Passionate Faith is Controlled by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

Big Idea

A passionate faith is not driven by impulses or emotions but is guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit, producing Christlike character.

I. Walking by the Spirit Guards Us from Fleshly Passions

Galatians 5:16–17 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

Application:

Passionate faith chooses the Spirit’s direction over the flesh’s impulses.

II. The Flesh Produces Destructive Behavior

Galatians 5:19–21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Application

Uncontrolled passion leads to spiritual destruction.

III. The Spirit Produces Christlike Character

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Application:

Spirit-controlled passion produces godly character.

IV. Believers Crucify the Flesh and Follow the Spirit

Galatians 5:24–26 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Application

A passionate faith chooses the Spirit’s leadership every day.