Living by the Spirit or the Flesh
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” - Galatians 5:16
In Galatians chapter 5, Paul draws a sharp contrast between two kinds of lives—those driven by the works of the flesh and those characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. He’s not merely presenting two sets of behaviors, he’s describing two entirely different ways of living, each leading to its own outcome.
Paul begins by outlining the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. In Galatians 5:16-18, he writes, “I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
The struggle is real: the flesh and the Spirit are at odds, pulling in opposite directions.
Paul then provides a detailed list of what the works of the flesh look like: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, and more. These are the behaviors that arise from a life lived apart from the Spirit.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflects a life transformed by God's presence.
Remember, Paul isn’t just listing behaviors but contrasting two fundamentally different ways of being. Those who live by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God, while those who live by the Spirit embody qualities that reflect God's kingdom.
Take a moment to reflect: Are you living a life that aligns with the fruit of the Spirit, or are you allowing the works of the flesh to dominate your actions? The path you choose today impacts your life and your eternity. Seek to walk by the Spirit and let His fruit shape who you are and how you live.
In Galatians chapter 5, Paul draws a sharp contrast between two kinds of lives—those driven by the works of the flesh and those characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. He’s not merely presenting two sets of behaviors, he’s describing two entirely different ways of living, each leading to its own outcome.
Paul begins by outlining the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. In Galatians 5:16-18, he writes, “I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
The struggle is real: the flesh and the Spirit are at odds, pulling in opposite directions.
Paul then provides a detailed list of what the works of the flesh look like: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, and more. These are the behaviors that arise from a life lived apart from the Spirit.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflects a life transformed by God's presence.
Remember, Paul isn’t just listing behaviors but contrasting two fundamentally different ways of being. Those who live by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God, while those who live by the Spirit embody qualities that reflect God's kingdom.
Take a moment to reflect: Are you living a life that aligns with the fruit of the Spirit, or are you allowing the works of the flesh to dominate your actions? The path you choose today impacts your life and your eternity. Seek to walk by the Spirit and let His fruit shape who you are and how you live.
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