What fruit are you serving?

Topics: the Holy Spirit, vices of the flesh, virtue of the spirit

I. Rotten Fruit is the Vices of Flesh

* The Holy Spirit wants to deliver us from the deeds of the flesh!

1. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: (Galatians 5:19.
• a. Sexual sins are to be replaced by moral purity and integrity! (Immorality = porneiay, Impurity= akatharsia, Sensuality = aselgeia)
• b.Religious sins are to be replaced with genuine worship! (Idolatry = eidololatria, Sorcery = pharmakeia)
• c. Relational sins are to be replaced by Spirit-filled harmony! (Enmities, Strife, Jealousy, Outbursts of anger, Disputes, Dissensions, Factions, Envying)
• d. Hedonistic sins are to be replaced by Spirit led self-control! (Drunkenness, Carousing)
2. And things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21.
3. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires . . . Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:24, 26).

II. Eternal Fruit is the Virtue of the Spirit!

* The Holy Spirit produces fruit that is never out of season!

1. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22, 23).
2. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing? . . . My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and prove to be My disciples? (John 15:5, 8).
3. Word Exercise:___________________________________________________
4. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 9, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

What Fruit Are You Serving?

An important Guideline of Life Groups Abiding in our Lord Jesus involves being connected to His Body, the church family. Your Life Group is important in helping one another bear much eternal fruit for the glory of God. Stay connected and abiding in Jesus!

Getting Started:

1. What fruit are you serving to your family? At your work? In your neighborhood? On the freeway? In your church? With your OIKOS?
2. Which of the nine traits of the fruit of the Spirit do you serve well and which of the nine do you need to serve more?

Discussing Truths:

1. How has our culture condoned and promoted sexual sins so that many Christians have adopted the world's vices instead of the Spirit's virtues (Ephesians 5:3)?
2. Of the eight vices of relational sins listed, which one has hurt your relationships the most and how can Spirit-filled harmony be restored?
3. How does the Greek word pharmakeia which means sorcery, use of drugs or evil spirits or witchcraft show that using drugs opens oneself to demonic activity? Have you ever seen a demon-possessed person? If yes, were drugs involved?
4. What are some practical ideas that help you "crucify the flesh" with its passions and desires? (Galatians 5:24; 2:20)?
5. Why is LOVE the leading character virtue of the Holy Spirit and the hallmark of true Christian living?
6. What is involved in abiding in Christ so we can bear much fruit (John 15:1-11)?

Now What? Application:

1. Start each day praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit and maintain your walk with God by yielding to His Spirit's control.
2. How can you show grace to others who may not be filled with the Holy Spirit?