Galatians 5:16-26
Introduction:
We have established that life is full of challenges
Ability to cope is not only dependent on physical attributes
Without God's Spirit leading and directing , we cannot cope well
Today the Holy Spirit is ready and willing to help as man
The Truth Of the Matter Is:
1. The believer is to bear God's nature, v. 22-23
2. The believer is to bear a crucified flesh, v. 24
3. The believer is to walk consistently with his position in Christ, v. 25
4. The believer is to be free from selfishness , super-superiority, envy, v.26
Therefore as we talk of we handle and overcome our challenges , let us look at the tools the Holy Spirit made available for us
By Way Of Reminder :
The Holy Spirit bears the following Fruit in us to helps overcome :
1. Love: Caring and seeking for the highest good of another person without motive for personal gain. ( 1 Cor 13 )
2. Joy : The feeling of gladness based on love, belonging to those who belong to Christ ( 2 Cor 6:10 ) , also reflecting in the way we relate with one another "making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."
3. Peace : the quietness of heart and mind that all is well between a believer and God as well as his neighbour
Heb 12:14Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord
4. Longsuffering ( Patience ): Endurance , patience, being slow to anger , especially in relating with people.
2 Tim 3:10 But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, 11 persecutions, sufferings. What things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
5. Gentleness ( Kindness ): Not wanting to hurt someone or give him or her pain
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;
6. Goodness: Hatred for evil, being expressed in acts of kindness, or in rebuking and correcting evil
Romans 12:10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
7. Faith : Faithfulness, firm and unswerving loyalty and adherence to a person to whom one is united by promise, commitment, trustworthiness, and honesty
8. Meekness ( Gentleness): this describes a person who can be when anger is needed, and humbly submissive when submission is needed
9. Temperance : Having control or mastery over one's own desires and passion, including faithfulness to one's marriage vows
Conclusion:
Do you know that the true test of any believer is the presence and manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit?
Do you also know that without the Fruit of the Spirit our relationship will be very sour?
Do you know too that you can be a soul winner best by the display and operation of the Fruit?
Will you then be willing to repent of where and how you have disappointed God in the way you handle people?
Can you resolve to go out of here today to make life pleasant for somebody ?
Cry to the Holy Spirit to release His anointing on you. Do it even now , please .