Saturday, August 11, 2012

This Sunday - the BAD news!


Have you ever had someone say, "I have some good news and some bad news, which do you want to hear first?"  I don't know about you but when I am faced with those two options I always opt for the bad news first!  At least that way I am sure that the conversation ends on a better note then it started.

That is the case for the next two Sundays as we finish up our "Walk This Way" message series from Galatians 5 here at Gaylord E-Free Church.  In the closing verses Paul contrasts what it looks like when a pattern of living is characterized by the lust of the flesh versus when a pattern of living is characterized by walking by the Spirit.  The first list he calls the "Deeds of the Flesh" and it is the bad news.  The second list he calls the "Fruit of the Spirit" and this list is the good news.

This Sunday we will look at the bad news first - the listing called the "Deeds of the Flesh" seen in Galatians 5:19-21.  I have given this list below as it appears in the New American Standard Bible.  After that list I have given some questions for you to consider in preparation for this Sunday's message here at E-Free.

Immorality
Impurity
Sensuality
Idolatry
Sorcery
Enmities
Strife
Jealousy
Outbursts of anger
Disputes
Dissensions
Factions
Envying
Drunkenness
Carousing
And things like these

If you were to break this list into four different categories, what would they be?

What simple definition would you give to each of these descriptions?

What does the ending phrase "And things like these" tell you about the list?

Are there any areas on this list that you struggle with?  If so, which ones?

Read Galatians 5:21.  What warning does Paul give about this list?

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