THE TEACHERS

NOTESLIVING BY
THE SPIRIT, LESSON
12ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL BIBLE
STUDY GUIDE, 2017 3Q, "THE GOSPEL IN
GALATIANS"

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 9-15, 2017

Could those Galatians, who were diligently doing Gods commandments as prescribed by their
Judaizing friends, be guilty of not walking in the Spirit? Paul seems to be worried about that very thing,
so he gives them a review Bible study, if you will, about what walking in the Spirit looks like.

The apostle Paul feels that the likelihood of their losing their way entirely by following these false teachers
is very real. He therefore reminds them of the difference between doing the things of the flesh and
striving for real spiritual victories that develop our character. His detailed lists are similar to others in the
New Testament, and are helpful to all Christians who desire to remain faithful to God.

What perhaps we should avoid, however, is an intense, personal scrutiny of the items in the lists. Be aware
of what they are, and even where your weaknesses lie, but remember that a relationship with God is the
secret ingredient to overcoming your deficiencies.

We cannot and should not work on our behavior on our own. Only with the Holy Spirit as our constant
companion will we be able to conquer sin and live a victorious life. And this is what Paul is
evidently worried that they might be doing: following a checklist of behaviors that they must work on, in
order to be accepted as part of Gods family.

So, lets be sure that we, as Christians today, dont follow this same pattern. We cant change ourselves by
ourselves, no matter how hard we try. As our relationship with God matures and our faith grows, we
will find ourselves naturally doing those things that keep us on Gods side. Remember, we cant
PROMISE to be good, as we learned last week; we can only CHOOSE to be good.

Memory Text: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
ESV

This verse emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit walking by our side (even in us, as found in some
translations). Hes not in front of us to lead, or in back of us to defend; He must be walking right next to
us,in order for us to avoid those deadly traps of worldly lusts and desires. This closeness allows Him to
whisper in our ear those things that please and displease God, enabling us to turn from those things that
please self in a destructive way.

SUNDAY: WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

Walking was a metaphor found in the Old and New Testaments. But most likely walking in the law was
used in the OT to describe the same thing as walking in the Spirit in the New.

Before the term Christian came into use though, the movement was called the Way (John 14:6, Acts
22:4, and 24:14). This signifies that Christianity, then and now, was more than a set of theological
beliefs, but was also a way of life to be walked.

Pauls reminders about walking in the Spirit seem to indicate that he is not against the law or
obedience. What does alarm him is the tendency to misuse the law by exhibiting outward compliance
only,without the inner motivation that comes from the Spirit of God.

Discussion Questions: Read Galatians 5:16-18, Exodus 16:4, Leviticus 18:4, and Jeremiah 44:23. Whats
the difference in being in the law and under the law? What part does the Spirit play?

Read Acts 22:4, 24:14, and John 14:6. Why did Jesus call Himself the Way? And why were His followers
called the Way?

Read Deuteronomy 13:4, Romans 13:13, Ephesians 4:1, and Colossians 1:10. How did Pauls description of
walking in the Spirit compare with the one in Deuteronomy?

MONDAY: THE CHRISTIANS CONFLICT

The fact that a Christian struggles with sin was nothing new to Paul. He experienced it himself, as he described
his own spiritual battles in Romans 7:14-25. There are two natures in man, he declared: the carnal
(selfish) one we are first born with, and the holy (unselfish) one we acquire at our conversion, called our
new birth.

David recognized these natures too: in sin did my mother conceive me (Psalm 51:5) and Create in
me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10). David, like Paul, also recognized that the secret to winning this
battle was through the Holy Spirit. He prayed to God to take not thy Holy Spirit from me (Psalm
51:11).

What concerns Paul is that we are also in danger of losing the battle when we self-righteously attempt to
win it on our own. Our self-righteous attempts at holiness end up putting us in Satans camp. It separates us
from God, which is right where Satan wants us.

Discussion Questions: Read Romans 7:14-25. How can we still have these two natures after our baptism?
Hasnt the old nature been put to death?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:31, 54. Why must we die daily as Paul did? And when will this daily struggle be
over?

Read Isaiah 64:6. Why arent educational and cultural development, community service, philanthropy,
and moral upbringing in families enough to bring us true righteousness?
TUESDAY: THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
We discover in our lesson this week that even though self must be totally sacrificed, there are pleasures
that God expects us to enjoy in this life. We dont have to be denied every earthly pleasure, as some
Christians have tried to do in the past. Just those that have destructive consequences.

We thrill at the sight of natural splendors, such as beautiful sunsets and rainbows, for instance. Marriage and
family still has its perks for most of us. And what satisfaction there is in a productive days work, or a creative
masterpiece completed and shared with others. God established these three institutions to bless mankind:
Sabbath, marriage, and work. We dont have to isolate ourselves in order to increase our Christian
virtues, nor should we. They call for a positive, active part in the world.

There are several items of interest in the lists of works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

1. Notice that works is in the plural form, and fruit is singular. This indicates the divisive
nature of those works of the flesh; the practice of them tears us apart. But the fruit being
singular speaks of unity; the quality of character it produces brings us together.
2. The first is a list of negative behaviors, but the spiritual fruit is a list of virtues produced by the
Spirit. Far more important than the actual good works is the end result. There is seemingly no
good result for the bad behaviors.
3. The fruit is exhibited by those who are led by the Spirit. The works of the flesh result when we are
led either by Satan or our own selfish pursuits. It makes no difference to him, how we are separated
from God.

Paul finishes this section of his letter with these words, Let us not become conceited, provoking one
another, envying one another. Yes, we can be led astray by our own doing. The destination we find for
ourselves, however, wont be the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

Discussion Questions: Read Galatians 5:18-26. In what way are the works of the flesh divisive (notice the
plural form of works)? In what way does the fruit produce unity (notice its singular form)?

Read Jeremiah 7:9 and Revelation 21:8. How do these two lists, one in past Old Testament times and the
other in future end times, compare with Pauls list for the Galatians?

Are all worldly pleasures considered bad? What is there on earth that still blesses us? And why do they
prove a blessing, instead of a curse?

WEDNESDAY: THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Following a lengthy list of works of the flesh are a list of just nine Christian virtues that comprise the fruit of
the Spirit. There has been much discussion about the significance of these three triads of spiritual
character traits. Could they symbolize the holy Trinity? Perhaps they reflect ways we should relate to
God, to others, and to ourselves.

Whatever way we view them, we cant help but speculate on the importance of the first virtue listed:
love. Paul gives love center stage often in his writings, as do other Christian authors, including Jesus
himself. Without love, the other virtues would be empty, meaningless, and artificial. This is why we are
told in John 13:34, 35 that Christs disciples will be known for their love for one another.

Discussion Questions: Read Galatians 5:22, 23. What is meant by saying that against such there is no
law? Is restraining selfishness (which is what human laws attempt to do) able to produce character? Why?
Read Matthew 5:21, 22, 27, and 28. How did Jesus explain how the fruit of the Spirit, especially love, is
necessary in our being able to keep the Ten Commandments? Does the fruit negate, or do away, with our
need for the law?

Read Galatians 5:6 and 13. Are love and works (obedience to the law) both needed, in order to please God?
How does all this affect our faith?

THURSDAY: THE WAY TO VICTORY

Paul summarizes the key to a victorious life in Galatians 5:24 and 25.

And those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let
us also walk in the Spirit. NKJV

Therefore we must feed our spiritual life and starve those worldly desires and passions. For many, this
will involve a complete turnaround in lifestyle, but it always involves a re-ordering of our attitudes and
prioritiesthat are also noticeable to those around us.

Verse 16 began this section by also calling for us to walk in the Spirit. The tense of the Greek verb for walk
implies a continual walk, not an occasional, casual stroll. And the present tense verb live in verse 25
reminds us of the new-birth experience that also happens continually every day.

Discussion Questions: Read Galatians 5:16, 24, 25 and 1 Corinthians 15:31. Why must we also die, or
crucify the flesh, daily?

Read Romans 8:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:2. How do these verses show that by walking in the Spirit we are
being led by Him? Why is this guidance needed?

Read Galatians 5:21. How do we reconcile this verse with the fact that we are saved by faith, not by works, or
what we practice? What part does faith play in our works, whether good or bad?

SUMMARY
Major points brought out in our study were:

Walking in the Spirit includes obedience to the law (Sunday)

There are still two natures battling within us, even after we are baptized (Monday)
Works of the flesh can be very destructive; we are wise to stay away from them (Tuesday)
Love is the most important virtue; without it the others would be empty and meaningless
(Wednesday)
We must daily crucify self and walk with the Spirit (Thursday)

FINAL THOUGHTS
Even the strongest Christian needs the encouragement of other believers in order to keep growing in the
faith. Recognizing and acknowledging the Spirits influence provides a mighty blessing to both the giver and
the recipient in this exchange.
Jesus was fortified by his disciples, and we too are benefited when we allow ourselves to not just attend
church, but to become involved in the life of a faith community.

This is only one way to fortify our spiritual nature, but one that many fail to appreciate enough these
days. What are you doing to benefit your church? Is church a better place because you are there?

Your love will make a difference, no matter where you are. But think of how it can quickly be multiplied
when expressed to others who are already on a path of faith. There is no more effective way to spread
the gospel than to start within the context of ones own church. It will spread out from there and be a
shining light to the world around us.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 NKJV