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LEADER'S GUIDE NOTE: Answers are provided for only some of the questions. Many questions are primarily to stimulate discussion and there are no right or wrong answers. 1. What two forces are constantly fighting in your life? The Holy Spirit and our sinful nature, which includes both evil desires that come from Satan as well as inclinations that stem from our bodies. Paul is saying here that the Holy Spirit is infinitely stronger than our sinful nature and if we try to overcome our sinful nature by our own willpower, we will fail. We must call upon the Holy Spirit and let ourselves be led by the Spirit. 2. Why does Paul say that if you follow the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to Moses' law? (Verse 5:18) 3. How do you behave when you follow your own (selfish, sinful) desires? In verses 19 and 20, Paul ennumerates 16 vices such as idolatry and jealousy that stem from following your own sinful nature. Other vices are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible such as arrogance (2 Cor 12:20), murder and lying (Rev 22:12-16), wild living (Luke 15:13), cheating, adultery, homosexualty, greed, and stealing (1 Cor 6:8-10). 4. Why do you follow your own desires when you "know" that you should not? 5. What is the ultimate consequence of following your own desires? (Verse 5:21) Paul doesn't mince any words about this. He says plainly and directly that you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Now this doesn't mean that those who sin will go straight to hell. We all sin. But Paul is saying that if you deliberatly follow the sinful nature and do not look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and to the Father for forgiveness, you are doomed. 6. Rate yourself honestly on the fruits of the Spirit in your own life on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 means this is the way I act today, 1 means I have a long way to go on this item. The motto of Cornell University is "Freedom with Responsibility." Rev. Neville Koch, who made up this rating form on fruit of the Spirit, is reminding us that although these character traits are a by-product of living for God, they carry with them a responsibility of thought, willingness, and action. These virtues are not meant to simply reside in our mind to make us feel good, but to put to action and shared with others. (James 2:14-17) |
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