For today’s bible study open your bibles, or read below from Galatians Chapter 5 vs. 19-26

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and he like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Lessons from today’s scripture: (some notes below taken from the Life Application Study bible)

• A few verses earlier it reminds us that we all have evil desires at times. We can’t ignore them. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must deal with them decisively – crucify our flesh. In other words, make a choice based on truth, not on your feelings.
• These evil desires are sometimes blatant such as sexual immorality and demonic activity. But often times they can be more subtle sins such as hostility, jealousy and selfish ambitions. If we want to walk in the Spirit, we must not ignore these sins.
• The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control – we can’t obtain them by “trying” to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow within us, we must join our life to his. We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you need the Spirits help to produce in you?
• Because the God who sent the law also sent the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of God’s law. A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in their heart.
• In order to accept Christ as our Savior, we need to turn from our sins and willingly nail our sinful nature to the cross. This doesn’t mean, however, that we will never see trace of its evil desires again. As Christians we still have the capacity to sin, but we have been set free from sin’s power over us and no longer have to give in to it. We must DAILY commit our sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them.
• God is interested in every part of your life. Not just the spiritual part. As we live by the Holy Spirit’s power, we need to submit every aspect of our life to God; emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. Paul says that because we are saved, we should live like it! The Holy Spirit is the source of your new life, so keep in step with his leading. Those who look to God for approval, won’t need to envy others.
• God is love. The bible talks about love over and over again. But Gods Word also reminds us of sin and it’s consequences (The part we often like to leave out). Scripture clearly says the gate is narrow – My prayer is for all those reading, seeking, searching you stay on the narrow road. The devil is fighting hard and we must stand firm, speaking truth – in love.

It’s Wednesday! We’re halfway through another week already! Time flies – are you making the most of it?