But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.   Galatians 5:22, 23 (ESV)

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.   Galatians 5:6 (ESV) 

Introduction 

Fallen Condition Focus: The tendency to fall back into the trap of religious observance rather than maintain a trusting relationship with God, is the temptation that all Christians must overcome with God's help.

Sermon Proposition: Since we have been given a living relationship with God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, we ought to not fall into mere religious observance, but continue in that living relationship with our God through faithfulness to Christ.

I. The problem of faithlessness by interposing religion instead of a genuine relationship with God (Hosea 4:1; Mark 9:19; Galatians 3:1-6)

II. The fruit of faith and faithfulness given by the Holy Spirit is the result of a living relationship with God through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:7-14)  

III. God maintains our relationship through every up and down of life. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1, 2; cf. Philippians 1:6)

Conclusion and Call to Respond