May 29
Lesson 13 (KJV)
The Fruit of Freedom
Devotional Reading: Galatians 5:16–26
Background Scripture: Galatians 5:16–26
Galatians 5:16–26
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
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Key Text
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.—Galatians 5:25
God Frees and Redeems
Unit 3: Liberating Letters
Lessons 9–13
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List characteristics of life in the flesh and life in the Spirit.
2. Explain how elements of “fruit of the Spirit” and “works of the flesh” can be rank-ordered as to the importance of why such an attempt should not be made.
3. Identify a sinful tendency most besetting and commit to developing one specific fruit of the Spirit to counteract it.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Familiar Narrative
B. Lesson Context
I. Stating the Sides (Galatians 5:16–18)
A. Spirit and Flesh (vv. 16–17)
B. Spirit and Law (v. 18)
II. Chasing the Flesh (Galatians 5:19–21)
A. Acts (vv. 19–21a)
Obsession and Discipline
B. Warning (v. 21b)
III. Showing the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–26)
A. Fruit (vv. 22–23)
Unsociable Media
B. Expectations (vv. 24–26)
Conclusion
A. Narrative Conflict
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
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Bacchanalia |
Bah-keh-nail-yuh. |
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Greco |
Greck-oh. |
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What Do You Think? How can Christians measure whether they’re living in the direction of God’s Spirit? Digging Deeper How will you follow another’s an example of a Spirit-filled walk in the coming weeks? |
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What Do You Think? How can Galatians 6:1–5 assist a believer’s battle against the desires of the flesh? Digging Deeper What steps will you take to “bear … one another’s burdens” with a “spirit of meekness” (Galatians 6:1–2)? |
Visual for Lesson 13. Have this visual on display as you pose the discussion question associated with Galatians 5:22.
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What Do You Think? In what ways is the kingdom of God already established but not yet fully realized? Digging Deeper How do Mark 1:14–15; 4:26–32; 10:13–15; Luke 11:2–4; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28, 50–54; and Revelation 11:15–19 inform your answer? |
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What Do You Think? How are the Spirit’s gifts (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11) similar to the Spirit’s fruit? How are they different? Digging Deeper How is love the means for applying the Spirit’s gifts and fruit (see 1 Corinthians 13)? |
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What Do You Think? How does Jesus’ garden prayer (John 17:6–26) reinforce Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians? Digging Deeper What steps will you take to live in peace and unity with other believers? |
Conclusion
A. Narrative Conflict
If the Galatian epistle were a narrative, Flesh and Spirit would serve as the main characters. In this scenario, the conflict between the two played out in the lives of the Galatians. However, the Spirit has already won—the story's resolution has been made complete! Therefore, Paul wants his hearers and readers to act accordingly.
As followers of Jesus live in step with the Spirit, we will bear the Spirit’s fruit. When this life is demonstrated in a community of believers, the result is a unified people of God. Mutual submission in love becomes the ultimate example of the Spirit’s presence. This narrative is timeless; it is just as applicable for modern audiences as for the first-century Galatians!
B. Prayer
Our Father, thank You for Your Spirit. We want the Spirit to guide our lives and our interactions. Strengthen us to avoid sinful distractions so that we might live holy lives filled with unrelenting joy and love for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
The sweetest fruit comes from walking in God’s Spirit!
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with the KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Chandler, Connie, et al. “The Fruit of Freedom.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2021–2022. Ed. Jane Ann Kenney et al. Vol. 69. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2022. 335–336. Print. The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary.
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