Untitled Sermon (7)

Every single one of us is engaged in a battle—a war that is fought not on the battlefield of the world, but in the depths of our own hearts.

This war is between the desires of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals this struggle in Galatians 5.

Paul’s message is not just a theological treatise—it is a call to transformation.

He reminds us that the Christian life is not about self-improvement, but about Spirit-empowered living.

The difference between a life

What does Paul mean when he says 'walk by the Spirit' in Galatians 5:16?

How does the concept of freedom in Christ relate to our daily struggles with sin and the flesh?

In what practical ways can we begin to surrender our daily actions to the Holy Spirit?

What are some specific steps you can take this week to identify and crucify the desires of the flesh in your life?

How does understanding the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit impact your Christian walk?

What are the 'works of the flesh' listed in Galatians 5, and why are they significant?

What is the significance of Paul's statement that 'neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything'?

How can you personally experience the fruit of the Spirit in your relationships with others?

What practical actions can you take to walk by the Spirit in your daily life at school or home?

Why is it important to understand that the fruit of the Spirit is a unified work?

by the flesh and a life flourishing in the Spirit is the difference between bondage and freedom.

Galatians 5 ESV

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! 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, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do 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.

1. The Command to Walk by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 ESV

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 41.11 περιπατέω; πορεύομαι

41.11 περιπατέωb; πορεύομαιd: to live or behave in a customary manner, with possible focus upon continuity of action—‘to live, to behave, to go about doing.’

The word “walk” in Greek is peripateo, meaning to make one’s way, progress, or regulate one’s life. Walking is a picture of daily, consistent movement. Notice Paul doesn’t say, “Sprint by the Spirit” or “Occasionally visit the Spirit.” This is about a lifestyle—moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application:

How do I “walk” by the Spitrit?

Start your day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit in prayer.

Ask, “Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts, words, and actions today.”

Practice micro-moments of surrender—pausing throughout the day to realign your heart to God’s presence.

2. The War Between Flesh and Spirit

Galatians 5:17

Galatians 5:17 ESV

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.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 25.20 ἐπιθυμέω; ἐπιθυμία, ας

25.20 ἐπιθυμέωb; ἐπιθυμίαb, ας f: to strongly desire to have what belongs to someone else and/or to engage in an activity which is morally wrong—‘to covet, to lust, evil desires, lust, desire.

The Greek word for “desires” is epithumia, which means an over-desire or craving for something out of proportion. The flesh isn’t just about sinful actions—it’s about the deeper desires that drive those actions.

What does the flesh crave?

• Pleasure without purpose

• Power without submission

• Freedom without accountability

Pleasure without purpose-”Why do you like to get drunk Brian? I dunno, I just like the way iot makes me feel.”

• Power without submission-”Do as I say, not as I do”

• Freedom without accountability- “Im an adult I can do what I want” or “I want what I want when I want it, and I will have what I want without the rights and regards of others.”

This last thought is actually the primary driving thought in every criminal thinker when he commits crime

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

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, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul lists the works of the flesh in verses 19-21—not just actions but evidence of what rules our hearts.

Practical Application:

Identify what your heart craves most when you’re tired, frustrated, or anxious. Is it comfort? Control? Validation? The flesh will always try to meet those cravings through sin, but the Spirit offers a better way.

3. The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

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.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 3.33 καρπός, οῦ

3.33 καρπόςa, οῦ m: any fruit part of plants, including grain as well as pulpy fruit—‘fruit.’ πᾶν δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ

Notice that Paul uses the singular word “fruit” (karpos in Greek).

This isn’t a list of separate character traits—it’s one unified work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The fruit is not something we manufacture—it is something we bear when we are rooted in the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural transformation of your character. You can’t will yourself into more love or more patience—you must abide in the Spirit and let Him produce His life in you.

Matthew 7:17

Matthew 7:17 ESV

17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

practical application-

How do I cultivate this fruit?

• Instead of praying, “God, help me be more patient,” pray, “Holy Spirit, produce patience in me.”

• Cultivate spiritual rhythms: prayer, Scripture meditation, worship, and fasting—all ways to stay connected to the Spirit’s life-giving power.

• Ask yourself each day: Is my life showing evidence of the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?

4. Crucifying the Flesh

Galatians 5:24

Galatians 5:24 ESV

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 20.76 σταυρόω; προσπήγνυμι; κρεμάννυμι ἐπὶ ξύλου

20.76 σταυρόω; προσπήγνυμι; κρεμάννυμι ἐπὶ ξύλου (an idiom, literally ‘to hang on a tree’): to execute by nailing to a cross—‘to crucify.’

The word “crucified” (stauroō) is the same word used for Jesus’ death on the cross. It means to literally put to death completely and finally.

When we come to Christ, our old nature has been nailed to the cross—but the flesh still tries to resurrect itself every day.

Practical Application-

Crucifying the flesh is not a one-time decision—it’s a daily surrender.

How do I crucify the flesh?

• Start each morning by declaring, “Today, I choose to crucify my desires and live by the Spirit.”

• Fast regularly to weaken the flesh’s grip on your life.

• Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable and encourage your spiritual walk.

5. Keeping in Step with the Spirit

Galatians 5:25 ESV

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 41.12 στοιχέω

41.12 στοιχέω: to live in conformity with some presumed standard or set of customs—‘to live, to behave in accordance with.’

The phrase “keep in step” in Greek is stoicheo, which refers to following a leader or marching in formation. It’s not just walking—it’s walking in rhythm with the Spirit’s voice and leadership.

How do I walk in the Spirit?

• Journal what the Holy Spirit is teaching you each day.

• Listen before you act—pause and pray before making decisions.

• Practice gratitude—thanking God opens your heart to the Spirit’s presence.

Conclusion:

The Transformational Life

The secret to victory over the flesh is not more self-discipline—it’s more dependence on the Holy Spirit

The Spirit-filled life is not about trying harder, but surrendering deeper. When you learn to walk by the Spirit, the evidence of His presence will be undeniable in your life.

Imagine what your life, your family, and your community would look like if the fruit of the Spirit was overflowing from your heart every day. That is the kind of transformation God desires for each of us—and it’s the life He empowers us to live through His Spirit.

Invitation:

Today, the Holy Spirit is inviting you to lay down the burden of trying to live the Christian life in your own strength. Will you surrender? Will you daily crucify the desires of the flesh and walk in the power of the Spirit?

Let’s pray:

“Holy Spirit, I surrender my heart, my mind, and my desires to You. Produce in me what I cannot produce in myself. Lead me, guide me, and transform me—until my life bears the unmistakable fruit of Your presence. Amen.”

Challenge for the Week:

Identify one area where the flesh is most active in your life. Pray daily, asking the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in that area. Journal the changes you see by the end of the week.

This week, walk by the Spirit—and watch how He transforms you from the inside out.