Digging Deeper: Galatians 5:16-26
Day 1: The struggle is real.
I think this passage of scripture is vital for every single Christ Follower, because it reminds us that there is a very real battle inside of each of us. When I first became a Christ Follower, I felt so guilty that I was so conflicted. I spent a few years thinking I was a pretty bad Christian.
Then, I came across Galatians 5:16-26. Then it hit me. This struggle is not a sign of failure but a sign of spiritual life, in fact it is very real and very normal part of every Christ Follower’s life.
Paul tells us this conflict is a battle between, “the desires of the flesh” and the, “desires of the Holy Spirit”. On Sunday, we defined these as:
Desires of the Flesh- ‘Sarx” the natural, unrenewed parts of us that desires sin and rebellion against God.
Desires of the Spirit: The renewed Christian heart , made new by the Holy Spirit which desires and yearns for Jesus.
Here is some good news, the Holy Spirit empowers us to resist the flesh and walk in step with the teachings and ways of Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life that reflects Christ-like character. This struggle, though challenging, is a vital part of our spiritual growth and transformation.
Galatians 5: 16-17(ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Reflection:
Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome this struggle?
Pray for the strength to resist temptations and to choose actions that align with the Spirit.
Day 2: Power From The Holy Spirit
Ephesians 3:16 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being."
Walking in the Spirit is not about willpower, our personal strength, or self-improvement. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to say no to sin and yes to the ways of God. Paul reminds us that this empowerment leads us away from the things of the flesh and towards the life and truth Jesus has secured for us.
The Christian life is not about self-improvement or relying on our own strength to overcome sin. Instead, it is about surrendering to the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to God's will. The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance we need to resist the desires of the flesh and walk in the ways of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential for living as a Christ Follower.
The Spirit leads us into all truth, helping us to discern right from wrong and gives us the power to choose God's ways over our own. This empowerment is a gift from God, enabling us to live a life of victory over sin and to grow in our relationship and walk with Jesus.
Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Reflection:
Pray for a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life.
How has the Holy Spirt helped you face temptation and choose Jesus over your own desires?
Walking in the Spirit is not about willpower but about surrendering to the Holy Spirit. What are some practical ways you can surrender to the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Day 3: The Fruit Of The Spirit
Paul describes for us what the life of a Christ follower, empowered by the Holy Spirit, should look like. He uses and agriculture image and calls it, “The Fruit of the Spirit”.
The Fruit of the Spirit is—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These are all outward signs of an inward spiritual life. Healthy things grow! These qualities grow gradually and symmetrically in our lives as we walk in step with the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within us. These qualities are not produced by our own efforts but are the result of the Spirit's transformative power in our lives. As we walk in step with the Spirit, these attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—begin to grow and flourish within us. This growth is gradual and symmetrical, meaning that all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit develop together, reflecting a balanced and mature Christian character.
The presence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is evidence of our ongoing spiritual growth and transformation. It shows that we are becoming more like Christ and that the Holy Spirit is actively working within us. By staying connected to the Spirit and allowing Him to lead us, we can continue to grow in these qualities and reflect Christ's character to those around us.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection:
Ask the Holy Spirit to work in you, and to help you become more like Jesus, developing the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
Why do you think Paul calls these attributes the “fruit of the Spirit”, and not the fruits of the Spirit? What is significant about them all being one fruit?
How can you spend time with God this week, abiding in Christ, and seeking the power, presence, and person of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Abiding In Christ
John 15:4-5 (ESV)- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
I want to be really careful here, because the minute we take abiding and turn it into an obligation, a to do list, or something to achieve, I think we miss the point.
To Abide means to remain, to stay, or to take up residence.
It is about staying, being in relationship, knowing, and spending time with and being transformed by Christ.
Abiding in Christ is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. It involves maintaining a close and intimate relationship with Jesus through various spiritual practices/disciplines such as reading God's Word, prayer, worship, and participating in a community of faith.
These practices help us stay connected to Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and produce the fruit of the Spirit. By abiding in Christ, we create an environment where the Spirit can thrive and bring about lasting change in our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection:
What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your practice of abiding in Christ through God's Word, prayer, worship, and community?
What is one of your biggest barriers to spending time with Jesus this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the power and wisdom to overcome that barrier.
Pray for a deeper connection with Jesus through these practices, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and produce spiritual fruit.
Day 5: Faith is a journey, and no one should walk alone!
Spiritual growth is not a solo journey.
We really are better together and being part of a community provides us with accountability, encouragement, and support. Sharing our struggles and victories with others helps us stay in step with the Spirit and grow in Christ-like character.
The Christian life is meant to be lived in community. Spiritual growth and transformation do not happen in solitary. Jesus has called us to love God and other people as God has loves us. So it makes sense that our faith, and spiritual growth happens in the context of community. Being part of a community provides us with the encouragement, support, and accountability we need to stay on track in our spiritual journey.
In a faith community, we can find people who will link arms with us, be in our corner, and walk with us as we follow Christ. This mutual support and camaraderie helps us navigate the challenges of the Christian life, encourages us to abide in Christ, and offers us encouragement and support. By being open and vulnerable with others, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work through our relationships to bring about growth and transformation.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."."
Reflection:
Are you currently developing friendships with people in the church who you can you reach out to for support and accountability in your spiritual journey?
We are disciples who make disciples. How can you be a source of encouragement and support for others in your community? Who has God placed on your heart to encourage and walk alongside?
Paul calls us to stand firm in our freedom and not to abuse it. Are there any areas in your life where you might be abusing your freedom in Christ? How can you realign your actions to reflect the love and righteousness that come from true freedom in Jesus?
Pray for a heart that is open to receiving and giving support, helping each other stay in step with the Spirit.