April 30, 2018
Galatians 5:16-26 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Holy Spirit develops within believers the character traits that abide in the nature of Christ. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to be developed within us we must connect to Christ and abide in his Word. We can know Christ more intimately, love and follow him more obediently, and imitate him more accurately. In order to do so, we must live by the Spirit’s Power.
Galatians 5:16-26 Living by the Spirit’s Power
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, 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. 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.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Spirit who directs my life and keeps me focused on your kingdom. Help me to stay on the path with you and allow you to do in my life what I could never do for myself. I love you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
NOTE: Nancy Knight has the dvd’s she requested for our Kid’s Korner; the need has been met. Thank you!