First Step - day 26

Today’s Bible Reading

Galatians 5:16-26

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is [opposite] to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is [opposite] to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become [proud], provoking and envying each other.

Applying God’s Word in My Life:

1. What does Paul mean by living by the Spirit (v.16), being led by the Spirit (v.18) and keeping in step with the Spirit? (v.25).

2. What are the acts of the sinful nature? (vv.19-21,26). Do you still see evidence of these sinful acts in your own life?

3. What is the fruit of the Spirit? (vv.22-23). What fruit do you see growing? What fruit is still lacking or missing? What must you do to be fruitful?

Today’s Key Verse:

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

54

And True Tried

Weare often disappointed by the unfaithfulness of people. A family member promises to write, but months go by without a letter. A pastor says he will visit when we are sick, but he doesn’t make it to the hospital or to our home. A friend agrees to be there for us in our grief but doesn’t even call. Others tell us they will pray for us but quickly forget our need. Someone promises to do an important task for us but never follows through. We ask ourselves, “who can find one who is truly reliable?” (Proverbs 20:6 NLT).

We can do very little about the unfaithfulness of others. But we can do a lot about our faithfulness to others. When we make a promise, we must keep it. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we need to follow through and do it. When we proclaim our loyalty and love for others, we can do little things that show them we mean it.

The apostle Paul said that one fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). God will create in us a steadfast spirit if we take seriously what we tell others we will do for them, and if we follow through.