| Series | Walking with Jesus: Christian Life |
|---|---|
| Theme | 3. Walking through the world with Jesus - Savaliga i le lalolagi ma Iesu |
| Season | Leni |
| Colour | Lanu Violē |
| Special Day | Fono – Komiti Tupe |
Scripture Focus: Kalatia 5:16-26
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
- Galatians 5:16-26 (WEB)
Study:
Paul contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit. He makes it clear that these two ways of life are fundamentally opposed. The “works of the flesh” are easily recognizable sinful behaviors, driven by selfish desires, and lead to spiritual death. However, when we surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we experience a radically different reality: the fruit of the Spirit. This isn’t something *we* produce through effort but rather a natural overflow of the Spirit’s presence within us. The key distinction isn’t *doing* less, but being *led* by a different power. True believers aren’t just restrained from sin; they are empowered to live a life characterized by love, joy, and peace.
Application:
It’s easy to fall into the trap of religious externalism – going through the motions of church attendance and religious practices without a genuine connection with the Holy Spirit. We might *appear* to be Christians, but if our lives aren’t marked by the fruit of the Spirit, we have to honestly ask ourselves if we are truly walking with Jesus. This passage calls us to self-examination. Are we allowing the Spirit to control our thoughts, words and actions, or are we still clinging to old patterns of sin? The good news is that transformation is possible - it’s not about striving harder, but relying more fully on the power of the Spirit within us.
Reflection Questions:
- What specific “works of the flesh” are you currently struggling with?
- Which of the “fruit of the Spirit” do you find most challenging to exhibit? Why?
- How can you intentionally create space in your life to be more receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit?
- Are there areas where you are relying on your *own* strength instead of God’s power?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, reveal any areas in my life where I am still walking according to the flesh. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to live a life that reflects Your love, joy, and peace. Help me to continually surrender my will to Yours, trusting that You will guide me on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags:Galatians, Holy Spirit, Christian Life, Fruit of the Spirit, Works of the Flesh, Spiritual Growth, Walking with Jesus, Samoan Christianity, Church, Faith