Course:  The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church.

Course Title: The Fruit of the Spirit (10 Lessons)

Introductory Lesson One:

Lesson Title:  The Fruit in Contrast to the Works of the Flesh

 

Theme:  Contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

 

Text:  Galatians 5:19-25

 

Introduction: The Works of the Flesh stand in contrast to the Fruit of the Spirit.  Illustration:  Diamond displayed on a black cloth the contrast brings out the beauty of the diamond.  The works of the flesh divide into three groups: sexual, spiritual and social conflicts and revellings

 

Introductory Story:  Consider how the world loves the works of the flesh.

Films, novels, and TV soaps provide a means of gratifying the desire for the works of the flesh without being actively involved in them. 

 

Exposition:

1.      The gratification of immoral sexual desires.  Galatians 5:19Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness’

2.      The gratification of spiritual desires.   Galatians 5:20 ‘Idolatry, witchcraft’

3.      Social conflicts.   

4.      Social revelry. 

5.      In contrast to the works of the flesh; the fruit of the Spirit is the life of Christ in the life of the believer,  Colossians 3:1-4.                                                         

 

Conclusion: 

The works of the flesh

1)     …will seek to find sexual fulfilment through the gratification of immoral sexual desires.

2)     …will seek spiritual fulfilment through idolatry and witchcraft

3)     …promotes 'love of self' leading to social conflicts.

4)     …promotes 'love of pleasure' leading to social revelry - fulfilled in drunkenness and revelling.

5)     …stands in complete contrast to the fruit of the Spirit which is the life of Christ in the life of the believer.

 

 

Full Lesson

 

Course Index