Ga 5:16-23 “The Flesh vs The Spirit”

Introduction: Paul says to the Galatians…

Galatians 5:7 “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?”

Freedom in Christ: No longer bound to the 600 plus laws

a) But they exchanged their freedom to go back into the bondage of following the law

How many prisoners are freed, yet want to return to captivity?

The false teaching was faith, plus works that makes you right with God

2. Don’t use your freedom as a license to satisfy your sinful nature: Paul is saying, don’t give into your sinful desires, but be disciplined

3. Be guided by the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh:

1. (V17) The Battle of the Flesh and the Spirit

a) Why is there a battle? (The two forces constantly fighting each other)

**Goes back to the Garden

Genesis 3:6–7 “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”

b) Adam and Eve sinned against God and we now have their sinful nature

It’s very important to understand the nature of man so when you run into difficulties you understand

1 Peter 4:12–13 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

c) These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions

The battle takes place because despite the flesh craving evil, the Holy Spirit wants to do good

Illustration of devil / angel:

Have you ever seen those cartoons, where there is an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other?

The kid acts as a judge and he listens to the angel and devil.

2. (V18) The Person Directed By the Spirit Does Not Need the Law

a) The law is for disobedient, not the person led by the spirit

3. (V19) Following the Desires of the Sinful Nature

a) Sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures

Sex outside of marriage between a man and women is considered sin

b) Idolatry

Placing someone or something in the place of God

c) Sorcery / the use of spells, speaking to spirits (Witch craft)

Its an attempt to bypass God’s wisdom and power and give glory to Satan instead

4. (V21) Any Living This Sort of Life Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God

a) Many people proclaim Christianity but their lives contradict the teaching of the Bible

They will not inherit the Kingdom of God