Bible Study November 16, 2023
Galatians 5:22-23 (Message)
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
Where do we find our identity? Is it found in success, maybe fame, fortune? Do we wish we were someone else maybe more successful than we were? Is there that elusive butterfly out in front of us that we pursue in order to be known as someone or for something different than we are?
What is our identity? Paul says the fruit of the Spirit is in our internal characteristics that identify who we are. They shape us from within and are expressed outwardly toward others. God’s eyes are on who we are and how we are shaped for the kingdom. Out identity is formed in Jesus which grows and cannot be taken away.
God did not create us to compete with one another but to complement one another. We’re not designed to get ahead of others. We are not defined in the kingdom by what we earn, who we know, how we perform., or how well we impress others.
We are defined by the value He assigns us, as His child and His Spirit shapes us as He sees fit. Our goal should allow the Spirit to shape us and direct us as He sees fit. We should define ourselves in the way God defines us not the way the world looks at it.
The fruit of the Spirit will ripen as we review the fruit in our life.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 