Fruit of the Spirit

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 5:22-26 • August 21, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul instructed the Galatians to walk by the Spirit so they would not satisfy the cravings of the flesh. There should be no opportunity for the flesh; instead, they should walk by the Spirit. After enumerating some deeds of the flesh, he would contrast them immediately.

Paul listed the fruit of the Spirit, which is in direct contrast to the deeds of the flesh. He would explain that genuine believers have crucified the flesh with its cravings. Yet he made a statement for the Galatians not to be conceited, not provoke one another, and not envy one another.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 5:22-26 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Notes

Paul instructed the Galatians to walk by the Spirit so they would not satisfy the cravings of the flesh. He made them aware that the desires of the Spirit are against the desires of the flesh. And the cravings of the flesh are against the Spirit. Paul’s explanation clarified the opposing forces in that battle within a believer. Paul would then enumerate the works of the flesh. The list was not meant to be exhaustive but to highlight specific examples.

  1. Fruit of the Spirit

    Paul stated the result or the outcome of walking by the Spirit. He gave a list of virtues included in the fruit of the Spirit. The list is obviously in stark contrast to the deeds of the flesh (5:22-23).

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.

  2. Crucify the flesh

    Paul explained that genuine believers had crucified the flesh, including its cravings. To crucify the flesh is to sacrifice or nail the passion for sinning to a tree. And such is a continuous practice of a true believer (5:24).

    24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

  3. Live by the Spirit

    Those who live by the Spirit are guided by the Spirit, which may mean that the Spirit will guide the believer to manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Thus, believers should stop boasting, provoking, and envying one another (5:25-26).

    25     If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.


Application

  1. Understand the fruit

    We must walk by the Spirit; if we do, the fruit of the Spirit will manifest in our lives. But we must know what it is. The fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control.

  2. Crucify the flesh

    True believers have crucified the flesh. Yet the flesh persists in sinning, especially if we do not walk by the Spirit. Thus, in every waking moment, throughout the day, and before we end the day, we ensure that the flesh remains nailed.

  3. Live by the Spirit

    If we live by the Spirit, we will walk with the Spirit, which means that we will seek the guidance of the Spirit. Another way of saying it is that the Spirit will lead us to faith and manifest the fruit in our lives.


Reflection & Discussion

  1. What is the fruit of the Spirit?

  2. What does it mean to crucify the flesh?

  3. What does to keep in step with the Spirit mean?