God’s Fruit Bowl | Galatians 5:1-6, 13-26

This week we’ve been talking about the freedom that you and I can experience because of Jesus Christ, because he came to set us free from everything that binds us up from sin and death and hell and the grave, and from being perfect. You don’t have to be perfect. We’re never going to get it right a hundred percent of the time. Again, that’s why Jesus came… to do for us what the law could not do. Join me now in Paul’s letter to the Galatians chapter five.

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Transcription:

I saw a friend last Sunday who didn’t look anything like she did years ago. She looked completely at peace, whole like her face shone with peace, and it was beautiful to see. She had undergone a transformation in her life and it was so evident just by looking at her. Hi, it’s Erica. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. We’re talking about the freedom that you and I can experience because of Jesus Christ, because he came to set us free from everything that binds us up from sin and death and hell and the grave, and from being perfect. You don’t have to be perfect. We’re never going to get it right a hundred percent of the time. Again, that’s why Jesus came. We get to heaven on his score. We get to be in a relationship with him here on earth because of what he did for us on the cross. Dying and rising again, defeating sin, death hell in the grave forever. And just by believing that Christ did those things for you, you can be free. Last time you and I talked about the difference between the law and what Jesus did, the law could not save us. Remember, people were afraid when Moses came down the mountain with the 10 Commandments? His face shown so bright and they couldn’t look at him. It was like looking at the sun and it reminded them that God is holy and it made them afraid and that’s why Jesus came… to do for us what the law could not do. Join me now in Paul’s letter to the Galatians chapter five, beginning in verse one.

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you.

I want to pitch a quick tent here for a second because you might be thinking, that’s weird, circumcision? I know these were different days and people thought that they had to be circumcised to be right with God, but you can fill in another blank there. You can say, if you are counting on making it to church every single time the doors are open… If you are counting on never ever saying a cuss word. Whatever it is that ties you up and makes you feel imperfect, fill it in there. If you’re counting on that to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. Verse three now.

I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised…

Or fill in your thing.

…you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. 5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Woo, powerful. For the sake of time, we’re going to skip down to verse 13. Now in Galatians chapter five.

For you have been called to live in freedom,

Isn’t that wonderful? You have a calling on your life to live in freedom!

…my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other,

Can I get an amen?

…so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.

Don’t you feel like you’re at a waterpark and you’re under one of those spouts and the water is just flowing over you? Pure and fresh and cool. When I hear those words, I want to say ’em again.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Aren’t they beautiful words? Paul writes,

There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Don’t you want to live a spirit-filled life? Aren’t you glad that we have the Holy Spirit to help us? Jesus doesn’t expect us to live like this on our own. We can’t. We just read moments ago, and I don’t know about you, but it’s a relief to me to know that we have this sinful nature that wants to do evil because there are times I’m like, what’s wrong with me? That’s what’s wrong. When you have a bad thought that sails into your mind or burrows into your heart. That’s the sinful nature, but we have the Holy Spirit. We’ve got the antidote to counteract those negative and evil thoughts that come across our imaginations. It’s the Holy Spirit. I hope you caught Verse 22,

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives.

He’s in there like a factory willing. We just need to yield to him. Lemme pray for us right now. Father Jesus, Holy Spirit, we come to you. We yield ourselves to you. Our palms are open. Our hearts are open. Fill us, Lord, produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank you Lord for this bountiful fruit that you produce in us. Lord, thank you for making us free. In Jesus’ name, amen. You are loved.

Thank you for making time for the Bible, for busy people today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.

Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God… I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find, and thrive, in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.

Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.