SCRIPTURE BY DEBORAH HILLMAN
Scripture Lesson Text: Galatians 5:18 – 6:10
Related Scriptures: Romans 6:1-23; 8:1-17; 13:8-14; Colossians 3:12-17
This week’s lesson speaks of the works of the flesh as well as the fruit of the Spirit. One is led by self indulgence while the other by the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are to adhere to the teachings of the fruit of the Spirit given in Galatians 5:22-23, so as to not fall into temptation within our flesh.” For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”( vs.23)
Romans 6: 1-23 tells us that by being baptized in Christ Jesus by faith we are dead to sin and Baptism is a means of identifying with Jesus’ death. And that in our new crucified life sin no longer has a hold on us, and we no more are slaves to the flesh. Romans 8:1-17 shows us that to live by the Spirit is to have life through Christ Jesus and become heirs to His promises. Once we are dead to sin it has no control over our bodies as we continue to walk in the Spirit. Since God’s Spirit lives in us, we can confidently call God our Father.
Romans 13: 9-14 emphasizes that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This is our obligation as Christians in the household of faith. The time has come for believers to cast off works of darkness, including drunkenness, immorality, and jealousy. Colossians 3: 12-17 reminds us of the fruit of Spirit( Galatians 5: 22-23 )and how as faith believers we are to apply these characteristics to every area of our lives and ministries. Above all, followers of Christ should show love which binds Christians together as a family under Christ.
SYNOPSIS BY OLIVIA SAUNDERS
Every good and perfect gift comes from above. This is not just a saying or a cliche, but it is also biblical truth. Everyday the fruit of the Spirit that we have, God gives us opportunities to display. Our lives will show who we walk with and the relationship we have with Christ. When one becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, the fruit that God wants to produce in us will flourish as we walk in His will to maintain it.
In churches all around America, we see people operating in their gifts every Sunday. The important thing to remember is that no matter the title, they are all still human. For example, we will see an elected official do amazing things in their community, have the picture of a great family, but unfortunately a scandal or a mistake surfaces. One must not be so quick to judge but pray for them. Jesus was the best example of this interacting with everyday people who knew they weren’t living the life he died for, but instead of condemning he was the epitome of spiritual fruit.
The word of God emphasizes the fruit of the Spirit so one will have a clear understanding. If we encounter someone who is embarrassed, rather than taking on the nature of a Pharisee, we can show gentleness and comfort .As a parent we can show our children the love which is one attribute of the fruit of the Spirit, but it’s what God calls us do daily for one another. We can display the fruit of peace in prayer when we see a co worker going through personal issues that is having a terrible effect on them. Everyday we are given truths in the word of God and by the unction of the Holy Spirit, we are able to walk in the fruit of the Spirit.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY DOUG SMITH
When one’s desires are leading to the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit, then you know the Holy Spirit is leading you. Thus, being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear the voice of God, the readiness to obey God’s word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we refuse to do the deeds of the flesh. Daily we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, and join our lives to Christ. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him.
We must daily commit any sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucified them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them. As we live by the indwelling Holy Spirit we are to submit every aspect of our lives to God, emotionally physically, socially, and intellectually.
Harvest does not come immediately after seeds are sown. But Paul challenges us to keep on doing what is right and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap the harvest of blessing. We desire to do good for others and respond by being kind to people.
