Sunday School: The Fruit of Freedom

Good morning!
We're so glad you have chosen to join us today!

When we meet in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have anything you would like to share, you can add a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from Xavier University, to get started. As this is Memorial Day weekend, the prayer relates to that.

Gracious God,
On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace.
In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe.
We ask this through your name.
Amen.

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Today's lesson is on ​Galatians 5:16-26.

Today's lesson is titled “The Fruit of Freedom”.
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This text seems to be a conflict between flesh and spirit Before Jesus, the people lived under a detached system if law.  Jesus set believers free from the law of sin and death.  WE cannot earn righteousness through the Law.  the law’s purpose was to define our sin and show our need of a Savior.  Christian freedom involves living not under the burdensome obligations of the law but under God’s grace.  Romans 6:14 says:  “for sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

In Christ, we are free from the oppressive system of the law, we are free from the penalty of sin, and we are free from the power of sin.  Christian freedom is not a license to sin.  Paul teaches that we are free in Christ, not to live as we want, we are called to live in freedom.  Don't use your freedom to indulge your flesh,  Use your freedom to serve one another in love.  Believers aren’t free to sin, they are free to live holy lives in Christ.

Prayer
Our Father, thank you for your Spirit.  We want the Spirit to guide our lives and our interactions.  Strengthen us to avoid sinful distractions so that we might live holy lives filled with unrelenting joy and love for others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Thought to Remember
 The sweetest fruit comes from walking in God’s Spirit!

Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version.

Next week, we will be starting a new quarter called Partners in a New Creation. The first lesson will be on Isaiah 47:10-15.