Walk This Way
Galatians 5:16-25 NIV
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, 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, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is CONSEQUENTIAL
The fruit of the Spirit is not necessarily the fruit of our LABOR but the fruit of our LOVE.
The goal is not just to demonstrate fruit, the call is to deepen the root!
The fruit of the Spirit is CONFLICTING
Live so in the Spirit that an overabundance of fruit drives out all of your past failure!
The Greek word translated as “joy” in Galatians 5 means “gladness and delight”
But the joy of the Lord is established in our spiritual, eternal circumstances.
John 16:33 NIV
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“…hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions conflict…”
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.