Sunday School Lesson July 10, 2022
Subject: Walk with the Spirit
The Point: The Holy Spirit leads us to display the fruit of godly character.
The Passages: Galatians 5:16-25
Study The Bible: Galatians 5:16-18
1). Walking by the Spirit keeps us from fulfilling sinful desires.
- I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.
- For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
- But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Lasting truths from: Galatians 5:16-18
* The only way to avoid living by the flesh is to walk by the Spirit’s leading and power.
* The flesh and the Spirit are diametrically opposed and can never be reconciled. Therefore, no Christian should ever try to live by the Spirit while satisfying the flesh.
* Being led by the Spirit is a ongoing action that happens when a believer makes a daily conscience decision to relinquish his will and wants and follow the Spirit.
2). Walking in the flesh leads to sinful behavior.
Galatians 5:19-21
- Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
- idolatry, sorcery, hatred’s, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
- envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Lasting truths from: Galatians 5:19-21
* The flesh, by it’s very nature, can only produce sinful actions and attitudes.
* Paul’s use of general words describing sexual immorality makes it clear that there is no room for any type of sexual perversion within the body of Christ.
* People who embrace a lifestyle of fleshly living, regardless of their claim to faith, will not inherit the kingdom of God.
3). Walking by the Spirit produces Christlike character.
Galatians 5:22-25
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.
- Now 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.
Lasting truth from: Galatians 5:22-25
* The Spirit of God produces a unified Christlike character in believers rather than individual personality improvements.
* Love is supreme!
* Since Christians live by the Spirit we walk in step with Him.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- If plants produce vegetables consistent with their nature, how can you help people understand that spiritual fruit is not something a person develops, but must be produced by the Spirit who lives within every follower of Jesus?
- The flesh and the Spirit are incompatible. What are some ways you can help people understand that Christians can’t mix works of the flesh with traits of Christlikeness and please God?
- Paul used three general words to cover every type of sexual sin. In our oversexualized culture, how do we lovingly and redemptively explain that any type of deviation from the biblical standard of sexuality is sin?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”