Gal 5:16-26 | Lifestyle of the Spirit

Galations 5:16-26

There are three enemies:

DEVIL (Temptor) – The outside reference to sin. He cannot make anyone sin but he is seeking to lure me away. He      came in the form of a creature over whom man already had dominion.

WORLD (Temptation) – This is the bait the devil uses to lure me away. The world is Civilization Minus God. I John 2) The world appeals to our lower nature. There are three bullets in the devil’s gun:

Lust of the Flesh

Lust of the Eyes

Pride of Life

FLESH (Tempted) -The Enemy Within  the devil and the world cannot get in unless the flesh opens the door. This is the old nature. The world will never appeal to your higher nature.

There is a command: “…walk by the Spirit”. v. 16.

There is a promise: “….you will not carry out the desire of the flesh”. v. 16

The SPIRIT and the FLESH dwell in you and are in opposition. Only one person can defeat the flesh. It is the HOLY SPIRIT. We get into the picture and try to defeat the flesh ourselves. WE HAVE TO DECIDE WHO IS GOING TO WIN THE BATTLE. Victory is the result of my SUBMISSION to the Spirit.

 

I. WE LIVE A LIFE OF CONQUEST. v. 17

Walking in the Spirit overcomes the desires of the flesh. This conflict will always be, but the believer determines who is victorious.

II. WE LIVE A LIFE OF CHRIST LIKENESS. v.22,23

Walking in the Spirit produces the life of Christ:

Love

Joy   (Our relationship to God)

Peace

Patience

Kindness  (Our relationship to Others)

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness  (Our relationship to Ourselves)

Self Control

You will have a CONSISTENT character.

You will have a COMPLETE character.

Dead leaves are pushed off trees by the sap flowing through them. In the same way, the vices of my old life are removed by the life of the Spirit flowing through me.

 

III. WE LIVE A LIFE OF CRUCIFIXION. v.24,25

“…walk by the Spirit” is a military term meaning to “keep in step with”. Say “NO” to the flesh and “YES” to Christ.

You overcome sin by submitting to a PERSON.

©Ron Dunn, LifeStyle Ministries, 2004

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