Today’s passage: Galatians 5:25-26
Helpful thoughts:
- Since the Spirit raised us from the dead to life in Christ, we walk in step with the Spirit. Our flesh has been crucified, we now live in Christ by the Spirit.
- Bad motives can generate bad actions and actions that look great:
- Conceit = Excessive pride
- Provoking = Causing irritation
- Envy = Resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions
Questions to consider:
- How does your new life in Christ give you the freedom to walk in the Spirit and no longer be bound by sin?
- Can you think of any examples from the gospels of people who did many good things out of bad motives?
- Is it possible that a person could “pray the prayer” as a result of conceit, envy or provoking? Are there people you are trying to encourage to obey God who may not actually be His children? How might you need to change your approach?
- How could conceit and/or envy cause us to provoke our children (or anyone else) to a form of godliness?