As we seek to evaluate our walk with God, we must begin by examining the production of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Unfortunately, many Christians believe they have a fantastic walk with God while demonstrating the works of the flesh, not the fruit of the Spirit. One person gossips to another, spreading discord between Christians. Another person responds in anger when things don’t go their way. Some hold grudges because they have not been treated how they expected to be treated. When this happens, we can be sure the individuals are not walking in the Spirit.

Over the last few weeks, we have looked at the first few characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit. Interestingly, the last six deal very closely with one another. They all address our interpersonal relationships. When someone walks in the Spirit, they deal with others in love and graciousness. We discover that Spirit-filled people are marked by patience. Patience is the idea of longsuffering or forbearance with other people. It is the ability to be wronged and move forward without bitterness.

Instead of bitterness and anger, this patience results in kindness. We do not retaliate or simmer but serve the one who wronged us. Rather than gossip or slander them, we speak well of them. As opportunity arises, our attitude towards them becomes gentleness, not hostility. This kindness is furthered by goodness. We serve them and seek to do them good. We observe opportunities to advance their lives and act on them. When someone responds with bitterness to wrong suffered, it is natural and a work of the flesh. It can only come from God when someone responds with patience, kindness, and goodness to wrong.

Those who walk in the Spirit are also marked by faithfulness. There are two aspects to this characteristic. First, this person is a person of faith. They regularly manifest faith in God through their actions and reactions. They are a person of the word and prayer. Second, this results in a person of faithfulness. They become trustworthy, dependable people. Because they are not easily offended, they are loyal.

When these characteristics mark an individual, they are also marked by gentleness or humility. They do not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. They recognize that everything they have and every ability they hold is a gift from God. So, they treat others with respect and love. They do not seek their glory but God’s glory. They are not loud and brash but humble.

Because they are humble, they are also able to exercise self-control. They control their tongues, they control their bodies, and they control their desires. There are a myriad of applications to this. Spirit-controlled people say no to laziness, gluttony, and excess. They care for their bodies and minds. They recognize that life is not about their pleasure, so that they can resist excess pleasure.

As you read through the list, you probably feel overwhelmed. There is no chance that this list could ever be said of you. I know I feel that way. Yet, we can have hope because seeing these things become a reality is not dependent on our ability. Over the next few weeks, we will discover that these characteristics will become a part of us when we submit to the Holy Spirit. So, we will discuss what that means and what we need to do to submit to Him.

Hank stared into the distance. From the outside, his life seemed like it should be perfect. He had a fantastic job, a wonderful wife, beautiful kids, and a lovely home. Yet here he was, completely unhappy and questioning life. Sally had everything she dreamed of as a child. But her husband, kids, and friends seemed to annoy her now. She spent day after day miserable. Both these people live a life devoid of joy. And this is the story for the vast majority of Christians today.

However, God has something better for us. In Galatians 5, the second characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Scriptural joy is deep-seated satisfaction and contentment with life. A characteristic all desire, but few have. Yet, when we recognize that it is the fruit of the Spirit, we discover that it can be (and should be) engrained in our life. It comes through a strong relationship with God.

In 1 John 1, the Apostle John introduces his book with the statement that he wrote it so that we could find joy. This joy comes from the Word of Life, Jesus Christ. But we only gain this joy through a correct, passionate relationship with Christ. In verse 1, we discover that we must honestly believe that Jesus is who He said He is. We must believe that He is real. John informs us that he saw Jesus, touched Jesus, and experienced fellowship with Jesus. And he declares to us that he is real.

In verse 3, John concludes that we must believe that Jesus is real to have a relationship with God and God’s people. When we state that we must believe that Jesus is real, we must believe that He is who He said He is. Jesus is the absolute authority over all things, holds all things in His hands, and died and rose for our redemption. He controls every aspect of your life and the world around you. Far too many Christians lack joy because they downplay Christ’s sovereignty. As a result, if life does not go as planned, they become bitter, angry, and controlling. But when we develop a proper relationship with God, we find joy!

This proper relationship with God involves walking in the light (1 John 1). It means we fix everything in God’s Word and anchor ourselves to it. We don’t make it say what we want it to say. Instead, we allow the Word to say what it says and obey it. Walking in the light means that we humbly confess our sins. We recognize that we regularly sin and deal with it quickly. Walking in the light looks like walking in the Spirit in Galatians 5.

Christ reiterates this reality in John 15. In verse 10, Jesus informs us that we abide in His love when we keep His commandments. Then, in verse 11, Christ tells us that this obedience results in joy. When we discover an unhappy and bitter Christian, we discover a Christian failing to obey God’s Word. They have lost sight of Christ. A joyless Christian is a Christless Christian.

How, then, do we find this joy? By deepening our relationship with Christ. Do you regularly repent and confess your sin (Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16; 1 John 1:8-9)? Are you regularly spending quality time in God’s Word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)? We should note that this quality time is not simply five minutes with a devotional book. Are you regularly spending time in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)? Are you spending time fellowshipping with and serving God’s people (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Are you practicing the spiritual disciplines (Romans 12:1-2)? If your answer to these questions is “no,” it is not a mystery why you don’t have joy.

Walking in the Flesh, Part 2

January 3, 2025

We live in a day of moralism. A day in which anyone who claims the name of Jesus is considered a Christian. As a result, Christians have lost their way in what it means to live like a Christian. We have allowed many “acceptable sins” and destructive attitudes to mark our lives. Unfortunately, these actions and attitudes reveal that we are not walking the Spirit but after our flesh. We are not living godly lives.

The problem of Christians living like unbelievers is not new. In the early church, Paul penned a letter to the churches of Galatia. In that letter, he provided a way for us to tell if we are walking the Spirit or the flesh. In short, our actions and attitudes reveal what we are following. Last week, we began looking at the list that marks those living after the flesh.

The second part of the list deals with what we worship. Those who walk after the flesh are marked by idolatry and sorcery. Immediately, most Christians would proclaim that this is not an issue for them. We don’t generally have a statue in our homes to which we sacrifice. Nor do we hold seances in our homes. Yet, when we consider these concepts, we discover that we struggle with these sins.

Idolatry is to worship anything other than God. To worship something is to assign it inordinate value. As we examine our lives and the lives of Christians around us, we discover that we all struggle with idolatry. Our hearts are idol factories that create them as fast as we can destroy them. We regularly struggle with valuing things more than God or asking things to do what only God can do.

One sure way to discover your idols is to examine your time/money, and conversations. You might also ask what makes you angry. Inevitably, we get angry when our idol gets poked. When we examine our lives through these filters, we discover that they are full of idols. Sports, money, jobs, family, politics, conspiracy theories, recognition, and acceptance quickly become idols. Unless we remain vigilant, they begin to dominate our lives.

As we consider sorcery, we might discover two ways we unintentionally struggle with this sin. First, some Christians fall prey to concepts like karma and rituals, which bring luck. We “knock on wood” and wear the lucky clothes. These seemingly innocuous actions reveal that we trust in something other than God for direction. Second, the word used here is the same word from which we get our English word pharmaceutical. Many Christians reveal how they live an addiction to items in life. Things like caffeine, over-the-counter drugs, and yes, even vitamins and oils become an addiction. These things can be used for health and God’s glory in their proper place. But they become harmful when we allow them undue weight in our lives. We must always be on guard to keep Christ first and not allow other things to become a talisman to us.

I am taking a break from our study regarding decision-making this week because I want to share a lesson that God has driven home to me in the last twenty-four hours. I have coached my boys’ soccer teams for the past twelve years. I watched them grow from fun little guys into men who now tower over me. Each stage has been an incredible blessing. Last night, that chapter of life closed for my oldest son. As he walked off the field, ending his senior season of high school, it hit me that I would no longer be on the bench as he came off the field—no more practices or strategy sessions as a coach. I went out to him and met him on the field. Through tears, we hugged each other. I expressed my pride in him and thanked him for letting me coach him. It also hit me that I will do this again with my other son next year. That one will be harder because then it will be all done.

This morning, I received a call from my dad that my mom suffered a stroke. As I write this, we are still waiting to discover the long-term impacts. Thankfully, it appears that her life is not in immediate jeopardy. Yet, it reminded me that life is brief. We all have an end date, and we don’t get to decide or know when it is. Each day is a gift.

These events remind me that we must live each day for Christ while we can. We must savor every day that God gives us. In James 4, James addresses the foolishness of believing that we control life. In verse 13, he challenges those who make plans with the belief that they are in control. In verse 14, he reminds us, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Our lives are like steam coming off a pot of boiling water. It appears, and then it is gone.

So often, we live life as though nothing will change and everything will remain forever. Yet we know that this is not true. It feels like our children grow up overnight. Our minds tell us we are young, while our bodies scream otherwise. Before long, we look in the mirror, and an old person stares at us. Life keeps moving. But this is not a sad or terrible thing. Each season of life holds importance. God has sovereignly ordained each segment and event. James reveals that our role is to acknowledge God throughout. We should respond, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As we walk through every stage, we must acknowledge God. Acknowledging God means more than lip service. It involves walking in obedience to Him.

We should treat each day as a precious gift from God. I see two practical ramifications. First, savor each day. While we plan for the future and work for what is coming, we must not overlook the day in which we live. Parents, your kids will not always be there. When they ask you to do something with them, prioritize it. Put down what you are doing and spend quality time with them. Kids (both old and young), your parents will not always be there. Don’t dismiss them for insignificant things. Talk to them, hug them, and spend time with them.

Second, money and events don’t last. Relationships and service for Christ last. I do not regret missing money-making opportunities to coach my boys. I do not regret missing time working on my car or reading my books to play with my kids. I do not regret prioritizing friendships over things. Make sure you prioritize the things that matter. In the last twenty-four hours, one chapter with my son closed, and my mom suffered a significant health event. These events reminded me to enjoy and make the most of where I am now. Life changes quickly.

Today we celebrate Christ’s death. Two thousand years ago, on that fateful day, Christ suffered and died for our sins. As you meditate on Christ’s death today, here is a rough schedule of that day Christ purchased our redemption:

4:00-6:00 am – Jesus was brought before Caiaphas and Annas for trial. They could not find anything to convict Jesus, so a false witness was brought. Asked if He is the Christ, Jesus responded, “You have said it yourself.” He was then beaten and spit on.

As Jesus stood before Caiaphas and Annas, Peter made his way to the courtyard outside. Confronted about being one of the Jesus People, he flatly denied it. By the third confrontation, he began to curse. Then the rooster crowed; Peter saw Jesus leaving the compound and wept in shame.

6:00-8:00 am – Daylight appeared, and the Jewish leaders dragged Jesus to Pilate for sentencing. However, Pilate had no desire to become involved in what he perceived to be a no-win situation. He stated, “I find no guilt in this man.” Asking if Jesus is Galilean, Pilate found a jurisdiction loophole. So, he sent Jesus to Herod, who oversaw Galilee.

Herod attempted to question Jesus, but Jesus kept silent. Finally, Herod allowed his soldiers to abuse Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate.

When Jesus arrived back before Pilate, Pilate continued to question Jesus. However, Jesus continued to remain silent. Marveling at Jesus’ composure, Pilate offered the gathering crowd the opportunity to release Jesus. However, with the urging of the religious leaders, the crowd demanded that Pilate release a thief and murderer named Barabbas instead. They then demanded that Pilate crucify Jesus. After symbolically washing his hands, Pilate turned Jesus over for death.

After Jesus was condemned, the soldier renewed their abuse. They whipped Him, beat Him, jammed a crown of thorns on His head, and put a purple robe on His bloody and tattered body. After humiliating Jesus, they removed the robe and prepared a bloody and battered Jesus for death.

8:00-8:30 am – Jesus began the trek through the city and outside the walls to Golgotha for crucifixion. Having endured so much abuse, He could not carry His cross. The soldiers grabbed a man named Simon from the crowd and forced him to take Jesus’ cross the rest of the way.

As Jesus made his way to Golgotha, a crowd followed him weeping. Jesus turned and told them not to weep for Him but for themselves. For, if the leaders did this when Jesus was with them, what would they do when He was gone?

9:00 am – The group arrived at Golgotha. They stretched Jesus’ arms across the beam and nailed his wrists to the wood. They then nailed his ankles to the vertical piece and hoisted the cross in place. The process of procuring our redemption had begun.

9:00-9:30 am – Jesus was offered a drink to numb the pain, but He refused. Having completed their work, the soldiers settled in for a day of watching the criminals die. They began to cast lots to determine who got to take home the various items of the criminal’s clothing.

The soldiers placed a placard over Jesus stating His “crime”: He was the King of the Jews. He cries out, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do!”

9:30-11:00 am – The Chief Priests, Scribes, and soldiers begin to abuse Jesus verbally. “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” “He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe.” Of course, they wouldn’t believe it. Jesus had done various miracles, but they only cared for their power. “He trusts in God; let God rescue Him. He claims to be the Son of God.” The two thieves began to get in on the verbal abuse through the pain. “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

11:00 am -12:00 pm – One of the thieves fell under conviction and rebuked the other thief. He then turned to Jesus and asked to be remembered when Christ came to His Kingdom. Jesus responded with forgiveness, “Today you will be with Me in paradise!”

Through the pain, Jesus looked down and observed a group of women, His mother, and John. He instructed John to care for Mary. And from that day forward, John took her into his house. Even in death, Jesus continued to show compassion.

12:00-3:00 pm – An eerie three-hour darkness fell across the land. The sun would not shine on the death of its Creator. After hanging on the cross all morning, Jesus’ body began to dehydrate from the loss of fluids, and his lungs screamed out for oxygen. Pushing up against the nails, He struggled for a breath. But the dehydration would cause his muscles to cramp, and he would drop back down and begin to suffocate.

The darkness continued, and our sin was placed on Jesus. The Father turned His face away from His Son for the first time. Jesus cried out, “My Father, My Father, why have You forsaken Me?” He was made sin for us!

Suffering from intense dehydration and suffocation and knowing that only one Scripture remained which He needed to fulfill, Jesus cried out, “I thirst!” Someone brought a sponge dipped in sour wine.

Redemption had been paid. Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” Paid in full! He paid a debt he did not owe and placed righteousness on the accounts of the elect. Jesus then cried out again with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” And the Savior died. Earth raged. A great earthquake struck, rocks split, the veil in the Temple ripped, and tombs opened. The Centurion stated in awe, “He was the Son of God!”

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)