But the fruit of the Spirit is … love …
Summary: Paul begins describing how the Spirit of God changes us by describing those changes as “fruit.”
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22b – Apple Sauce”Galatians 5:22a – A Special Kind of Giving
But the fruit of the Spirit is …
Summary: As Paul begins to teach us about the fruit of the Spirit, it is worth taking a moment to consider why God’s Spirit changes who we are and how others see us.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22a – A Special Kind of Giving”Galatians 5:21b – Fight!
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Summary: In all things, it is important to remember that our enemies are spiritual forces, not people made of flesh and blood.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:21b – Fight!”Galatians 5:21a – The Acts of the Flesh Part VII: The Thin Thread Line
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
Summary: As we finish Paul’s list of the “obvious” acts of the flesh, we look at the less obvious sins that occur out of the public’s view.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:21a – The Acts of the Flesh Part VII: The Thin Thread Line”Galatians 5:20e – The Acts of the Flesh Part VI: The Mark of Jesus
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … dissensions, factions …
Summary: Dissension and factions are not only “acts of the flesh,” they are also an indicator of the absence of our Lord when they infect the church.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20e – The Acts of the Flesh Part VI: The Mark of Jesus”Galatians 5:20d – The Acts of the Flesh Part V: Rage & Ambition
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … fits of rage, selfish ambition …
Summary: Rage and ambition are a toxic emotional brew. They bring nothing but hurt to those around us when we fall victim to the passions of our own flesh.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20d – The Acts of the Flesh Part V: Rage & Ambition”Galatians 5:20c – The Acts of the Flesh Part IV: Holy Zeal
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … jealousy …
Summary: Jealousy is an emotion that is akin to zeal. Like fire, this emotion can be used for good or for evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20c – The Acts of the Flesh Part IV: Holy Zeal”Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … hatred, discord …
Summary: Paul points us to two ends of the same stick. On one end is a match and on the other a raging fire. If we can put out the match, the raging fire an be avoided.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord”Galatians 5:20a – The Acts of the Flesh Part II: A Walk in the Dark
The acts of the flesh are … idolatry and witchcraft
Summary: Idolatry and witchcraft are related. They both lead people into dark places reminding us that our hope is in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20a – The Acts of the Flesh Part II: A Walk in the Dark”Galatians 5:19b – Acts of the Flesh, Part 1
The acts of the flesh are … sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
Summary: Diving into Paul’s list of “acts of the flesh” is intimidating. It is tempting to fall into judgment; either judging others or judging ourselves. But this is not why he is making the list. Paul wants us to understand the difference between Good and Evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19b – Acts of the Flesh, Part 1”