Introducing the Fruits of the Spirit | Week 1

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Background & Application - Paul is writing to the church of Galatia, in an attempt to save them from walking away from Jesus. The church had strayed away from the Gospel to believe other ideas, like when the Judaizers were falsely telling Gentiles that they had to obey certain laws in order to be saved by Christ. But salvation is God’s gift to us, and it isn’t something that can be earned by achieving a worldly standard.

Paul calls special attention to the fruits of the Spirit in chapter 5, as it contrasts the desires of the flesh. In verse 19, he points out “the acts of the flesh”, noting that your earthly desires typically do not align with the Fruits of the Spirit. Can you think of a circumstance where desires of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit co-exist?

Typically, when you reach for a desire of the flesh, you only achieve temporary satisfaction. It’s no secret that instant gratification often leaves humans feeling empty. In complete contrast, when you are spirit led, it leads to eternal life.

What does it mean to live according to the spirit? Why is this important?

Dive Deeper - Romans 8:5-7: Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

This week, take note of your internal attitude and external actions. Are you a reflection of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Brainstorm a few ways to increase the fruits and decrease the weeds.