“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.” Galatians 5:22-24 AMP

The Apostle Paul in writing to the Galatians spends time in Chapter 5 discussing the believer’s walk by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the opening verse he unpacks an important fact.

“It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].” Galatians 5:1 AMP

Christ died so that we may now live by the power of the Holy Spirit and not under the control of sin and Satan. Look again at those words, “It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us];…” Before the cross we were obsessed with sin. The Scripture tells us that we were like slaves to sin unable to free ourselves from its power. Notice then the words on our opening verse, “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us]…” If the Spirit of God is living in us then there are tangible things that we can evaluate. All of the things that follow in the verse are things that we as believers must put into practice through the power of the Holy Spirit! Notice at the top of the list is love! Jesus also addressed this very issue during His time of ministry.

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” John 13:34-35 AMP

The outflow of the inner working of the Holy Spirit is a transformed life. All of those things listed in our opening verses are things that require us to lose ourselves and be satisfied with what God has given us. The sinful nature seeks only itself and its gratification. Look at the list that we are given identifying the sinful nature of the flesh.

“Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), 20idolatry,  sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], 21envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 AMP

The Apostle doesn’t leave us without clear direction in how to master the flesh and its desires.

“But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]” Galatians 5:16 AMP

The Christian is called to “continually walk” and “be responsive” to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is then and only then can we have consistent victory over our sinful desires! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken