Call to Worship
What brings us joy?
What slows us down?
What gives us hope?
What makes us think?
What invites us to wonder?
What makes us change?
Might it have something to do with the Holy?
Let us worship God.
Worship Song Suggestion
Way Maker by Sinach (original songwriter) (205 Million Views)
Overview of Sermon
Welcome everyone, to our long weekend concluding sermon in our Like Christ series.
As we have been weaving through each week, the fruit of the Spirit is both gift and work, both faith and works. It is something that the Spirit brings out of us as we remain in Him.
How does the way God has designed us and sustains us actually transform us from displaying the evidences of anger, hostility, and greed, to displaying the fruit of peace, gentleness, and self control?
The writings of Paul can be helpful windows for us here as well.
Scripture
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23
"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit." ~John 15:3-5
“Therefore, I exhort you, brothers & sisters, through the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may approve what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.” ~Romans 12:1-2
Discussion/Reflection Questions
It may be helpful to you to take these questions somewhere peaceful for you. Spend some time with these questions, with Jesus, and with your own thoughts.
1. As we wrap up the fruit of the Spirit series, looking back on the last seven weeks of teaching, challenges and encouragements from God’s word, what has grabbed your attention?
2. What habit, behaviour, or pattern of thought is the Spirit nudging you to change? There may be a few, but pick just one thing right now, one pattern of thought, or one behaviour, or one habit that if transformed by God’s Spirit would have the biggest positive effect on your discipleship. Name that one thing.
3. Focus on that intently, bring it into your conscious mind and allow God’s Spirit to hold it captive for you. Focus on the desired change that you know is God’s will for you. Begin to pray into that desired for outcome, that better thought pattern, that more positive habit.
4. Thank Christ for His empowerment, His help, and His sustaining presence as we grow in Him.
