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The Struggle of a Gospel Centered Life: The Flesh (WS)

Westside Campus

April 10, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Galatians 5:16–26

Martin Luther, the German pastor and theologian, once described the Christian situation on earth as
“simul justus et peccator” meaning “simultaneously justified and sinful.” Luther was attempting to
put into the words the inner tension and turmoil we all face; when our hearts and minds are drawn
to two opposing and competing passions.
We know that when we choose to follow Jesus we become “a new creation” in Christ. Yet we also
know that freedom from sin doesn’t usually come overnight. When we choose to follow Jesus, the
Holy Spirit comes to reside in us and begins the slow messy work of redeeming us, eradicating sin
little by little.
In this week’s passage Paul refers to this sin, and its constant pull back to old ways, as “flesh.” It is because of this flesh we constantly find
ourselves doing the opposite of what we want to do. This can be so frustrating! Yet there is hope. The promise found in Galatians 5 is that for
those of us who are in Christ, the Spirit will do in us a work that brings forth a new way or “fruit” that pleases God. In place of old ways which
seek to please the flesh, we are invited to draw near to God and His grace and from it find a new life.

A Gospel Demands (BG)

May 8, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Galatians 6

When we approach Scripture, it is important to remember that it wasn’t written solely to us, and its contents go beyond what it means for each of us specifically. Let us not forget that Galatians was written to a community of believers—not one person. This community of faith was struggling to live gospel-centered, Spirit-filled lives. As we've teased out over the last twelve weeks, this problem wasn’t unique to their situation, but continues to be a struggle for us today. In the concluding chapter of Paul's letter, we receive a beautiful picture of what a Spirit-led community could look like. A community defined by the cross is diverse, humble, gentle, gracious, burdenbearing, generous, future-oriented and—most of all—makes much of Jesus. What would it take for this to be said about Summit View Church? As we seek to emulate what Paul calls us to here, may we not grow weary of doing this good work. May we be a people, like Paul, who boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Gospel Demands (WS)

May 8, 2022 • Drew Whithorn • Galatians 6

When we approach Scripture, it is important to remember that it wasn’t written solely to us, and its contents go beyond what it means for each of us specifically. Let us not forget that Galatians was written to a community of believers—not one person. This community of faith was struggling to live gospel-centered, Spirit-filled lives. As we've teased out over the last twelve weeks, this problem wasn’t unique to their situation, but continues to be a struggle for us today. In the concluding chapter of Paul's letter, we receive a beautiful picture of what a Spirit-led community could look like. A community defined by the cross is diverse, humble, gentle, gracious, burdenbearing, generous, future-oriented and—most of all—makes much of Jesus. What would it take for this to be said about Summit View Church? As we seek to emulate what Paul calls us to here, may we not grow weary of doing this good work. May we be a people, like Paul, who boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Fruit of a Gospel Centered Life: The Spirit Pt. 2 (BG)

May 1, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Galatians 5:16–26

Growing up, most of us had role models or celebrities we looked up to and tried to emulate. These people were plastered on our walls, doodled in our notebooks, and spoken of around the dinner table. While we may no longer seek to be the greatest athlete, biggest movie star, or best writer anymore, we all should desire to become more like our Savior. Jesus perfectly modeled a Spirit-filled life, rich with its fruit. Miraculously, Jesus is not merely some celebrity, sketched in the margins of a page, but personally inserts Himself into our lives, making recompense for our failures and guiding us in our growth. He shepherds us with His Spirit, indwelling and empowering us to live in truth and life.