Willpower vs Firepower
Sermon Notes
God is not telling you to TRY HARDER.
[Galatians 3:3] How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
Salvation begins with SURRENDER.
We can't trust GRACE to save us and then trust WILLPOWER to change us.
[Galatians 5:19-23 ESV] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [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.
We can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit WITHOUT the Spirit.
[John 15:4 ESV] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Spiritual fruit isn't the result of trying HARDER; It's the result of staying CONNECTED.
Before the Spirit demonstrates His power THROUGH you, He wants to develop His character IN you.
[Galatians 2:20] My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The Holy Spirit is making us like JESUS.
[Galatians 5:16] So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What is your favorite kind of fruit?
Read Gal 5:19-23 and discuss what stands out to you.
Share about a time you tried to do something on your own but failed.
What area of your life has the Holy Spirit changed?
How can you walk with the Holy Spirit this week?
Is there anything this group can pray for?
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