“Christmas! Christmas! I can hardly wait for Christmas!” Four-year-old Randy Williams clapped his hands and did a tumble to the Christmas tree in the corner of the family room.1 “What’s so special about Christmas?” his dad teased. “Presents. Lots of presents. And cake and cookies and ice cream and—“ “Christmas is for you?” “Yes! Yes! … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Living by the Spirit involves a daily walk with Christ. It requires choices that starve our sinful self. [Teaching plan for “Living by the Spirit” December 14, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:1-16,17. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
Although an inward conflict between the flesh and the Spirit always will rage in the heart of every believer, the Christian life does not have to be dominated by defeat, failure, and sin. According to Galatians 5:16–26, what is the key to living a life where the Spirit reigns over the flesh? Galatians 5:16–26 … Continue reading –>
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22, 23, ESV). In what ways does obedience to the Ten Commandments reflect the fruit of the Spirit as it is expressed in these verses? (See also Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, … Continue reading –>
Having introduced the conflict that exists between the flesh and the Spirit, Paul in Galatians 5:18–26 elaborates on the nature of this contrast by means of a list of ethical vices and virtues. The catalog of vices or virtues was a well-established literary feature present in both Jewish and Greco-Roman literature. These lists identified behavior … Continue reading –>
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal. 5:17; see also Rom. 7:14–24). How have you, in your own life as a believer, experienced the harsh and painful reality of … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 5:16. What does the concept of “walking” have to do with a life of faith? Deut. 13:4, 5; Rom. 13:13; Eph. 4:1, 17; Col. 1:10. “Walking” is a metaphor drawn from the Old Testament that refers to the way a person should behave. Paul, himself a Jew, makes use of this metaphor often … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 5:16–25; Deut. 13:4, 5; Rom. 7:14–24; Jer. 7:9; Hos. 4:2; Matt. 22:35–40. Memory Text: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16) One of the most beloved Christian hymns is Robert Robinson’s “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” … Continue reading –>
“Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, … Continue reading –>
Jordy is 12 years old and lives in Ecuador. Although his family has suffered much, he feels that he is blessed, for his parents have shown him how to live for God alone. His mother has a painful disease that has left her unable to walk. In spite of her pain, her love for Jesus … Continue reading –>
