Walking in the Spirit – The Battle Within

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT – WEEK 1: THE BATTLE WITHIN

Scripture: Galatians 5:16–21

Big Idea:  The only way to defeat the flesh and avoid destruction is to ________________________ by the Spirit.

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  1. THE CALL TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT (v.16)
    1. The Command: “Walk by the Spirit” → means ____________________ (lifestyle, conduct, daily steps).
    2. The Promise: “You will not __________________ the desires of the flesh.”
    3. Definition: Walking in the Spirit is __________________________ every part of life to His direction and power.

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  2. THE CONFLICT IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (vv.17–18)
    1. The Flesh: The part of us that craves life _________________ God, resisting His rule.
    2. The Spirit: God in us, giving us new ____________________ and pointing us to Christ.
    3. The Struggle: Evidence that you are ____________________ in Christ. (Dead men don’t wrestle.)
    4. Already/Not Yet: The cross was D-Day (decisive victory). V-E Day (final victory) comes at Christ’s return.

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  3. THE WORKS OF THE FLESH (vv.19–21)
    1. SEXUAL SIN
      1.  Immorality – Any sexual relationship outside of marriage.
      2. Impurity – Secret, hidden sexual behavior.
      3. Sensuality – Living for pleasure with no boundaries.

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    2. SPIRITUAL COUNTERFEITS
      1. Idolatry – Loving something more than God.
      2. Sorcery – Seeking spiritual powers outside of God’s Spirit.

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    3. RELATIONAL WRECKAGE: 
      1. Destructive Attitudes:
        1. Hatred – Holding a grudge or resenting someone.
        2. Jealousy – Wanting what someone else has.
        3. Rivalry – Always needing to be the best or first.
        4. Envy – Angry or bitter at other’s success.

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      2. Destructive Actions:
        1. Strife – Dependably in conflict with people.
        2. Fits of anger – Blowing up emotionally.
        3. Dissensions & divisions – Stirring up drama, forming cliques, splitting people.

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    4. ADDICTIONS & EXCESS
      1. Drunkenness & Orgies – Losing control in pursuit of escape or thrills.
    5. Key truth: The flesh always brings ________________________.

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  4. THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE SPIRIT (John 14–16)
    1. “Helper” = Greek word _______________________ → legal advocate, one who defends and reminds of truth.
    2. Christ is our Advocate in _________________________, the Spirit is our Advocate on ___________________________.
    3. Conviction is not condemnation, but the Spirit reminding us of _________________________ in Christ.

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  5. What to do if you’re under conviction?
    1. Thank God – Proof the Spirit is alive in you.
    2. Confess sin – Be honest about your need of forgiveness.
    3. Relish the relationship – God loves you!
    4. Fight with the Word – Read, Pray, Memorize.
    5. Fight in community – Confess your sins to one another.
    6. Radically resist sin – “Make no provision.”

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CONCLUSION: The only way to defeat the flesh and avoid destruction is to ________________________ by the Spirit.

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