Conquering the Conflict

Conquering the Conflict

Galatians 5:16-26 (NIV)

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I.       Introduction

II.    The Internal Conflict Of Two Separate Natures

A.    The Internal struggle

B.     The Intense frustration

C.    The Individual bondage

III. The External Conduct Of The Sinful Nature

A.    The obvious Source is inner sin

B.     The Outer Symptoms are stinky

C.     The only Salvation is from Sin

IV. The Normal Condition Of The Sanctified Nature

A.    The Life of the Spirit

B.     The Death of the Sinful Nature

C.    The End of the Struggle

V.    Conclusion