When Your Way Isn't Working - a Study of GalatiansSample

At this point, we may think that 'Jesus + nothing' means we don't have to do anything at all to live like a Christian. Wrong. While there is nothing we can do to earn God's love and salvation, there is much we can do to become more like Jesus. The Gospel opposes earning but not effort. Therefore, just because we are free in Christ doesn’t mean we are free to live however we decide. Instead, because we are free, we are now able to live in step with the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: What’s the evidence of a life in step with the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22 refers to this as the “fruit” of the Spirit. Take some time to assess and score yourself.

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

Reminder: Fruit doesn’t grow automatically. It requires work. It may require pruning, cutting, cultivating, and watering.

How can you pray specifically for one or two of these to be more evident in your life?