Category: Sermon Notes

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  Living With Others

Scripture:  Galatians 5:26-6:5

“It is easy to talk about the fruit of the Spirit while doing very little about it. So Christians need to learn that it is in concrete situations, rather than emotional highs, that the reality of the Holy Spirit in their lives is demonstrated.” James Montgomery Boice

I.   THE WRONG WAY TO TREAT OTHERS                                      

One of the worst things a follower of Christ can do is (gloat).

In verse 26 Paul says, “Let us not become conceited.”  The Greek word means (to become boastful).

Another wrong way to treat others is (to stop provoking one another).

Arrogance or Pride. Boasting. One more: (Envying) one another.  Arrogance and boasting flow out of a feeling of superiority. Envy flows out a feeling of (inferiority).

I.  THE RIGHT WAY TO TREAT OTHERS       

#1: (Restore) one another.

#2: (Bear) one another’s burdens.

NEXT WEEK:  Paying the Piper- Galatians 6:6-16

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  God-designed Walls

Scripture:  Galatians 5: 23; Proverbs 25:28

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Pr.25:28

I.   THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CONTROL                          

Self-control is (the governing of one’s desires).

James 1:14-15”But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

Temptation is not dangerous because it in (external). It is dangerous because of the desire (within our heart).

The Greek word for self-control refers to (restraining passions and appetites).

II.  THE INCLUSION OF SELF-CONTROL

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret, whether good or evil.” Eccl.12:13-14

1.  We need to honor God with our (body). “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.” “Everything is permissible for me-but I will not be mastered by anything.” (NIV) I Cor.6:12 (both)

2. We need to honor God with our (thoughts). 2 Cor.10:3-5 (p.969)

3. We need to honor God with our (emotions). “A controlled temper is to be more sought than a decisive victory in war.” Pr.16:32

What do we need to do?

• Be honest about the areas where you need self-control
• Face the issue of whether you are really willing to change
• Realize the battle begins and stays in the mind

NEXT WEEK: Living With Others- Galatians 5:26-6:5

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  The Unasked-For Fruit

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22, Col 3:12

I.   THE PROBLEM WITH GENTLENESS                                     

Somewhat difficult to define. It is often interchanged with (meekness).

“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” Mt.5:5

Twice Jesus described as meek in Mt.11:29 and 21:5

Paul uses it in 2 Cor.10:1

A good way to define this is (power under control).  One author put it this way; “Yielded to God we are able to harness the natural powers of our personality. We subject self-gratification to self-denial. Self-exaltation to humility; selfishness to selflessness.”

It is a (humble and gentle) attitude that is patiently submissive, while being free of any desire for revenge or retribution.

II.  THE PROOF OF GENTLENESS      

Example #1: Turn to Isaiah 40. (p.600). One interesting item: as Isaiah is writing about God’s power and majesty, he is also writing about God’s (tenderness).  Further reference: Psalm 18:35

Example #2: 2 Corinthians 10:1. Paul uses (Jesus) as an example.

Example #3: (Treating others) with gentleness

1)     Do people find me a safe place?

2)     How do I present myself to others?

3)     Do I degrade or belittle or gossip about others?

NEXT WEEK:  God-designed Walls- Galatians 5:23; Pr.25:28

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  Semper Fi

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22, Psalm 62

I.   THE TOUCHSTONE FOR FAITHFULNESS           

Webster defines touchstone as “a fundamental or quintessential part or feature.” Synonyms are “standard, gauge, yardstick.”

There is one attribute of God which stands above all others: God is (faithful).

Lamentations 3:22-24- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new ever morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

Turn to Psalm 89:1-2 (p.498)

II.  THE TRAITS OF FAITHFULNESS     

3 traits from Daniel’s life which exhibit faithfulness:

1.     (Absolute Honesty).   “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” Pr.12:22

2.     (Unequalled Dependability).  “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.” Pr.10:26   [Turn to Psalm 15]

3.     (Unswerving Loyalty).  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Pr.27:6

NEXT WEEK:  The Unasked For Fruit- Gal.5:23

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  The fruit of the Spirit is Kindness and Goodness

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 2:1-10 and others

I.       Defining the Terms:

Kindness: inner disposition, or attitude, created by the Holy Spirit that causes us to be (sensitive) to the needs of others

Goodness: kindness in (action)

II.     Attributes of God:

Kindness and Goodness are a part of God’s (nature): It’s in His (spiritual DNA).

III.    The Attitude and the Action:

Attitude:

1.)  We must (adopt a new way of thinking).

                   2.)  We must (die to ourselves)

3.)  We must (PRAY)! -> Holy Spirit produces the fruit!

Action:

1.)  God has prepared good works (in advance) for us to do.

                   2.)  True goodness is (meaningful, thoughtful, considerate and regular).

3.)  The direction of kindness and goodness:

a.) Our (Enemies)    b.) Our (Families)    c.) Our (Neighbors)

Good deeds do NOT earn our admittance to heaven, but our good deeds are necessary and vital evidences that we are bound for heaven.

What are the good works God has prepared for you? Will you walk in them?

NEXT WEEK:  Semper Fi

Gal.5:23; Psalm 15; 89:1-2 and others

SERIES:  The Fruitful Life

TITLE:  Cool Your Jets

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22; Psalm 62

I.   WHEN PATIENCE IS FLAWED        

“Clothe yourselves with…patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” Col.3:12-13

4 spiritual flaws:

1.     Because you are a Christian, all your (problems) are (solved).

2.     All problems you will ever have are addressed (in the Bible).

3.     If you are having problems, you are (unspiritual).

4.     Being exposed to sound Biblical teaching automatically (solves problems).

II.  WHEN PATIENCE IS NEEDED   

The Bible uses several words for patience. Each word has a different aspect of patience:

1.     Our response at the hands of others.  This is called (Longsuffering).

2.     The provocation of the (godly person) by others.

3.     Patience needed toward the (faults and failures) of others.

4.     (Waiting) on God.

Turn to Psalm 62:

1)     Wait for God to (direct your steps).

2)     Trust God to (provide your needs).

3)     Wait silently, (in stillness).

4)     You wait in (confidence).

NEXT WEEK:  Ryan East preaching

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  The Real Thing

Scripture:  Galatians 5: 22; Romans 12:18

I.   ETERNAL STILL WATERS                                   

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom.5:1

You will never find still waters until you find (internal peace) with God.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace…” Eph.2:13-14

II.   INTERNAL STILL WATERS           

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jn.16:33

Turn to Phil.4:6-7 (p.982)

III.  EXTERNAL STILL WATERS

Look up these verses: Mt.5:9; Rom.12:18; 14:19; Heb.12:14

How can we pursue peace with others?

1.     Remember we are (fellow members) of the same body.

2.     Realize the cause of discord lies wholly or partly with (us).

3.     Take the initiative to (pursue peace) with another person.

NEXT WEEK:  Cool Your Jets

Scripture: Galatians 5: 22; Col.3:12-13

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  The Real Thing

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22; Romans 14:17; 15:4-5, 13-14

            “The habit of always putting off an experience until you can afford it, or until the time is right, or until you know how to do it is one of the greatest burglars of joy. Be deliberate, but once you’ve made up your mind-jump in.” Chuck Swindoll in “Living on the Ragged Edge

  I.   WHAT HINDERS JOY?

Essential: joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness is dependent on (circumstances) whereas joy is an (inner attitude) not based on feelings or circumstances.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Rom.14:17

5 hindrances to joy:

1.     Not understanding the difference between happiness and joy

2.     (Sin) in our lives.

3.     (Misplaced) confidence

4.     Experiencing (trials of faith).

5.     (Grumbling) and (complaining).

II.   WHAT ENHANCES JOY?

1.     Understanding the (source of joy).  “May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Rom.15:13

2.     Confessing and forsaking (sin).

3.     (Trust) in God.

4.     Proper (perspective).

5.     Give (thanks).

NEXT WEEK:  Still Waters

Scripture: Galatians 5: 22; Romans 12:18

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  The Winner

Scripture:  Galatians 5:22

           “Love is the beginning and the end, and everything in between, and everything before and everything after. Love is infinite, immeasurable. Love is complete. Love is the answer, not the question. Love is always good.” Jason Clark in Prone to Love (pp.29-30)

            “Leading with love is counterintuitive in today’s business environment because it turns many so-called leadership principles upside-down.” Joel Manby in Love Works (p.12)

  I.   LOVE’S FOUNDATION

4 basic words in the Greek language which we translate love

1.     Storge’ is (family love).

2.     Eros- (selfish) “love”-  “I love you if…”

3.     Philos- (brotherly) love- “I love you because…”

4.     Agape- (unselfish) love- “I love you in spite of…”

“By this we know love, that he laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” I John 3:16

One step further: I John 4:9-11 (p.1023)  Propitiation means (atoning sacrifice).

II.   LOVE’S REACH

“Love in your heart isn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love till you give it away.” Oscar Hammerstein II

1.     Love gives, (whatever the cost).

2.     Love stays, (defying the odds).

3.     Love forgives, (declaring supremacy).

Qualities of love: I Corinthians 13.

NEXT WEEK:  The Real Thing

Scripture: Galatians 5: 22

SERIES:  Freedom!

TITLE:  Contrast On Display

Scripture:  Galatians 5:16-26

“I have a job to do that is not very complicated, but it is often difficult: to get a group of men to do what they have wanted all their lives.” Tom Landry

 I.   THE CONFLICT                                 

If living a life for God relies on us keeping the 10 Commandments, we are all (doomed).  The reason? The (conflict) within us.  See Romans 7:15,19-25 (p.943)

“The spiritual life will not be maintained without a struggle…Disobedience and rebellion against the Spirit of God pervade the whole nature of man.” John Calvin

II.   THE CONTRAST                  

Jesus and Paul’s lists are a lot alike. But the point they both make is these sins come (from inside) a person.

The list can be divided into 4 main groups:

1.     Illicit sexual activity

2.     Religious perversion

3.     Social conflict

4.     Drunkenness

I Corinthians 6:9-10

NEXT WEEK:  The Winner!

Scripture: Galatians 5: 22