Free Indeed - Galatians 5:16-26

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5:16-26

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS:
1) How do believers refrain from gratifying the desires of the sinful nature? (v.16)
2) What is the sinful nature in opposition to? (v.17)
3) What keeps the believer from living a Spirit-led life? (v.18)
4) What is the "fruit" of living according to the sinful nature, rather than the Spirit? (v.19-21)
5) What is the "fruit" of living a Holy Spirit led life? (v.22-23)
6) What must the believer do to live a Spirit controlled life? (v.24-26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1) Since giving your life to Christ, have you had difficulty in one (or more) area(s) of your spiritual walk?
2) If so, please describe your area of difficulty.
3) What can you do to experience victory in your area(s) of weakness?

LIFE LESSONS:
1) The Law reveals our sin but can never keep us from sinning.
2) To live a Holy Spirit led life we must crucify (put to death) the deeds of the sinful nature.
3) Our victory in Christ is assured when we live a Holy Spirit controlled life.