The Litmus Test

Galatians 5:19-26

Recap:

• No Other Gospel (Galatians 1:1-10)
• God Made Not Man Made (Galatians 1:11-2:10)
• The Wrong Compromise (Galatians 2:11-15)
• Living by Faith (Galatians 2:17-21)
• Faith Over Flesh (Galatians 3:1-14)
• Why Grace Still Reigns (Galatians 3:15-25)
• Living as Heirs in Christ (Galatians 3:26-4:7)
• Personal Plea (Galatians 4:8-20)
• Living in Freedom (Galatians 4:21-5:1)
• Standing Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:2-12)
• Freedom to Love (Galatians 5:13-15)
• The Path to Freedom (Galatians 5:16-18)
  • The Call to Walk in the Spirit (v. 16)
  • The Conflict Within (v. 17)
  • The Freedom of Being Led by the Spirit (v. 18)

Introduction

• Galatians 5:19-26
• Imagine walking into a lab and watching a scientist dip a strip of paper into a solution. In seconds, the color changes revealing the truth about what is inside. That is the power of a litmus test: it exposes the hidden nature of a substance.
• Now what if there was a spiritual litmus test? One that could reveal what truly ruling your heart Flesh or Spirit?
• In Galatians 5:19-26, Paul offers just that. He lays out two lists: one filled with destructive behaviors that stem from the flesh, and another overflowing with life-giving fruit that comes from walking with the Spirit. These verses are not just theological they are diagnostic. They help us examine our lives and ask: What is growing in me?
• This is not about perfection; it is about direction. Are we cultivating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or are we tolerating envy, strife, impurity, and selfish ambition?
• Today, we are going to dip the strip. Not too shame but to awaken. Not to condemn, but to invite. Because the Spirit is ready to produce fruit in every believer who walks with Him.