Lesson 13 – May 29 – The Spiritual Fruit of Freedom
In the previous lesson, we learned that we express our freedom in Christ through humble and loving service. This lesson explains how our sinful nature is in opposition to the Spirit, and concludes with an overview of the fruit of the Spirit.
Paul’s list of vices includes some things that everyone does because we are taken in by deceitful desires, some of which hurt others deeply, but we don’t think of the consequences. The fruit of the Spirit comes from Christian freedom and always has positive consequences. This fruit is demonstrated through love and service to others. How we treat others demonstrates our desire and intent to live by the Spirit.
Week of May 23 through May 29
Something to think about this week: What is your favorite fruit?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 1 – The Righteous Yield Fruit.
Tue. – John 15:1-8 – Abide in Christ and Bear Fruit.
Wed. – James 3:13-18 – Wisdom’s Harvest of Righteousness.
Thu. – Isaiah 32:9-20 – The Spirit Produces a Fruitful Field.
Fri. – Matthew 7:15-20 – Known by Their Fruits.
Sat. – Ezekiel 47:1-7, 12 – God’s Presence Brings Fruitfulness.
Sun. – Galatians 5:16-26 – Live by the Spirit
Lesson 12 – May 22 – The Nature of Christian Freedom
Paul encouraged his readers to serve one another humbly in love. Now that they were free from bondage to the law, with its demands, they were free to focus on others. We fulfill the essence of the law and please God when we reach out to others with the same love Christ has shown us.
We cause others to stumble or stray away from the truth of the Gospel whenever we add man-made requirements to God’s Word. Believers receive salvation from their sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Once saved, it is our responsibility to stand firm on the truth of God’s Word and not allow ourselves to be led astray by false teaching. Any teaching or actions we choose to participate in—out of “freedom”—that do not have Jesus at the center may lead to unloving actions. Once we are set free from the bondage of sin, we have the ability through Christ to love and serve others as He has loved us.
” I am persuaded that love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ and the brightest evidences that He is indeed our Master.”
– John Newton
Week of May 16 through May 22
Something to think about this week: One or more acts of humble, loving service you have observed.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Galatians 4:1-7 – Children and Heirs through God.
Tue. – Philippians 3:1-7 – Losing All for Christ.
Wed. – Philippians 3:8-14 – Press toward the Goal.
Thu. – 1 John 4:7-13 – Let Us Love One Another.
Fri. – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love and Pray for Your Enemies.
Sat. – Proverbs 17:13-17 – Avoid Strife; Love Always.
Sun. – Galatians 5:1-15 – Faith Working through Love.
Lesson 11 – May 15 – Freedom and the Law
Today’s lesson studies Paul’s teaching on the purpose of the law of Moses and how it relates to freedom from sin and living as children of God through faith. Once we trust Christ for salvation, we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ. In Him there are no distinctions, and we are free to live in unity as children of God.
We trust in Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross when we recognize the only way we receive right standing before God is to rely on what He has done to reconcile us to God. God’s promise extends to all who trust Jesus for forgiveness of and freedom from sin. Since God accepts anyone without partiality, we can live in unity as believers who are part of the Body of Christ. When we take on His righteousness, we can also accept others in spite of our differences.
Unity in this world is difficult to achieve. Yet God tells us in Scripture that in Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). We are one in Christ. How refreshing is that? There are no divisions such as Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian; there are no denominations like Lutheran, Baptist, or Pentecostal. In Christ, we are one. If we trust Jesus’ death on Calvary as the one and only payment for our sin, we are “in Christ,” with every other person who has faith in Him.
That is a sweet picture of unity. Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” We will be together—unified forever—with Jesus one day!
Week of May 9 through May 15
Something to think about this week: Ways we are all different, yet the same.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Galatians 3:1-5 – Receiving the Spirit through Faith.
Tue. – Galatians 3:6-17 – The Blessing Comes through Christ.
Wed. – 2 Peter 1:2-4 – God’s Power Grants Life and Godliness.
Thu. – Hosea 2:16-23 – Betrothed in Faithfulness.
Fri. – Luke 6:45-49 – A Wise and Faithful Builder.
Sat. – Genesis 17:1-8 – Walk Blameless before God.
Sun. – Galatians 3:18-29 – No Longer Subject to the Law.
Lesson 10 – May 8 – Freedom for the Future
Even though we have hope in God as we go through life’s trials, we are not immune to experiencing sorrow and disappointment. We have hope in the future, but we are still living day to day now. However, God’s promises in Scripture help us see beyond the day-to-day discouragements and shifts our focus to the future He has for us.
God desires for us to trust Him and press forward as trials come into our lives. One way we can do that is to focus on His promises of present freedom from sin and future freedom with Him eternally. We must also deliberately choose each day to rejoice and hope during life’s trials.
“I don’t know how to tell you this, so I’ll be blunt.” the fortune teller says. “You need to prepare yourself to become a widow. Your husband will be murdered in a manner most gruesome before the year is done.”
The woman was petrified, unable to process the information that’s been given to her. Her hands began to shake and her throat felt like a desert as she barely managed to croak out the question on her mind.
“Will I be acquitted?”
Week of May 2 through May 8
Something to think about this week: Something you are hoping for in the near future.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Romans 6:15-23 – No Longer Slaves of Sin.
Tue. – Ezekiel 36:25-30 – God Bestows the Spirit.
Wed. – Romans 7:1-13 – We Have Died to the Law.
Thu. – Romans 7:14-25 – A Struggle to Obey.
Fri. – Romans 8:1-4, 10-17 – No Condemnation for Heirs.
Sat. – John 20:19-23 – Receive the Holy Spirit.
Sun. – Romans 8:18-30 – All Things Work Together for Good.
Lesson 09 – May 1 – Freedom from Sin
Freedom from sin comes not from our own efforts, but from the Holy Spirit that lives within us once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Does this mean we never sin? No. We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But as those who have accepted Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross, our sins are paid for, and buried, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). It should be our goal to leave our sin in the grave, and love Jesus and follow His teachings.
Week of April 25 through May 1
Something to think about this week: A time you were glad you left something behind. For example, old furniture and bought new or left paying a mortgage behind.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 130 – Out of the Depths I Cry.
Tue. – John 7:53-8:11 – Go and Sin No More.
Wed. – Romans 3:19-31 – Righteousness Disclosed in Christ.
Thu. – Romans 5:1-11 – The Justified Have Peace with God.
Fri. – Romans 5:12-21 – God’s Free Gift Brings Life.
Sat. – Isaiah 55:6-13 – Seek the Lord and Find Joy.
Sun. – Romans 6:1-14 – Baptized into Christ’s Death.
Lesson 08 – April 24 – Freedom in Christ Jesus
We can’t fully appreciate our relationship with Jesus or enjoy life now to its fullest if we are carrying a load of guilt, shame, regret, or sin. Trusting in Jesus and holding fast to His teachings can free us from the chains that bind us to these so we can walk our journey with Him unencumbered by them.
The Greek philosopher Socrates (470399 B.C.) said this regarding enslavement: “How can you call a man free when his pleasures rule over him?” This is consistent with what both Jesus and Paul noted about enslavement to sin. Because of our sin nature, there are times when we can’t seem to help but sin. But when we put our trust in Jesus and hold to His teachings, He removes the yoke that binds us to our sin nature. We are now free to live without feeling that sinning is inevitable or that we have no choice but to sin. Although we may still sin, we are no longer slaves to it and are no longer ruled by it.
Week of April 18 through April 24
Something to think about this week: What it means to “hold fast” to something and some words or phrases that are good substitutes (“cling to,” etc).
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 15:12-15 – Remember You Were Slaves.
Tue. – Galatians 4:21-31 – Children of the Promise.
Wed. – Isaiah 61:1-3 – Anointed to Proclaim Good News.
Thu. – John 8:12-20 – The Light of the World.
Fri. – John 8:21-30 – Jesus Is from Above.
Sat. – Psalm 119:41-56 – I Delight in Your Commands.
Sun. – John 8:31-38 – Jesus Brings True Freedom.
Lesson 07 – April 17 – The Paschal Lamb Lives!
How do we respond to Jesus’ empty tomb? Some will respond with rejoicing knowing that they no longer need to fear what happens after this life ends. Some will respond with appreciation that they aren’t facing the difficulties of this life alone and that they have a living and caring Lord and Savior walking with them. Some may share that knowing Jesus is alive gives them a perspective on this world not available to those who don’t know Him. Still others may conclude that they ought to have a stronger desire to share this great news with others.
Pray that we will allow the implications of Jesus’ empty tomb to affect how we respond to what we fear—we will be confident because we have a living Lord and Savior walking with us in this life, and we will have assurance of a place set aside for us with Jesus in the next one.
…
Common fear triggers:
Darkness or loss of visibility of surroundings.
Heights and flying.
Social interaction and/or rejection.
Snakes, rodents, spiders and other animals.
Death and dying.
Week of April 11 through April 17
Something to think about this week: Things that cause people to be afraid.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 1:29-36 – John Proclaims the Lamb of God.
Tue. – Matthew 26:36-46 – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane.
Wed. – Matthew 26:47-56 – Jesus Is Arrested.
Thu. – Matthew 27:35-43, 45-50 – Jesus Is Crucified.
Fri. – Psalm 22:1-9, 14-19 – Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Sat. – Psalm 118:14-17,19-29 – God Is My Salvation.
Sun. – Matthew 28:1-10 – Jesus Is Risen!
Lesson 06 – April 10 – The Passover with the Disciples
The heart has a voice; sometimes it speaks softly and sometimes it speaks loudly. It speaks whatever is in it; whatever it is full of. If there is good, it speaks good. If there is evil, it will speak evil. With this in mind, the heart needs to be examined often.
You may have Communion this week because it’s the week before Easter. That is a perfect time to examine your heart. However, you can certainly list other situations where your heart is being tested for its loyalty to Jesus. Thinking of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the Cross at any time will help us remember what He did for us and strengthen our faith and loyalty to Him.
Week of April 4 through April 10
Something to think about this week: What does it mean to be loyal to someone?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 116:1-15 – God Is Gracious and Righteous.
Tue. – Deuteronomy 16:1-8, 15-17 – Celebrate Where God Chooses.
Wed. – Matthew 26:1-2, 6-16 – Jesus Anointed.
Thu. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Do This In Remembrance.
Fri. – John 13:31-35 – Disciples Love One Another.
Sat. – Psalm 118:1-9 – God’s Care Endures Forever.
Sun. – Matthew 26:17-30 – Jesus Shares Passover.
Lesson 05 – April 3 – Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Prov. 29:2, KJV).
Thank God that He sent His Son Jesus as our Lord and King. We understand that we are under the lordship of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus has paid the price for us, and we should be rejoicing because we serve a humble King, not one who berates His servants. Every day we should rejoice because He has won the victory!
Week of March 28 through April 3
Something to think about this week: What qualities make good leadership?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 121 – Help Comes from the Lord.
Tue. – Matthew 20:1-16 – The First Will Be Last.
Wed. – Matthew 20:17-28 – The Greatest Must Be a Servant.
Thu. – Exodus 34:23-27 – Faithful Appear before God.
Fri. – Luke 19:41-44 – Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem.
Sat. – Psalm 125 – Trust in the Lord.
Sun. – Matthew 21:1-11 – Hosanna to the Son of David!
Lesson 04 – March 27 – Lest We Forget
Before the ancient Hebrews entered the land the Lord God had promised them after wandering in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years, God reminded them never to forget or disregard the commands He had taught them. Likewise, we must always keep in mind the ways of God and humbly trust in Him.
The Lord God is trustworthy in all that He does for us. His love and faithfulness are a bulwark against all the world’s efforts to undermine our devotion to Christ. With earnest humility, we acknowledge that all the blessings in our lives come from Him, and we are ever mindful that what He has accomplished for us in the past, He continues to do for us in the present.
Week of March 21 through March 27
Something to think about this week: Things you trust and don’t trust.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 8:12-20 – Remember God’s Blessing.
Tue. – James 1:19-27 – Hear and Act.
Wed. – 1 Peter 5:5-9 – Show Humility and Resist the Adversary.
Thu. – Psalm 103:1-10 – Bless the Lord, 0 My Soul.
Fri. – Psalm 103:11-22 – God’s Love Is Everything.
Sat. – 2 Timothy 2:8-13 – Remember Christ and Endure.
Sun. – Deuteronomy 8:1-11 – Keep the Lord’s Commandments.
Lesson 03 – March 20 – Celebrate Passover of Completion
In a way, remembering reflects who we are. Memories reveal what is important to us. They influence our decisions and sway our moods. And if we ponder how Jesus has saved us and how time and again God has delivered us, we can’t help but celebrate the grace we have received from the Lord and rejoice that He has favored us with His love and His guardianship.
Week of March 14 through March 20
Something to think about this week: How the Lord saved you.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Leviticus 23:4-8 – Keep Holy Convocations.
Tue. – Exodus 12:1-14 – God Institutes the Passover.
Wed. – Exodus 12:21-28, 50-51 – Instructions for the Passover.
Thu. – Psalm 113 – Praise the Name of the Lord.
Fri. – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:1-4 – Christ Our Passover.
Sat. – Psalm 114 – Praise for God’s Liberation.
Sun. – Ezra 6:13-22 – Returned Exiles Keep the Passover.
Lesson 02 – March 13 – Freedom to Worship
King Darius affirmed the decree of the former king to erect a temple for the Jews in Jerusalem. The Jews were overjoyed that they could once more have the freedom to worship God in a house built for Him. Likewise, we as Christians should rejoice because we can freely worship the Lord, and such worship should renew our spirit and refresh our soul.
The worship of the Lord is a sacred gift from God for those who love and adore Him and who freely express their love for Him. Such a gift is a blessing in so many ways, not the least of which is in how genuine and enthusiastic worship purifies the soul and rededicates one’s faith. Therefore, worshipping the Lord should have a high priority in our daily walk with Jesus.
Week of March 7 through March 13
Something to think about this week: Ways in which we worship the Lord.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Ezra 3:8-13 – Rebuilding the Temple and Praising God.
Tue. – Ezra 4:1-5 – Jews Discouraged from Rebuilding.
Wed. – Revelation 5 – Worship at the Heavenly Throne.
Thu. – Psalm 138 – Bowing in Praise.
Fri. – Haggai 1 – The Time to Rebuild Has Come.
Sat. – Haggai 2:1-9,15-19 – The Temple’s Foundation Laid.
Sun. – Ezra 6:1-12 – God Provides through King Darius.
Lesson 01 – March 6 – Babylonian Captivity Ends
This week’s lesson reminds us that we place our trust in God to keep us safe, while He provides for our needs.
Trusting God is easy when life is pleasant and satisfying. When hardship and disappointments engulf us, however, trusting the Lord with our lives is exceedingly difficult for most of us. Cyrus’s proclamation to the Jews in exile is historical evidence that God is not only faithful to His people during times of seeming hopelessness but also a benevolent provider.
We may or may not know what situations we’ll encounter on any given day or in any given week where we need to trust in the Lord. We may say we always trust Him, but when health issues, family troubles, or money problems happen, will we indeed trust Him? In hard times we can remind ourselves to TRUST IN THE LORD because He is our only real Deliverer and Provider.
–
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Week of February 28 through March 6
Something to think about this week: What is your definition of freedom?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 40:1-11 – Prepare the Way of the Lord.
Tue. – Isaiah 45:1-10 – Being God’s Instrument.
Wed. – Philippians 4:10-19 – God Will Provide for Every Need.
Thurs. – Isaiah 40:12-15, 21-31 – Lift Up Your Eyes to God.
Fri. – 1 Peter 2:13-17 – Live Freely but Responsibly.
Sat. – Psalm 97 – Light Dawns for the Righteous.
Sun. – Ezra 1:1-8, 11; 2:64-70 – Cyrus Permits Jews to Return Home.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 