Pulpit Curriculum
April 7th – April 13th, 2024
Sermon Summary
In today’s sermon we continue our journey as we transition from exploring the freedom we have in Christ, to understanding how this freedom empowers us to live victoriously in the Spirit. The preacher highlights passages that reveal the transformative power of the gospel, setting us free from the bondage of legalism and enabling us to walk in the fullness of God’s Spirit as believers. The sermon challenges us not to be a people who walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, no longer trying to direct our own steps but giving us the tools to being faithful followers of the Spirit. Essentially when we understand spiritual warfare, we can discern the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit, therefore compelling us to crucify the flesh, and ultimately cultivate a dynamic relationship with God.
Verse of the Week
Galatians 5:25
25“ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Going Deeper
Review Galatians 5: 16 – 26
1) 1) Using the text and one other scripture reference, define “spiritual warfare”.
a. Does this align with or differ from what Christian believers commonly refer to as spiritual warfare.
2) “Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify or fulfil the desires of the flesh”. Discuss how this verse informs us as believers to posture ourselves in the battles we find ourselves in.
3) In Galatians 5:19-23, the apostle Paul draws a vivid contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Within your group discuss the meaning of the fruit of the spirit and spiritual fruit, using scriptural references.
4) Select (3) three passages that point to the mutual exclusivity of the flesh and the spirit.
5) “One cannot keep in step with the Spirit if they continuously fail to crucify the flesh with is passions and desires.”
a. List some things we have to avoid if we want to keep in step with the spirit.
b. What are some passages which provide guidance in how we can do so?
Assess Your Life
1) Reflecting on your own life, is the fruit of the spirit evident? How can this be seen in your relationships?
2) Take an inventory of your spiritual walk - are you in any way out of step with the Spirit of God? What elements do you need to cultivate or crucify?
3) Is your walk more fleshly or spiritual?
Application
1) Considering where you are in your walk, what practical steps can you take this week to live a more spirit led walk?
2) Based on the message, are you more determined to walk in the flesh or the spirit and what benefits are you looking forward to?
Sermon Main Points
According to Galatians 5: 16 - 26, in order to keep in step with the Spirit, believers should:
- Understand the reality of spiritual warfare (Galatians 5:16-18)
- Discern between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:19-23)
- Crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24-26)
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What is something I can do to remember this?
Quotes
- Spiritual warfare is the ongoing conflict against the human race with its enemies—the world, the flesh, and Satan.
- The law can define and identify sin, but it cannot provide the power to resist sin.
- There is a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit.
- The phrase “fruit of the Spirit” does not refer to “spiritual fruit,” but to “fruit that the Spirit produces.
- The production of godliness in the life of the believer does not require the law; it is empowered by God’s Spirit.
- The elements of the fruit exemplify the character of Christ and serve as evidence of the Spirit’s transformative work within believers.
- Keeping in step with the Spirit involves cultivating relationships characterized by humility, love, and mutual edification
- To live by the Spirit is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily, moment-by-moment surrender to the Spirit’s leading.
- One cannot keep in step with the Spirit if one continuously fails to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - Romans 7:21
Day 2 - Ephesians 2:1-3
Day 3 - James 1: 5
Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 6:9 - 11
Day 5 - Colossians 3:12-15
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.