NBC Sunday School Manual For May 29, 2022 : Topic – SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF FREEDOM
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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
SUNDAY, May 29, 2022
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF FREEDOM
Background Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
Lesson Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
GOLDEN TEXT:
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25
What is spiritual fruit of freedom and how does a Christian get to the point of bearing spiritual fruit (fruit of the Spirit)? How do I overcome the inner struggle I have about obeying the Spirit of God as a new convert and my natural instinct? Is it possible to obey God, do His will and at the same time obey one’s natural desires? “Oh! Who is going to help me?” These are some questions new converts usually ask at the point of confusion after giving their lives to Christ. Even though they have been baptised into the
Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
i. Compare and contrast the life controlled by God’s Spirit and the one governed by human nature;
ii. State at least four characteristics of the sinful nature;
iii. Express their decision to always live by the Spirit of God so as not to gratify the desires of the flesh.
INTRODUCTION
membership of the church and they are already serving with their gifts, there is still confusion in their minds about whom to obey, whether their flesh or the Spirit of God.
All trees produce fruits according to their kind. According to the teachings of Jesus Christ, every good tree is expected to bear fruits after its seed just like every Christian is expected to bear spiritual fruit of freedom, having crucified the flesh with all its desires. This is the focal point of today’s lesson.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. The Works of Human Nature. Galatians 5:16-21
Having admonished the brethren in Galatia to preserve their freedom in Christ, Apostle Paul compared and contrasted the two ways of life: one controlled by the Spirit of God and the other by one’s own human nature. He thereafter encouraged the people to live by the Spirit. This means they would no longer satisfy the desires of their human nature. Paul made it clear that the Spirit and the flesh are opponents; they are in conflict with each other in their manifestations. According to verse 18, anyone who is led by the Spirit is no longer subject to the law but as long as our human nature is in control, we cannot do what we really want to do, that is to please God. Consequently, he specified clearly the works of the human nature from verses 19 to 21. He warned that those who practice such wicked acts will not have a share in the kingdom of God. This warning was also given to the brethren in the church in Ephesus. Paul said to them, “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person such a man is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:5). In fact, to be controlled by human sinful nature results in death and enmity with God. After all, strict adherence to the law has never been a way of salvation. Unless our human nature is under control, we cannot obey God. According to Paul, in the passage, the only key to overcoming sinful desires is to submit oneself to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s counsel to the church in Galatia to live by the Spirit of God so that they can overcome the desire to please their sinful nature is also relevant to contemporary Christians. Particularly, these days when such acts of wickedness listed in the passage are becoming more rampant. Though the inner struggle may persist because of the human nature, we will overcome when we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. The essence of the freedom we have in Christ is to bring us closer to the Father. Therefore, we must not forget that those who practise the acts of the sinful nature are automatically disqualified from enjoying the everlasting relationship with God in His kingdom.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Discuss the steps a Christian can take in order to overcome the inner struggle to submit to natural desires.
2. Apart from the few mentioned in the passage, what are other manifestations of a life controlled by the sinful nature?
B. The Works of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-26
Paul compares the works of the human nature and the Spirit of God. According to Paul, in the passage, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control (vv. 22-23), and against such things, there are no laws. Those who possess these virtues belong to Jesus Christ and have crucified their human nature. They are no longer passionate about the things of the world. Their ultimate desire is to serve God and please Him. In verse 25, Paul affirms that because the Spirit has given us life, He must also control our lives. Particularly, he sounded a note of warning that pride, hatred and jealousy should be avoided. He expressed the same concern to the Christians in Philippi not to do anything from selfish ambition but to show humility and consider others better than themselves (Philippians 2:3).
The summary of Paul’s exhortation to the people of Galatia is that they are expected to manifest the works of the Spirit, by virtue of the fact that their sinful nature and all the passion for worldliness have been put to death. Because our old human nature has been put to death with Christ on the cross, we should no longer be slaves to sin. We should not allow the human nature to have control over our lives. Instead, we should allow the Spirit of God to control and guide us in our Christian journey so that we will enjoy eternity with God in His kingdom. Certainly, this type of life produces unity, harmony in the Christian community and can serve as means of spreading the Gospel.
DISCUSSION TIME
1. Where do we get the strength, wisdom or guidance to live the Spirit-controlled life?
2. Discuss the different ways Christians act against Paul’s counsel in verse 26 and the solution.
Commitment:
Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment toward your relationship with others to love them as you love yourself.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
Each class member should do a heart-check to know which of the works they produce, whether the works of the flesh (vv. 19-21) or the works of the Spirit (vv. 22-23). They are to pray for one another for the help of God to remain steadfast in their walk with God. Ly
Prayer Points:
1. Ask that the fruit of the Spirit will manifest in your life Pray that the works of the flesh will be cut off in any area of your life
2. Ask the Lord to help you to be consistent in your walk with Him
Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.
REVIEW: Since the beginning of the month, we have been studying Paul’s liberating letter to the churches in Rome and Galatia. I know we have truly been blessed through the wonderful lessons. Therefore:
▪︎ What new lessons did you learn about being dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus?
▪︎ How does the future glory that awaits believers motivate you to exercise patience in the face of suffering? ?
▪︎What steps do you intend to take so that you can love your neighbour as yourself
▪︎ What new insight did you gain about bearing spiritual fruits?