December 30, 2023 -- Galatians 5:16-26 -- Distinguishing between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

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.
Galatians 5:16-26 ESV

Yesterday we were challenged by II Corinthians 13:5 to test ourselves to see if we are in Christ. This passage is also helpful in this testing process. One who desires to be led by the Spirit can distinguish the works of the flesh (evil) from the fruit of the Spirit (good). When examining yourself, note a few things, perhaps you do not attend orgies, but what kinds of movies do you watch? Likely you are not allowing yourself fits of anger in public, but the video game you are watching is encouraging you to kill and to cavort with prostitutes. Why encourage the fleshly desires that fight against the Spirit of God?

Those who belong to Jesus, fight the urges of the flesh and the sinful desires—every minute of every day. The activities of the flesh are practiced and exercised—they get stronger and stronger by engaging in them. The Spirit’s work in us produces fruit. Fruit is the natural outflow of a life which is connected to God—Jesus is for us a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). The word of God is the soil of our lives, holding us in Jesus (Psalm 1). Where there is good soil and water a fruit tree will produce good fruit (John 15 tells us the Father is the Master Gardener and He will prune us so that we will bear even more fruit).

People, loved by the Father, decide now that in 2024 you will keep in step with the Spirit. Pray to God for His help to do this.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Enable us, by Your Spirit, to sow in righteousness so that by the same Spirit we may reap eternal life. Keep us from becoming weary in doing good. As those who belong to Jesus may we fulfil the command to bear one another’s burdens and do good especially to others who are in the household of faith. As 2024 stands new before us, Father prepare us now by Your Spirit so that we will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Pr2RG-xR2lA?si=l7FOEX4xjZOA5UJ6 “Prince of Peace”

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