Sunday Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Fuit Growing For All

Text: Galatians 5:1-6

Galatians 5 urges believers to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Those two words also mean to stand firm, to persist, and to persevere.

Paul makes it abundantly clear that there are forces in this earth that will try to steal our liberty and bring us back into bondage. What does freedom look like? First of all, he indicates that to be bound to Christ is to be free from the law, while to be bound to the law is to be free from Christ.

Growing up, I had a special dog. After training, Shasta knew if I snapped my fingers she was to come to me immediately. She always looked to me for approval if she wanted to do something. Because of her obedience, she did not have to be constantly on a leash and had a great deal of freedom. If I went to the park, she could run ahead of me. I knew I could trust her.

Freedom doesn't mean we can do anything we please. I kept Shasta protected and out of trouble because she trusted and obeyed me. When we pursue God and obey Him, we're given much freedom within certain boundaries. (verse 13)

Galatians 5:14 tells us that all the law is fulfilled in one word, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Paul goes on to define the works of the flesh in verses 19-21. All of these practices cause harm to others and are not based in love. The idea here is the habitual practice of these behaviors. When we walk in the flesh, we are pulling our treasure from this earth. When we walk in the Spirit, we are pulling our treasure from heaven.

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love. The word, "fruit," is singular. All of the other expressions are the result of walking in love: joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

If you want to know how the fruit of the Spirit can be operational in your life, listen to the entire message on our website Sermon Player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Are you visiting in the area or looking for a church home? We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), Warrington, PA. For directions, check the website or call (215) 343-7686.