Big Idea:

Humans are highly influenced by their environment. The Galatian church was being influenced by the Judaizers: Jewish Christians who believed faith in Jesus was insufficient, and that new believers needed to be circumcised as well. In his letter, Paul corrected this false teaching, and exhorted the Galatians to guard what influences them - to not be influenced by the law and the flesh, and to open themselves to the influence of love and the Spirit. 

Key Scriptures:

• Galatians 3:10-12
• Galatians 5:1-4

1. DON’T BE INFLUENCED BY THE LAW. 

In 2023, we might say, “Don’t be influenced by performanced-based-righteousness.” Throughout church history there have been legalistic influences - the Judaizers and circumcision, Catholicism and indulgences. 

Question 1: What does legalism look like in today’s church? How does the enemy try to tempt you with a works-based mindset?  

2. DON’T BE INFLUENCED BY THE FLESH. 

There are two natures at war inside of us: our flesh and our spirit. The one we feed will grow stronger in influence, while the one we starve will grow weaker.

Question 2: In your own Christian walk, what is your spirit hungry for? Where is the flesh “eating for two”?
*Note: this is a never ending battle for all believers!*

3. BE INFLUENCED BY LOVE. 

Love is selfless. Love is about other people. Where legalism corrects others with backbiting and makes us feel superior, love supports others and joins us as a family. 

Question 3: What are the differences between LOVING correction and LEGALISTIC correction? How can we stand for truth in love without seeming “legalistic”?

4. BE INFLUENCED BY THE SPIRIT. 

The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of His influence. If He is influencing us, the fruit is produced in us. If we are being influenced by the Spirit, we can do anything, because there is no law against his fruit. 

Challenge:

To become physically fit, it’s important to monitor your diet: we have to know the healthy foods from the unhealthy ones. THIS WEEK, let's intentionally monitor our spiritual diet. Keep a daily journal of your routines and activities for one week. At the end of each day, ask yourself the following questions about each activity:

1. Was this activity motivated by performance-based righteousness?
2. Did this activity feed my flesh?
3. Was this activity motivated by my love for God and others?
4. Did this activity feed my spirit?