Reading: Galatians chapter 5 verses 16-25.
Ill:
• The year was 1934.
• An impoverished prospector named Jacobus Jonker,
• Walked across his small farm in South Africa.
• The recent heavy rains had washed away loads of silt,
• And he searched tirelessly for any small treasures the torrents might have turned up.
• He scurried about, looking high and low for the fortune that would change his life.
• And as he slogged through the mire,
• Jacobus caught a glimpse of an oddly shaped stone, roughly the size of a hen’s egg.
• As he wiped away the mud, it began to look more and more like a diamond in the rough.
• Three days later, Jacobus Jonker sold his "rock" for a fortune.
• It was a 726-carat diamond that became known as the “.Jonker diamond "
• One of the most famous gems in history.
Questions:
• What do you think Jacobus did for the three days before he sold the diamond?
• What would you have done?
• You’d be really casual about it, right?
• Absolutely not.
• You would do’ what Jacobus did, everything possible to protect that stone.
• You’d lock it away in the safest place you could find.
ill;
• We may not have diamonds equal to the Jonker, but we all have possessions we cherish.
• And we go to great lengths to protect those valuables.
• We install security systems in our cars and homes.
• We buy all kinds of locks and keys to safeguard everything from bicycles to savings accounts.
• When it comes to our material goods, we play it safe.
• When it comes to our spiritual goods, we can often be foolish.
One of our most valuable possessions:
• Is a spiritual Jonker diamond — we call it our freedom in Jesus Christ.
• Many Christians instead of protecting it and keeping it safe.
• Are like the Galatians.
• They hold it loosely and allow someone or something to come along and steal it away.
So far in Galatians:
• The apostle Paul has been emphasising that every Christian is free in Jesus Christ:
• Paul has taken great pains to emblazon that truth on the hearts & minds of the Galatians.
• But that truth has come with a solemn warning.
• But if we are not careful we can lose that freedom, we can put our selves back in chains.
TWO THINGS CAN MAKE US CAPTIVES, PRISONERS AGAIN:
• (1). The Law — religious rules and regulations.
• Paul has dealt with that issue in the first part of chapter 5.
• (2). Loose living — just doing whatever we want (sinful living).
• Paul now deals with that attitude in these verses and also in chapter 6.
(1). THE CONTINIUOUS CONFLICT (vs 16-17):
16”So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the
sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful
nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”
• In South Africa it is black & white.
• In Sri Lanka it is Tamil & Singhalese.
• In Northern Ireland it is Catholic & Protestant.
• In North India it is Muslim and Hindu.
• In Israel it is Jew and Arab.
• In Europe if often seems to be Britain verses the rest.
• We live in a world of conflicts, two opposites colliding.
• What is true in the world is true for every Christian:
ill:
Every Christian experiences each day a civil war taking place:
• Christians can suffer from spiritual conflict.
• Two natures fighting for control.
QUSETION: What are the two natures?
Answer:
• (1). The old nature (that every human being is born with).
• lll: Bowls (The saved are still depraved!).
• (2). The new nature (that every Christian gets when they are born-again, converted).
• III: Our bodies become the house, the temple of the Holy Spirit
• So each day the Christian faces civil war:
• The Spirit of God and the old sinful nature battle with each other for control.
PAUSE AND SAY:
• Older versions of the Bible can be misleading because they use the words "the flesh"
• And some folks read that and think it means "the body."
The human body is not sinful; it is neutral:
• lf the Holy Spirit controls our mind and therefore our actions,
• Then the body is holy, pure, it is good.;
• But if the old nature controls our mind and therefore our actions,
• Our body can be used wrongly, and so then they are tools of sin
ILL:
• Most people have a weakness when it comes to food.
• For me it is ice-cream, for Penny & Kathy it is chocolate.
• Even though we know it will mean piling on the pounds, it may not be healthy thing,
• We indulge on a regular basis because we love, we have an appetite for those things.
ILL:
• The Spirit and the old nature have different appetites,
• They want to feed on different things.
• And this is what creates the conflict.
• Because some of those things are good and healthy & some are bad and cause damage.
So in every Christian a battle is going on:
• While we are alive on planet earth that battle will remain,
• Depending on what we feed on will affect what we are like.
Now I don’t want to depress you this evening:
• Because although we are in a battle,
• And although at times we or others may become spiritual casualties.
• Our battle is not un-winnable,
• In fact it is very winnable, but only if we follow God’s battle plan.
VERSE 18:
"But you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law."
The solution to be victorious is not:
• To rely on the law.
• That reveals our shortcomings it does not help us overcome them.
• The answer is not to pit our will against the old nature.
• In our own strength we will never be consistently pure, holy.
So verse 18 says the key:
• Is to surrender our will to the Holy Spirit.
• To allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and lead us and strengthen us each day.
• These verses are full of the Holy Spirit:
• He is mentioned seven times by name in these verses.
(2). The Deeds of the Flesh (vs 19-21).
• Reminder that the words "the flesh," do not means "the body."
• But the old nature (only used it on the acetate because it is shorter & it fits easier).
19”The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred discord jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,
factions Hand envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like”.
• That little expression at the end of verse 22 "and the like" or "and things like these”
• Remind us that the list is not exhaustive but representative of sinful activity.
REMEMBER THIS LIST WAS WRITTEN ABOUT CHRISTIANS:
• Verse 13: “You, my brothers, were called to be free.
• But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature "
• In other words there is the potential is in every Christian,
• To display the ugly "works of the old nature" mentioned in verses 19-21.
• Quote: "The saved are still depraved!"
• Each Christian still has a sinful nature that he or she must deal with on a regular basis.
This 14 actions can be divided into 3 major categories:
(a). The realm of sex (vs 19).
• Note: Sex in the Bible is not sin.
• God of course is the inventor of sex:
• It was his idea and he declares it to be good.
• But he has also given us guidelines regarding sex for both our protection and pleasure.
3 Misuse OF SEX Are Mentioned:
(1). "Sexual immorality" (KJ: ‘Adultery & fornication’)
• Immorality would include adultery which is;
• Sex between people who are married with someone other than their married partner.
• But sexual immorality would also include fornication,
• Which generally refers to sexual intercourse among unmarried people.
• As I mentioned earlier; for our protection and our pleaser,
• God says keep the sexual act within marriage.
(2). "Impurity" (KJ: "Unseemliness”):
• ill: Puss in a unclean wound
• A dirty or a filthy mind that makes the person defiled.
• ill: Shocked by a joke book I was given as a Christmas present.
• Every other page contains not only rude but very rude jokes.
• I was more shocked by who gave it me, Christians friends,
• And the fact they thought it suitable for me (that’s what I would want to read).
(3). "Debauchery” (KJ: "Lasciviousness’):
• It speaks of a wilful sinful appetite that knows no shame.
• This type of person doesn’t care what anyone might think of their actions.
• People who instead of being ashamed by their actions,
• Actually boast or take more pleasure in them.
(B). REALM of RELIGION (vs 20b-21a):
TWO THINGS ARE MENTIONED:
(4). "Idolatry".
• Idolatry is simply putting things ahead of God and people.
• To many football, a relationship, a job, a possession can be modern day idols.
QUOTE:
"We are to worship Goof love people, and use things,
But too often we use people, love self and worship things
(5). "Witchcraft".
• This word actually means "the use of drugs."
• Our English word pharmacy is derived From this Greek word translated "Witchcraft?".
• Magicians in Paul’s day;
• Often used drugs to bring about hypnotic & spiritual experiences.
• I think we get a double warning here.
• (1st). Keep away from mind altering drugs. (2nd). They can lead us into spiritual evil.
(5). SOCIAL CONFLICTS (vs 20b-21a).
8 EXAMPLES OF THE BREAKDOWN OF PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
(6). "Hatred”:
• Someone who is characteristically hostile to other people.
• It’s the opposite of the Christian virtue of love towards others.
(7). "Discord” (KJ: ‘Emulations’):
• Emulations means jealousies or rivalries.
• People who quarrel and backbite to get on and to impress others.
(8). "Fits of rage" (KJ : "Wrath"):
• Means outbursts of anger,
• Someone who has an uncontrolled temper ill: short, spur of the moment rage.
(9). "Selfish ambition":
• It’s the idea of "self-seeking, selfish ambition,"
• Looking after number 1.
(10). "Dissension " (KJ: "Seditious”):
• The word literally means "a standing apart?
• An attitude that breaks things up and divides.
(11). "Factions” (KJ: "Heresies’:
• This is when people hold different views,
• And sadly not only do they not like each others views.
• They end up not liking each other.
• It should be possible to differ from a man and yet remain friends.
(12). "Envy”.
• Envying suggests the carrying of grudges,
• The deep desire for what another person has.
• At its worst, to actually become embittered because of what someone has,
• And wish them harm.
(13). "Drunkenness”:
• When a person is drunk they are out of control.
• They are no longer in control of their actions and often they compromise their morals.
• Note: Whereas Christians can, if they wish to, drink alcohol,
• No Christian should get themselves drunk!
(14). "Orgies" (KJ: "Revelling”):
• The Greek word used "Komos" means someone,
• Who goes along with their friends and show unrestrained revelry.
• It is basically peer pressure or showing off
• That leads someone to behave in a completely wrong and inappropriate way.
• And having been urged on by others,
• They go the full measure and are wholehearted in their sinfulness.
NOW THE SHOCKING THING IS THI5:
• Any Christian operating in the old nature can do any of these things and more.
• This is by no means an exhaustive list.
• But a general grouping of sins,
• This is a good summary of Christians who live by the old nature.
ill:
• As you examine their lives you would hardly know they were saved. »
• No difference between them and a non-Christian.
Verse 21b:
“I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”.
This is a tricky verse to understand,
• Let me tell you what I believe it is not saying,
• Then I will tell you what I believe it is saying.
First: What it is not saying:
• This verse is not saying that true believers will lose their salvation,
• If they at times slip up and act like non-believers by practicing these sins.
• Remember Paul has already made clear in this letter,
• What the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ is;
• We know that the true Christian is saved and kept safe;
• Through the finished work of Jesus Christ (e.g. not Christ plus their efforts)
Second: What is he saying?
• The key words are "who live like this ",
• Or those "who continually practice" these things.
• This verse is talking about deliberate habitual practice of these sins,
• Not talking about someone who lapses or occasionally falls!
• This is a person whose lifestyle continually demonstrates these sinful characteristics;
• Their attitude and behaviour is the ultimate proof that, that individual is not a Christian.
ill;
• Inspector Morse and Frost.
• Both detectives examine the evidence to come up with a conclusion, an answer.
• Tough question: What evidence is there in your life that you are a Christian?
• Not what do you believe, but how do you behave?
• Do you have a desire to be please God?
• Do you have a desire to be godly? That is to be like God, pure, holy?
Question: What should a Christian be like?
Answer: Is found in verse 22.
ill:
• If Morse or frost investigate the life of a true Christian,
• They ought to find very different evidence in their lives.
(3). THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (vs 22):
BEFORE WE LOOK AT THE LIST GIVEN IN VERSE 22; NOTICE THE CONTRASTS:
• The contrast between verse 19 which talks about "Acts" or "Works" of the old nature.
• Verse 22 talks about "Fruit".
Contrast 1:
• A machine in a factory works,
• And turns out a product,
• But it could never manufacture fruit.
• Fruit must grow out of life.
• Verse 19-21 describes people who are spiritually dead (Judiazers or unbelievers).
• Verse 22 describes Christians "Those who have the fruit of the Spirit".
Contrast 2:
• When you think of "Works" you think of effort, labour, strain, and toil;
• "Works" are the result of our own efforts.
• When you think of ‘Fruit" you think of beauty, quietness, the time.
• "Fruit" is something that automatically grows from a healthy tree.
Question: What fruit are we talking about?
Answer: The New Testament speaks of several different kinds of fruit:
• People won to Christ (Romans chapter 1 verse 13),
• Holy living (Romans chapter 6 verse 22),
• Gifts brought to God (Romans chapter 15 verses 26-28),
• Good works (Colossians chapter 1 verse 10),
• Praise (Hebrews chapter 13 verse15).
• All that may be true and may come under the umbrella of this verse.
• But so that we do not have to second guess the write has been specific for us.
The “fruit of the Spirit” listed in our passage has to do with character:
VERSE 22:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”.
• Notice it is fruit (singular) of the Spirit, and not fruits (plural).
• ill: Not like a supermarket where you pick and choose.
• In fact there is really only one fruit of the Spirit and that is love,
• All the others are the results of love.
• For if we love someone then we are:
• Joyful with them.
• Patient with them.
• Good towards them and so on and so on.
IN VERZSE 22:
• We see the fruit of the Spirit From 9 aspects.
• ill: Diamond (it can be seen at different angles and in different lights).
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 5 CLUSTERS:
(1) Upward - Godward.
• Love of God — that is every true Christian’s first love the foundation to everything else!
• Joy - every true Christian finds their chief joy & satisfaction in their walk with God.
• Peace — and contentment are found in our relationship with our God.
(2) Outward — social virtues that are directed manward, towards other people.
• Patience with those who aggravate or persecute us.
• Gentleness or kindness which describes our temperament towards others.
• Goodness of words & deeds, which should characterise our dealings with others.
(3) Inward — ourselves (character - qualities that express what we are).
• Faithfulness - we are dependable, reliable people.
• Meekness — we are a humble gentle people, who do not always demand what’s ours.
• Self control — we are a people who are in control of our language and behaviour.
Verse 22b: Paul adds:
“Against such things there is no law”
• The function of the law is to curb, to restrain, to deter, to bring into line one’s behaviour.
• But there is no law which forbids love, joy, peace etc.
• The law can’t condemn us when we live in the Spirit.
• Because living by the Spirit we actually keep the law, we have proper behaviour.
(4). THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT (vs 24-26):
Question:
• How doe we walk in the Spirit?
• How do we handle the old nature?
• How can we live a life that reflects the goodness of God?
Answer:
• The law cannot help us because it cannot change or control the old nature.
• So therefore the old nature must be crucified!
(1). DEATH (vs 24):
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires”.
When you became a Christian two things happened:
• Christ not only died for you,
• But you died with Christ.
• Christ died for me to remove the penalty of my sin,
• But I died with Christ to break its power.
ill:
• Baptism is a picture of this dying & new life.
• Romans chapter 6 verses l-10.
• Christ not only died for you,
• But you died (old nature) and were raised with Christ to a new life (Spirit).
QUOTE; Paul has mentioned this already in Galatians (chapter 2 verses 19-20),
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The live I live in
the body, I live by faith in the Son of Goal who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Quote: And he will mention it again (chapter 6 verse 14).
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has
been crucified to me, and I to the world”
• He does not tell us to crucify ourselves, because this is impossible.
• Crucifixion is one death a man cannot inflict on himself
• He tells us that the old nature has already been crucified.
• It is our responsibility to believe this and act upon it.
• Each day is a fresh battle
• Each day we choose to feed our minds and hearts on,
• Dependent on that choice is the outcome of how we live.
• Whether the Spirit of God leads us on or the old nature reigns that day.
ill;
John chapter 15.
• We are never told by Jesus to bear fruit.
• We are constantly told to remain or abide in him.
• And as we remain, so we will bear fruit.
• Our emphasis is to remain, to work at staying close to the Lord and he will bring fruit.
(2). DISCIPLINE (vs 26):
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
• “Keep in step with the Spirit"
• Means just that, not running ahead of him ahead and not to lagging behind.
Ill:
• The Greek word used for "walk" was a soldiers word.
• It meant "walking in line, marching in battle order.
• That requires daily discipline,
• Just ask anyone in the forces.
The Christian life is no different:
• Our daily disciplines involves us getting to grips with this book.
• It involves prayer, worship, praise, and fellowship with God’s people.
• It also means “pulling out the weeds"
• So that the seed of the Word can take root and bear fruit.
"Walking" means we make progress:
• God’s people are to be moving on, making progress.
• As we get closer to God and to his people, so we get more godlike.
QUOTE John Newton:
“I am not what I could be,
I am not what 1 should be,
But I am not what I used to be"
IN CLOSING:
• Note Paul uses three pleas,
• As he urges these Christians to live lives which are holy
• Verse 13: he reminds them that God the father has called them.
• Verse 24: he reminds them that God the Son has died for them.
• Verse 16-23: he reminds them that the Holy Spirit indwells them.
• He reminds the Galatians and us,
• Each member of the trinity is assisting us in our battle against the old nature.
ill:
A farmer one planted two fruit trees on opposite sides of his property. The one he planted to provide a hedge hide the unsightly view of an old landfill; the other to provide shade to rest under near a cool mountain stream which ran down beside his fields. As the two trees grew, both produced began to flower and bear fruit. One day the farmer decided to gather the fruit from the tree nearest his house " the one used to provide a hedge from the landfill. As he brought the fruit inside the house, he noticed that it was a little deformed " the symmetry of the fruit was not very good, but still the fruit looked edible. Later that evening, while sitting on his porch the farmer took one of the pieces of fruit for a snack. Biting into the fruit, he found it to be extremely bitter, and completely inedible. Casting the fruit aside he looked across the field to the other tree over by the mountain stream. After walking across the field, the farmer took a piece of the fruit from the other tree and bit into it. Find the fruit to be sweet and delicious he gathered several more pieces of fruit and took them to the house.
The fruit was greatly affected by the nutrition of the root. Just as the tree grew by the landfill to be bitter, and the tree by the stream produced sweet fruit, so the Christian has a choice. He can either put down his roots into the soil of the landfill of fleshly pursuits, or into the cool refreshing stream of the person of Jesus Christ. We must understand that the root bears the fruit. The fruit of the Christian is the outward evidence of the inward motivation.
