Dealing with Our Sinful Nature | Morning Series - Free in Christ to Live by the Spirit, November 2, 2025

“DEALING WITH OUR SINFUL NATURE”

Free in Christ to Live by the Spirit, part 7

A sermon outline based on Galatians 5:1-21

Hillcrest CRC, November 2, 2025, 9:30am

Rev. Curt Walters

1. We’re saved by grace through faith.

    (Galatians 5:1-12, Leviticus 26:13, John 19:30, Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. God’s grace is not an excuse to sin. (Galatians 5:13-21, Romans 6:1-7)

3. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious. (Galatians 5:19)

• Spiritual sin. (Galatians 5:20, Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
• Sexual sin. (Galatians 5:19&21)
• Lack of self-control. (Galatians 5:20-23, 1 Corinthians 6:12)
• Rivalry.  (Galatians 5:20)
• Divisiveness.  (Galatians 5:20)

4. Those who continue to live in sin won’t go to heaven.

    (Galatians 5:21, Revelation 21:8, 22:15)

5. We’ve been set free to love and serve others. (Galatians 5:6,13-14)

Next steps...

• How does your sinful nature manifest itself? Use Psalm 139:23-24 as your prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24, NIV84)
• Read and reflect on Galatians 5:16 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV84)
• Ask God to help you put to death your sinful nature (Colossians 3:5) and to help you to love the Lord and serve others.