Sermon Notes: "Two Actions" based on Galatians 5:19-23
Introduction:
When does an action become natural? Think about driving a car—when does it move
from remembering all of the steps and you just drive? Or what about learning a sport? When do you stop thinking about all of the
fundamentals and just enjoy the sport? Or
with music, drama, or art, when do you move from the basics to joy in the
process? This morning, we are going to look at two actions that come from two
very different places.
Review:
·
(JL) Distractions?-Religion,
Relationship-What is distracting us from the most important thing?
·
(Brad) A Declaration of Independence-Three-part
independence-Service, Humility, Love; Three-part declaration-Spirit or desires,
Spirit or flesh, Spirit or law
Works
(vs. 19-21)
·
Vs. 19-Source of
the works-flesh
o
What is the
flesh?
§ Last week, Brad defined the flesh as our body and
soul (mind, will, emotions).
§ flesh
‘is not rooted in sensuality but rather in religious rebellion in the form of self-righteousness[1]
o
Works-Our
actions flow from where our hearts are focused.
Examples:
§ Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks
(Matthew 12:34)
§ Sermon on the Mount-not just the action, but what is
going in in heart and mind (Matt. 5)
·
Not just murder
but anger; Not just adultery but lust
§ Colossians 2:20-23-What happens when we try to deal with
sins through body and soul? 20 If with Christ you died to
the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive
in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do
not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring
to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts
and teachings? 23 These
have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism
and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the
indulgence of the flesh.
·
Vs. 19-21-The
list
o I
preached a similar passage in February 2020-the list was different but a few
observations:
§ incompatible
with the kingdom[2],
Paul mentions vices he saw that city was addicted[3]
(Corinth and here Galatia), it is not exhaustive[4]
(From 1 Corinthians 6 sermon)
o
Sexuality
(sexual immorality, impurity)
§ Sensuality- is vice that throws off all restraint
and flaunts itself, without regard for public decency.[5]
o Worship
§ Idolatry- worship manmade items instead of God-not
just an issue in Paul’s day. What are some idols we have today? (people, money,
success, sports, social media)
§ Sorcery- witchcraft, demonic
o
Relations with others
§ Enmity- between individuals, or between
communities, on political, racial or religious grounds. Not only hostile acts
but the underlying hostile sentiments and intentions[6]
§ Strife-opposite of peace
§ Jealousy, Fits of anger, Rivalries
§ Dissensions-disagreement over teaching (legalism,
etc.); Divisions- factions
in the church
§ Drunkenness- habitually drinks alcohol to excess; Orgies
and things like these
·
Vs. 21-Will not
inherit the kingdom of God
§ This
list should not cause you to doubt your salvation. There is a difference
between entering the kingdom and inheriting the kingdom.
§ Think
with me about a family as it relates to an inheritance. A child is a part of the family, however, the
inheritance has not yet been given. So,
we can be a part of God’s kingdom and not be currently receiving the
inheritance.
·
Vs. 21-I warned you as I warned you
before…
o Not “Inheriting the kingdom” of God only used two
other places (1 Corin. 6:9-10; 15:50)
o Why
not inheriting? Living as slaves not as sons and daughters. We are choosing bondage to the list rather
than submission and surrender to Jesus.
Fruit
(vs. 22-23)
·
Vs. 22-Source of
the fruit-Holy Spirit
o
Action flows
from where are heart is focused. But fruit is different than works because the
focus is God vs. self, staying connected to God vs. staying connected to things,
His power, wisdom, strength vs. My power, wisdom or strength
o
Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound
in hope.
o
Colossians 3:1-3- If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set
your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God.
·
Vs. 22-23-The
Fruit
o
Love, Joy, Peace,
Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control
o
Observations
about the Fruit
§ Produced by Holy Spirit as a whole not in part
·
Repent of
teaching this as separate and that we need more of rather than Him
§ Benefit our relationship with God, us personally,
and our relationship with others
·
Vs. 23-Against
such things there is no law
o
But Paul maintains that the work of the
Spirit in one’s life provides an internal motivation and proper orientation to
participate in the attitudes and actions that are consistent with the character
of Christ.[9]
Response:
What is the difference between the two actions we
have discussed today? The Source (flesh
vs. Spirit) How do we avoid the list in the early verses and add the list at
the end? It’s not by law or willpower, but by surrendering to power, presence
and purity of Holy Spirit. So, I would
like to close in prayer and ask for you to let Holy Spirit fill you so that love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control flow naturally and effortlessly from you lives. So, I invite you to pray and ask for this
today as well in the days to come.
[1]
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the
Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 250). Grand
Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
[2]
Morris, L. (1985). 1 Corinthians: an
introduction and commentary (Vol. 7, p. 96). Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press.
[3]
Calvin, J., & Pringle, J. (2010). Commentaries on the
Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (Vol. 1, p.
209). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[4]
Lenski, R. C. H. (1963). The interpretation
of St. Paul’s First and Second epistle to the Corinthians (p.
248). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.
[5]
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the
Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 247). Grand
Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
[6]
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the
Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 248). Grand
Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
[7]
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the
Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 249). Grand
Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
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