Look closely at the picture above.
Do you know the name of each apple variety pictured?
I recognize Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Green Delicious.
The pale green with the flecks I am uncertain about.
The lighter red one could be a Gala, or possibly an Ambrosia, my favorite.
The opening sentence in Food & Wine’s The Ultimate Apple Guide to 85 Varieties, From Heirlooms to Hybrids published on October 9, 2023 states, “There are over 7,500 apple varieties around the world (and counting)…”
Wow!
The multiple apple varieties look and taste different from each other.
They also have different uses, such as snacking, saucing, baking, or cider.
Yet they are all apples.
What does this discussion of the vast world of apple varieties have to do with this post’s title, “Are You Letting the Spirit Lead?”
Are You Letting the Spirit Lead? | Galatians 5:16-25
Consider the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Ga 5:16)
What happens when we walk by the Spirit?
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Ga 5:17)
How does verse 17 compare with Romans 7:14-25?
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Ga 5:18)
Why is this important? (See Romans 6:14 and 8:1-4)
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Ga 5:19–21)
Which of these fifteen examples are harmful actions versus destructive attitudes? Why is this important to notice?
What does the phrase “and things like these” reveal about this list?
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Ga 5:22–23)
Why do you think Paul only lists eight examples of the fruit of the Spirit compared to the fifteen examples of the works of the flesh?
What does the phrase “against such things” reveal about the fruit of the Spirit?
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Ga 5:24–25)
According to Paul, what is the key to overcoming the works of the flesh so that the fruit of the Spirit will grow in us? (Also see John 6:63)
Are You Letting the Spirit Lead? | Back to the Apples
In our passage today, we have studied Paul’s contrast of the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.
Both had lists of examples to consider.
Neither of the lists of examples was an exhaustive list.
The works of the flesh refer to our human tendency towards selfishness, also called sin.
But once we profess faith in Christ, we receive the promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The fruit, or character traits, of the Holy Spirit, then grow within us to transform us away from our human tendency of selfishness.
Using the word “fruit” instead of “works” or “character traits”, informs us that our transformation will take time to grow and mature.
This passage emphasizes that all the examples Paul listed as the fruit of the Spirit and more are present in every believer.
But that does not mean that each of the examples listed as the fruit of the Spirit will look the same in each believer.
Consider the apples in the picture for this post.
They are all apples.
But they do not look identical.
They have different colorings, shapes, and flavors.
Some are better for snacking, baking, saucing, or cider.
But again, they are all apples.
Review the last two verses of our passage.
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Ga 5:24–25)
Our responsibility is to keep in step with the Spirit as the fruit of the Spirit grows within us if we belong to Christ.
Take love, for example.
The Greek word for love used by Paul here is agape.
This is a self-sacrificial type of love as exemplified by Christ and God, that the Spirit grows within every believer.
How this self-sacrificial type of love is expressed will be unique to each believer because we are all created uniquely. Further, it may even look differently within ourselves depending on the situation we are facing.
One aspect of my expression of self-sacrificial love is taking the time to fully listen to a person who has crossed my path, even though I may have a myriad of tasks to accomplish. I understand that often these “interruptions” to my day are more important than crossing something off of my “to-do list”.
But sometimes I tell a person who has interrupted me, that I do not have the time at that moment to listen to them and request that they connect with me later.
This is still self-sacrificial love in the sense that I have let them know I want to be fully present when I connect with them, but the demands on my time at that moment would distract me from being fully present.
Knowing which way to express love requires letting the Spirit lead in my heart.
The one thing I have no control over, though, is how the person I am responding to receives the love I offer them.
Regardless, I must allow the Spirit to lead me.
What challenges do you deal with in letting the Spirit lead you?
How are you encouraged by this study?
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn