Study Material: Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the flesh 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.
Today’s Teaching:
A taxi driver taking me to Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta charged around $45. I did not know the road, but knew enough to know that he was taking me totally ff from where I was going. When I raised it, he started to shout at me. At this point, the meter had passed $50. I could not jump out of the car and he would not stop. I decided to keep my cool because I did not want to do anything to have him mock my God or my faith because he knew that I was a minister going to a prayer conference. In my silence, I saw him turning to head to the right direction. The meter was now reading almost $80. When we got to the venue, I gave him the only money that I had (a $100 bill) and told him if he was that broke where he had to try to steal from me, he could have the $100 bill; and I walked away saying God bless you.
I am not perfect nor am I trying to project perfection. I deliberately decided to show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in my life because if I had allowed my emotions, I would have gone into a fit of rage that would have not spoken well of the Kingdom of Heaven. As seen in today’s scripture reference, discord, fits of rage, dissensions and the like are works of the flesh and we cannot inherit the Kingdom if we live by the flesh (v19-21).
It is true that the Holy Spirit working in us continually helps us to develop the fruit of the Spirit; but we must also make a conscious effort to demonstrate it. People will cheat us, lie on us, undermine and hurt us; but how we handle it provides the evidence of the fruit. I left the taxi driver, prayed and gave him over to God. Amazingly, he came by the house this evening and brought back what he owed me. He told my husband that when I walked away, he got scared. He knew where he picked me up and returned with the money.
Take Home Lesson: You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. By our fruit (actions, behavior and attitude) others will know us. Our behavior will either advertise our God or work against the Kingdom.
Homework: Ask yourself, what would you have done in this situation? Why? What would Jesus do? Would your actions have glorified God? Discuss with others and send your feedback.
19 The acts of the flesh 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.
Today’s Teaching:
A taxi driver taking me to Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta charged around $45. I did not know the road, but knew enough to know that he was taking me totally ff from where I was going. When I raised it, he started to shout at me. At this point, the meter had passed $50. I could not jump out of the car and he would not stop. I decided to keep my cool because I did not want to do anything to have him mock my God or my faith because he knew that I was a minister going to a prayer conference. In my silence, I saw him turning to head to the right direction. The meter was now reading almost $80. When we got to the venue, I gave him the only money that I had (a $100 bill) and told him if he was that broke where he had to try to steal from me, he could have the $100 bill; and I walked away saying God bless you.
I am not perfect nor am I trying to project perfection. I deliberately decided to show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in my life because if I had allowed my emotions, I would have gone into a fit of rage that would have not spoken well of the Kingdom of Heaven. As seen in today’s scripture reference, discord, fits of rage, dissensions and the like are works of the flesh and we cannot inherit the Kingdom if we live by the flesh (v19-21).
It is true that the Holy Spirit working in us continually helps us to develop the fruit of the Spirit; but we must also make a conscious effort to demonstrate it. People will cheat us, lie on us, undermine and hurt us; but how we handle it provides the evidence of the fruit. I left the taxi driver, prayed and gave him over to God. Amazingly, he came by the house this evening and brought back what he owed me. He told my husband that when I walked away, he got scared. He knew where he picked me up and returned with the money.
Take Home Lesson: You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. By our fruit (actions, behavior and attitude) others will know us. Our behavior will either advertise our God or work against the Kingdom.
Homework: Ask yourself, what would you have done in this situation? Why? What would Jesus do? Would your actions have glorified God? Discuss with others and send your feedback.
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