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Better Connectivity

by | May 23, 2021

Sermon Notes

Introduction to Better:
You know the saying- “If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you will keep getting what you’ve been getting” We know this is true and yet we still fall into the same routines. Routines of being overworked, insecure, foolish, and worried. But what if there were a better way. What if we could align our lives to some ancient insight about how to live and grow? In this series we are going to examine common traps that we all fall into and then we dive into how the Scriptures addresses these real concerns with answers.

Key Concept:
Life, with all of its pieces, is connected. And you are responsible.

Observation:
People that live as if all of life is connected have fewer surprises and fewer regrets.

1. We all have a tendency to try to unhitch our actions from the consequences – Genesis 3:6-13

  • When we fail to see life is connected it leads to conflict with God and other humans.

2. Paul demonstrates how life is connected – Galatians 6:7-9

  • Flesh – my base human desires apart from any outside force. 
  • The Spirit – The third person of the Trinity, the abiding, supernatural presence of Jesus on the inside of us.

Key Term:
Death, φθορά (phth-orá)
Corruption, perishing, or ruin. Ship being torn to pieces by a storm.

Here is how Paul defines the deeds of the flesh:

  • sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, orgies, drunkenness
    •  (If it Feels Good, I Want to Do It)
  • idolatry and witchcraft, selfish ambition  
    • (You’re not the boss of me and you can’t stop me)
  • hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, dissensions, factions 
    • (I Don’t Get Mad, I Get Even)

This is on contrast with The Fruit (Results) of the Spirit

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness 
  • Gentleness
  • Self Control

Key Term
Life ζωή (zōḗ)
Life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ.

3. Surrender to the Spirit and do good – Galatians: 5:16-18; 6:9

Application:
What critical decisions are you making this week? 
Invite the Spirit to walk with you through the details of the decision

Discussion Questions

TALK IT OUT:

  1. According to Pastor Rusty, “When we fail to see life is connected it leads to conflict with God and others.” Take a few minutes to recall moments from your life when you ignored this principle and experienced conflict with God and others as a result.
  2. Genesis 3:6-13 demonstrates how, “We all have a tendency to try to unhook our actions from the consequences.” Why do we tend to do that?
  3. According to Galatians 6:7-9, when we live based on our fleshly desires we reap destruction. However, when we live to please the Spirit, we reap eternal life. In other words, what happens in our life is largely determined by whether we live to please ourselves or live to please God. How have you seen this play out in your life?
  4. Pastor Rusty lists 3 categories of deeds of the flesh:
    1. If it feels good I want to do it,
    2. You’re not the boss of me and you can’t stop me,
    3. I don’t get mad, I get even. When you’ve given in to these fleshly tendencies, how has it made your life worse?
  5. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When you’ve allowed God to help you live out these godly character traits, how has it made your life better?
  6. How has doing the right thing positively impacted you and those around you?
  7. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” It can be challenging to keep doing the right thing when we don’t immediately see positive results. How can this verse encourage you to do what’s right even if you don’t see your life improve immediately?

LIVE IT OUT:

  • What good thing are you being tempted to stop doing right now?
  • What negative thing in your life do you need to confront today with God’s help that could change your future?
  • What critical decision will you make this week that could have a powerful impact on your life and the lives of those closest to you?
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to walk with you as you confront those things in your life that need to be dealt with.
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to walk with you as you endeavor to begin doing good things you’ve never consistently done before.
  • Ask God to help you rely on Him as you make positive changes with His help.