A New Year launches a new series on the blog. We spent some time in 2021 looking at our word choices, and 2022 builds on that theme to explore the fruit of the Spirit that is supposed to be evident in the believer’s life.
To prepare for the series, read Galatians 5:16-26. Paul shares two lists. One contains the desires of the flesh, and the other includes the fruit of the Spirit. Paul claims the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealously, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. Those who do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Dig a Little Deeper
Sometimes when we read a list like that, our mind goes to the worst-case illustration. For example, if you’re not having sex outside the boundaries of marriage, you might skip over “sexually immoral” without considering the other applications of that choice. Being sexually moral includes monitoring more than our actions; it also means considering our thought patterns, entertainment choices, and what we allow ourselves to consume (books, movies, websites etc.). Careful examination of the desires of the flesh might reveal more than we expect about the depths of our sin.
Examine and Apply
In the upcoming series, we will look at each fruit of the Spirit and examine how it applies in real-life moments. The focus of this series is the fruit. But, first, we must acknowledge that a battle rages for our hearts. There is a war between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit, and ignoring it will not make it go away. Acknowledge which desires of the flesh are the greatest struggle for you. Start by listing each one and searching for synonyms. For example, it’s easy to think I’m not a greedy person, but when I consider selfishness as a synonym, I can better see where that sin appears in my life. Next, find the fruit of the Spirit that combats that sin. Returning to our example of sexual impurity, we could argue that the fruit of self-control would counter that sin. Once you know what fruit you need to grow to combat your specific temptations, ask the Lord to help you nourish that seed.
I’m excited about this journey we are about to take together! Look for a new post in this series on the first Thursday of every month.
Looking for more?
Grab a few friends and one of these studies and commit to growing the right kind of fruit in your life.
