I. Introduction
Draw attention to the two warnings that Paul gave in Galatians 5:1-12. Perhaps briefly summarize what they were and what Paul’s remedy was, faith working through love. Explain how Paul will now tell us more about what faith working through love looks like in practice.
II. Loving service in response to God’s grace
A. Explain: How do some people understand gospel freedom?
B. Explain: What is gospel freedom really about?
C. Explain: What is the place of God’s law for the Christian? Is it still relevant now that it has been fulfilled by Christ?
D. Explain/Apply: Where do people typically learn what love
looks like? What is the true standard for love?
E. Explain/Apply: What is something taught in the Bible that our society rejects? Why should we trust what the Bible says about love? What has our Saviour done for us?
III. Loving service empowered by God the Holy Spirit
A. Explain: What happens when someone becomes a Christian?
B. Explain: What is the battle that now takes place in the heart of a Christian?
C. Explain/Apply: Are we still prone to sin? Can we reach perfection in this life?
D. Explain/Apply: How does the Spirit work to change our desires? What is the means that he uses (God’s Word)?
E. Explain/Apply: How should we respond when we continue to struggle with sin? Why must we not despair? What does it mean to be led by the Spirit and not under the law?
Concluding prayer
Heavenly Father,
Please help us not to believe the lie that says we are free to indulge our sinful desires, rather conform our thinking to what you have revealed in your Word. Help us to walk by the Spirit, to grow in our desire to submit our lives to your law of love. Help us to do so, especially when your Word teaches us something we do not like, something we do not want to hear. Whether it is a doctrinal matter or an ethical matter, bend our will so that we will joyfully submit to you.
Thank you that your Spirit is at work in us to change our desires and lead us in godliness. We know that it is often painful as our sins are revealed, may we not despair when that happens, but flee to Christ again and again, trusting that he is our Saviour, a complete Saviour.
Going forward, may we also remember that the work of your Spirit is intimately connected with the work of your Son and truths that you have revealed in Scripture. May we, therefore, prioritize the means of grace, establishing good habits and disciplines, gathering weekly with your people to hear your Word, to be there where you have promised to work in us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.