CHOOSE THE SPIRIT

Introduction:

A. There Are Some Troubling Trends!

1. An insensitivity to sin - what do we blush about today?!

2. An insensitivity to responsibility - not my fault!

3. An insensitivity to others -not my brother's keeper!

B. Where Do We Find These Trends?

1. In the world - throughout the nations of the world.

2. In our nation - many examples each day in the news alone.

3. In the church?????

Body: Galatians 5: 16 - 26

I. How To Overcome (16 - 18).

A. Walk in the Spirit.

1. Live your life guided by the Spirit.
2. Keep your eyes on Christ.
3. Choose to love.

B. Know the Contradiction.

1. One (either the Spirit or the Flesh) must be in control.
2. They are contrary, not compatible.
3. "Co-existence" will cause discord.
C. Let the Spirit Lead.

II. The Flesh ["I want now!"] (19 - 21).

A. It is evident, manifest = very obvious!

B. It is active and working.

C. It is not accepted by God.

D. Living in such a way will cause you to lose your inheritance.

III. The Spirit ["What do you want, God?"] (22, 23).

A. It is nutritional.

B. It is cultivated and waited for.

C. It is lawful.

IV. Those Belonging To Christ (24 - 26).

A. Have crucified (killed, destroyed, put aside) the flesh.

B. Live and walk in the Spirit.

C. Do not be conceited, provocative, or envious.

Conclusion:

A. The Mark Of A Christian.

1. Lives and walks by the Spirit.

2. Cultivates and bears spiritual fruit.

3. Have chosen to conform to a different pattern

B. How Do We Compare?