We are called to live free, not a license to self-indulgence. Galatians 5:13-15

• Free from the power of sin because the Spirit’s power and presence in us. BEC
  • Not capable under our own power to defy sin. Romans 7:14-24

• Free to use that liberty to humbly love upon others by serving them.
  • Not a license to be harsh, critical, or harmful to others.

The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us do life God’s way.  Galatians 5:16-18

• The Spirit will give you hunger for the things of God.
  
  
• If the Spirit is the leader of your life the law is no longer source of pleasing God.
  
  
• The Spirit’s leadership will give you power over the flesh, the enemy of your soul.

Evidence reveals our calibration to the flesh or Spirit. 

• Evidence of a flesh driven life. Galatians 5:19-21
  • Broken core- sexuality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry.
  • Broken relationships- hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

• Evidence of a Spirit led life. Galatians 5:22-23
  • Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Recalibration by the Spirit.  Galatians 5:24-26

1. Nail to the Cross the fleshly passions and desires that are self-indulgent. (24)
   
   
2. Live the Spirit by walking with the Spirit—a constant dialogue of counsel. (25)
   
   
3. Remain humble and serve each other. (26, 13b)

Group Discussion Guide:

1. Read Romans 7:14-24. How do you find this passage to be true in your life historically?  Considering the “fruits of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5:19-21, do you see any of these listed that seem to be a regular battle with you? Explain.
2. Read Galatians 5:16-18. What does it mean to walk by the Spirit?  Why is it true when verse 16 says that we will not gratify the flesh if we walk by the Spirit?  How have you seen this to be true with you and where have you felt it challenging to walk in the Spirit? 
3. Paul begins this passage with a call to freedom, but with a warning against using our liberty as a license to sin. Why does he list as a first alarm the potential for us “devour” or “bite” each other?  How many of the “fruits of the flesh” connect with how we could harm each other?  How many of the fruits of the Spirit connect with how we might behave towards others?
4. In examining yourself, where might you need to do some re-calibration of your heart regarding the fruit of your life? Confess those things to God and ask the Holy Spirit to walk with you in those areas to realign your heart to Jesus.