Galatians Lesson 8
WALK BY THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:16-26
Key Verse: 5:16
When we believe in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:38-39; Ac 2:38), and we are saved from the power of sin, death and Satan. We are also set free from the burden of the law. The Holy Spirit dwells in us (1 Cor 3:16). The Spirit gives us the desire and power to do what pleases God (2 Ti 1:7). But still we have a sinful nature. So we must live by the Spirit. Then we can bear good fruit.
Read verses 16-18. What is our natural tendency as fallen human beings? (16b) What spiritual battle rages within us? (17) What should we do in order to continue to live in freedom? (16a) What happens when we live by the Spirit? (16b,18) What does it mean practically to live by the Spirit? (13; Jn 8:31-32)
What are the obvious acts of the sinful nature? (19–21a) How do the acts of the sinful nature affect our individual lives, religious lives, and social lives? Why did Paul mention sexual immorality first, and describe in such detail the sins that affect the Christian community?
What does the word “acts” imply? What is the serious consequence of living according to the flesh? (21b) In light of verses 19-21, what hinders you from living by the Spirit?
When we live by the Spirit, what kinds of fruit do we bear? (22–23a) Why does Paul mention “love” first? (13b-14; 1 Co 8:1; 13:13; Jn 13:34) How are the joy and peace the Spirit gives different from the pleasure of sin and worldly peace? (Heb 11:25; 1 Pe 1:8; Jn 14:27)
What are “forbearance” (Ro 3:25), “kindness” (Ro 11:22), “goodness” (2 Pe 1:3), “faithfulness” (3 Jn 1:3), “gentleness” (Mt 11:29), and “self-control” (2 Ti 1:7)? How are the fruits of the Spirit related to our well-being physically and spiritually? How does bearing these fruits effect others?
How does this fruit reflect the character of Jesus and transcend the law? (23b) What is the mark of Christian life in regard to the flesh? (24; 2:20) What does it mean to “keep in step with” the Spirit? (25; Jn15:5) What must we particularly fight against to have a healthy community? (26)