The Book of Galatians
Read Galatians 5:13-26
"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." (Galatians 5:17)
As Christians set free from sin, we are not called to indulge in the desires of the flesh but to use our freedom to serve one another in love. True freedom in Christ is not about satisfying selfish desires but about living by the Spirit and walking in obedience to God.
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit to help us examine the nature of our walk with Christ.
Jesus also warned about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20, saying that we will recognize them by their fruits. Likewise, Paul urges us to evaluate our lives—are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit, or are we still enslaved to the desires of the flesh?
Action
Examine Your Heart – Take time daily to assess whether your actions reflect the works of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Walk in the Spirit – Choose to be led by the Holy Spirit in your thoughts, words, and actions. This means surrendering your will to God daily. (Galatians 5:16)
Guard Your Influences – Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and engage with. Surround yourself with godly influences that encourage spiritual growth. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Love and Serve Others – Use your freedom in Christ to serve rather than to gratify selfish desires. Love is not self-seeking but patient and kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
Be Rooted in God's Word – Regularly study Scripture to renew your mind and strengthen your spiritual foundation. (Romans 12:2)
Practice Self-Control – Avoid temptations that lead you away from God's path. When faced with sin, lean on the Holy Spirit for strength. (Titus 2:11-12)
Stay in Community – Engage with other believers for accountability, encouragement, and spiritual growth. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Pray Continually – Depend on God in prayer, asking Him to help you grow in the fruit of the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Living by the Spirit is an intentional daily choice. As we abide in Christ, the fruit of the Spirit will naturally grow in our lives, and we will be transformed into His likeness.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[e] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.