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Introduction to the Fruit of the Spirit Study
Author: Jeff Fritsche
The Aim: Introduce study on the Fruit of the Spirit
Passage: Galatians 5:22-26
Study Questions:
- Look at Galatians 5:17-26 and consider together the Fruits of the Spirit.
- Why do you think that Paul chose the word the “deeds” of the flesh and the “fruit” of the Spirit? Why not use the same word for both? Is there something important about his choice of words?
- Compare and contrast the Deeds of the Flesh versus the Fruit of the Spirit in the passage
- How do the fruits of the Spirit help us with each of these deeds of the flesh? For example, if we are struggling with anger the fruit of the Spirit that we need might be peace or gentleness.
- Identify the deed of the flesh that has the greatest pull on your life today. What fruit of the Spirit do you need most right now?
- How would you define the deeds of the flesh? (optionally – see the section below)
- What does it look like to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (24)?
- How would you explain walking in the Spirit?
- Take time to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead your life in these areas that you shared.
- Encourage all the members of your group to do the Devotional that the church has provided and discuss it if necessary.
Optional Leaders’ Helps:
Look up the following key words in a Lexicon and write down the definition.
Find a phenomenal Lexicon at www.studylight.org/lex/grk/ and type in the Strong’s Number in the box. The number next to each word is the Strong’s number. How cool is the world wide web?
Immorality (4202), Impurity (167), Sensuality (766), Idolatry (1495),Enmities (2189), Strife (2054), Jealousy (2205), Anger (2372),Dissensions (1370),Factions (139), Carousing (2970)
Discover all that Paul says about Spirit and Flesh
The Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon
Spirit = Pneuma
4151 pneuma 385 occurrences; Authorized Version translates as “Spirit” 111 times, “Holy Ghost” 89 times, “Spirit (of God)” 13 times, “Spirit (of the Lord)” five times, “(My) Spirit” three times, “Spirit (of truth)” three times, “Spirit (of Christ)” twice, “human (spirit)” 49 times, “(evil) spirit” 47 times, “spirit (general)” 26 times, “spirit” eight times, “(Jesus’ own) spirit” six times, “(Jesus’ own) ghost” twice, and translated miscellaneously 21 times. 1 a movement of air (a gentle blast. 1a of the wind, hence the wind itself. 1b breath of nostrils or mouth. 2 the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated. 2a the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides. 2b the soul. 3 a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting. 3a a life giving spirit. 3b a human soul that has left the body. 3c a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel. 3c1 used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men. 3c2 the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ. 4 of God. 4a God’s power and agency distinguishable in thought from his essence in itself considered. 4a1 manifest in the course of affairs. 4a2 by its influence upon the souls productive in the theocratic body (the church) of all the higher spiritual gifts and blessings. 4a3 the third person of the trinity, the God the Holy Spirit. 5 the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one. 5a the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
Flesh = Sarx
4561 σάρξ [sarx /sarx/] 151 occurrences; Authorized Version translates as “flesh” 147 times, “carnal” twice, “carnally minded + 5427” once, and “fleshly” once. 1 flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts. 2 the body. 2a the body of a man. 2b used of natural or physical origin, generation or relationship. 2b1 born of natural generation. 2c the sensuous nature of man, “the animal nature”. 2c1 without any suggestion of depravity. 2c2 the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin. 2c3 the physical nature of man as subject to suffering. 3 a living creature (because possessed of a body of flesh) whether man or beast. 4 the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.
AV Authorized Version
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