Living By the Spirit – Lesson Plan
Key Thought: Because Christ has conquered the power of sin, the Christian life can keep the desires of the flesh at bay under the power of the Spirit in control.
1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:17-21.
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What advice would you give to a Christian who is trying to come to terms with their struggle with self?
c. Personal Application : What practices in your life make walking in the Spirit more difficult? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “So those who are engaged in disorder, anger, and strife won’t inherit eternal life? What about rallies and gatherings for political, racial, and social justice that may end up in violence and loss of self-control? Is the road to hell paved with good intentions, or are we really to love our enemies?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:22-24.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Why does Paul say there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit?
c. Personal Application : In what ways is obedience to the commandments a reflection of the fruits of the Spirit? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “I know people who exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in their lives but aren’t Christian. Are they being led by the Spirit, or is this a fake fruit? How can we tell the difference between outward show and inward change?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:24-26.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean to crucify the desires of the flesh?
c. Personal Application: How can you minimize the spiritual battles intensity between the flesh and the spirit? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why are so many Christians today being caught up in sexual misconduct, fights and arguments, substance abuse, and worldliness? What happened to the church and its teachings?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:7-9.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does Paul mean about a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
c. Personal Application : Has your church ever faced a crisis over some small matter or opinion? How was it handled?? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
(9)