that reflects God’s heart. Share with one another some of the things that make it hard to resist doing things that are opposite of God’s character.




2. A closer relationship with God is built upon a life of obedience. God’s Holy Spirit is given to us as a helper. Holy Spirit gives us the desire to do what is good. On the back of your handout, read James 4:7-8. What are some things you can do to build a closer relationship with God’s Holy Spirit?





3. Read the key verse at the top of your handout - Galatians 5:22-23. Which qualities of the fruit of the Spirit are most clearly expressed in your everyday life? Which needs more development.





4. Affirm one another. Share how you have seen God growing and developing each of you into a mature believer?







Verses Used

Galatians 5:16-17 - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.


John 14:23 - Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.


James 4:7-8 - So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.




Homework:
(1) Here are some definitions and scriptures to pray and reflect on during the week.
Love- Seeks the highest good of others. John 15:9
Joy- Gladness not based on circumstances. Luke 10:21
Peace- Contentment, unity between people. Romans 14:19
Patient- Slow to speak and slow to anger. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Kindness- Merciful, sweet, and tender. Titus. 3:4-5
Goodness- Generous and open-hearted. Galatians 6:9-10
Faithfulness- Dependable, loyal, and full of trust. Hebrews 3:6
Gentleness- Humble, calm, non-threatening. 1 Peter 3:15
Self-Control- To restrain one’s emotions, actions, and desires. Titus 2:11-12


(2) Read Galatians 6 in preparation for next week’s final teaching.