Galatians 5:19-25
Verse 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
We have been learning what it means to live in such a way that shows we worship God. Paul gave us a great list of what it looks like if we follow our own sinful nature and another list of what it looks like to live by the Spirit’s guidance. Of course the Spirit will only bring forth in our lives what aligns with the commands God has given.
Let’s look at the list of the sinful nature first. It reads like a local newspaper, doesn’t it? These things aren’t things that we have never heard of. In fact we are likely more aware of people in our lives that live like this than those who live a Spirit guided life. The world is full of these sinful acts and sadly they seem so normal, we may not even flinch at some of them anymore. But God cringes about this list and so should we.
The other list – best known as the Fruit of the Spirit – is not the most popular list of attributes but it is the list that pleases God. But how can we even begin to live this list? Is it our job to work on this list?
Verse 22 says that the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in our lives. Does that mean we have no responsibility in living these fruit? Of course not. We bear the responsibility of surrendering to the Spirit’s work in our lives. If it was totally up to us than it would not be about faith in God, but reliance on self, once again bringing the spotlight back to ourselves. Each time the focus comes back to us it is being removed from God and changing the direction of our worship.
So how do we live out the fruit that shows we are in Christ? It is about focusing more on God and spending time studying His Word and praying the Holy Spirit makes them real in our life. We come to know someone and start becoming like them by spending time with them. If we want to be like Him and live so His Spirit will produce fruit in us, then we need to be tending to our relationship with Him. If we want love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control we need to build our closeness to the One who has all of these traits.
Making It Personal
Can you see any of these traits in your life? Which one do you struggle with the most in your life? Does the quantity of these in your life reflect the amount of time you dedicate to your relationship with God?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it mean to let the Holy Spirit show you how to live? Do you want to live like Jesus? Do you see any of the Fruit of the Spirit in your life?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to work these fruit into our lives. Please keep drawing us closer to You so that we can bring Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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