2/16/2014
The Spiritual Battle
Galatians 5:17 …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.
It is a Battle to Love Others
Galatians 5:13-14 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Bible Characters Were Human Like Us!
Galatians 5:15 …If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Spiritual Warfare Begins In You!
Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 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.
To Be Led By the Spirit of God Is to Be Free
From the Condemnation of God’s Law
Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Our Sin Nature Is Our Dark Side
Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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.
Sins Concerning the Desires of the Flesh
…sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
Sins Concerning Spiritual Prohibitions
…idolatry and witchcraft…
Sins Concerning Egotism
…hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
Sins Concerning Self-Control
…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.
A Lifestyle in The Spirit Is a Lifestyle of Freedom
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
There is Power Available Over Our Sin Nature
Galatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Beware of Self Centered Spiritual Superiority
Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6:7-10
…Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.