1. Spirit Filled Living Sept 7 The Spirit enlightens John 16:5-15 Sept 14 The Spirit speaks 1 Corinthians 2 Sept 21 The Spirit celebrates Luke 15:11-32 Sept 28 The Spirit renews John 3:1-8 Oct 5 The Spirit empowers Acts 6:1-15;7:54-60 Oct 12 The Spirit guides Acts 16:1-15 Oct 19 The Spirit liberates Romans 8:1-27 Oct 26 The Spirit strengthens Ephesians 6:10-18 Nov 2 The Spirit equips 1 Corinthians 12 Nov 9 The Spirit remembers Matthew 16:1-19 Nov 16 The Spirit transforms Galatians 5:13-26 Nov 23 The Spirit influences Ephesians 5:15-21

2. Galatians 5 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself." 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 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.

3. 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. Thank God for his written Word to us

4. Called to be free (v 13-15) -The problem with the Galatians – circumcision party -Slaves set free -Freedom not licence -Most important law forgotten -Enslaving back to the enemy’s ways -“All I once held dear... I have counted loss”

5. Led by the Spirit (v 16-18) -OT Law -Shows what is sin externally -Constrains sin through fear of punishment -Complements sinful nature -Holy Spirit -Shows what is sin internally -Provides the means to avoid it -Opposes sinful nature

6. Sinful nature (v 19-21) Worship ofLeads to Body Sexual immorality ImpurityDebauchery Spirits IdolatryWitchcraft / intoxication Self HatredContentionJealousyAnger / rage FactionsDivisionSectarianismEnvy Group DrunkennessRevelry -Wrong worship leads to wrong actions -Conflict and chaos -Law powerless to stop, only punish

7. Fruit of the Spirit (v 22-23) OurWalkingTalkingDoing MotivationLoveJoyPeace CharacterPatienceKindnessGoodness StrengthFaithfulnessGentlenessSelf-control -Only one “fruit” – as in the natural sense - harmonious whole -No law against it! -Evidence of the Spirit’s work -Cannot be forced

8. Live by the Spirit (v 24-26) -Sinful nature crucified – with its passions and desires -If we submit to the sinful nature.. -Conceit (we are better...) leads to -Provocation (sharpening our differences...) which leads to -Envy (seeking the downfall of the different...) -If we live by the Spirit – we walk in step – with the body of Christ, in all its expressions - transformed

9. How to live in the Spirit -Get to know Jesus – what he did and said -Build a daily prayer life – worship, thankfulness, penitence, petition -Ask God to guide you – hear the still small voice -Meet together -Step out in faith and obedience -Forgive and be forgiven -Seek help when you need it in all humility -Be on your guard for the roots of sinful acts – pray for release -Let the fruit grow – do not force it

10. From Amen to Action God bless you with insight to recognise violence in all its forms, and courage to name it, speaking out for justice. The Lord Jesus bless you with compassion for the vulnerable, and grace to stand with them, sharing his strength. The Holy Spirit bless you with a prayerful heart, and power to breathe peace, transforming the world. The blessing of the holy and glorious Trinity, eternal Wisdom, living Word, abiding Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.