This week, pastoral elder Eric Byrom considers how we partner with God in imitating Christ. Are you imitating the fruits of the spirit? Remember it's not a coconut! (If you aren't sure what a coconut, a cherry, or even a watermelon have to do with tthis, just watch this video.)

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Sermon Passages: Galatians 5:1, 13-26; 6:7-10

Sermon Outline

1. Partner with God in imitating Christ by remembering what God does!
    A. The Spirit shapes our desires. (5:17)
    B. The Spirit leads us. (5:18)
    C. The Spirit produces fruit in us. (5:22)
2. Partner with God in imitating Christ by remembering what you are to do!
    A. We are not to indulge in the flesh. (5:13)
    B. We are to walk by the Spirit. (5:16)
    C. We are not to gratify the desires of the flesh. (5:24)

Questions for Discussion

1. Which extreme do you lean towards: expecting God to do everything or feeling like you need to do everything?  What might it look like to keep these in balance?
2. In what ways have you seen God shape your desires, lead you and produce fruit in you over the years?
3. In what ways have you participated with God by not indulging your desires, walking by the Spirit and not gratifying the desires of the flesh?
4. What is one thing God is moving you to remember, do or change in response to what you have heard today?