Walking in the Spirit: Overcoming the Flesh

Devotional

Day 1: The Struggle with Sin

Even as believers, we struggle with sin. The Apostle Paul empathizes with us, acknowledging that what we want to do, we often fail to do, and what we hate, we end up doing. This struggle is a reminder of our need for the Holy Spirit's guidance and conviction. [43:27]

Paul's words in Galatians 5 highlight the internal battle that every Christian faces. Despite our best intentions, we often find ourselves falling short and succumbing to sin. This struggle is not a sign of failure but a testament to the ongoing work of sanctification in our lives. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, convicting us of our sins and guiding us back to the path of righteousness. It is through His power that we can resist the temptations of the flesh and strive to live a life that honors God.

The analogy of Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings" serves as a powerful illustration of this struggle. Just as Frodo was burdened by the ring, we too are burdened by our sinful nature. However, with the Holy Spirit's help, we can overcome these burdens and walk in the freedom that Christ has given us. This daily battle requires us to stay vigilant and rely on the Holy Spirit's strength to overcome our weaknesses.

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and convict you in this area today?

Day 2: Grace Over Law

The law reveals our sin, but it is grace that redeems us. Paul emphasizes that we are no longer under the law but under grace. This grace is sufficient for our salvation and empowers us to live righteously, not through our efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ. [46:42]

In Galatians 5, Paul addresses the issue of the Judaizers who were trying to impose Jewish customs on Gentile believers. He makes it clear that salvation is not achieved through adherence to the law but through grace by faith in Jesus Christ. The law serves to reveal our sinful nature and our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It acts as a mirror, showing us our flaws and our need for a Savior.

Grace, on the other hand, is the unmerited favor of God that redeems us from our sins. It is through grace that we are saved, not by our works or efforts. This grace empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Understanding this distinction is crucial for our spiritual growth and freedom in Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you tried to earn God's favor through your efforts. How can you shift your focus from works to embracing God's grace in your daily life?

Day 3: Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are collective traits that manifest in a believer's life. These are not individual qualities to be picked and chosen but a holistic transformation that occurs when we walk in the Spirit. [50:05]

Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. The works of the flesh are evident in behaviors such as sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, and fits of anger. These are manifestations of a life that is not surrendered to the Holy Spirit. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit represents the qualities that should be evident in the life of a believer who is walking in the Spirit.

These fruits are not individual traits that we can choose to exhibit selectively. Instead, they are a collective manifestation of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, these qualities naturally flow from us, reflecting the character of Christ. It is important to understand that this transformation is a process that requires daily surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your life? How can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area?

Day 4: Daily Walk in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit is a daily choice that requires us to stay close to God. This walk is not about achieving a higher level of Christianity but living the normal Christian life as God intended. We must plug into our power source, the Holy Spirit, to resist the flesh and grow in our faith. [54:04]

Walking in the Spirit is a continuous, daily decision that requires intentionality and commitment. It is not about reaching a higher level of spirituality but about living the life that God has called us to live. This walk involves staying close to God through prayer, reading His Word, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Just as Aristotle's students followed him closely to learn from him, we must follow God closely to grow in our faith.

The Holy Spirit is our power source, enabling us to resist the desires of the flesh and to live a life that is pleasing to God. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless to overcome our sinful nature. It is through His strength that we can grow in our faith and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This daily walk requires us to surrender our will to God and to rely on His guidance and strength.

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to stay close to God and walk in the Spirit? How can you make this a daily habit?

Day 5: Avoiding Conceit and Envy

Paul warns against becoming conceited or envious of others' spiritual fruit. True spiritual maturity is not about knowledge or position but about a life transformed by the Spirit. We must continually crucify our flesh and yield to the Spirit to bear fruit that glorifies God. [01:14:37]

In Galatians 5, Paul cautions believers against the dangers of conceit and envy. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and becoming envious of their spiritual growth or achievements. However, true spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge or position but by a life that is transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is about bearing fruit that glorifies God and reflects His character.

To avoid conceit and envy, we must continually crucify our flesh and yield to the Holy Spirit. This involves recognizing our own weaknesses and relying on God's strength to overcome them. It also means celebrating the growth and achievements of others without feeling threatened or inferior. By focusing on our own walk with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can grow in humility and love.

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Is there someone whose spiritual growth you have envied? How can you celebrate their growth and focus on your own walk with God today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church family. Today, we delved into Galatians 5, focusing on the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Using the analogy of Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings," we explored how even though we desire to do good, sin often entangles us. This struggle is not unique to non-believers; Christians also face it, but with the Holy Spirit's conviction and guidance, we can overcome.

Paul's message in Galatians emphasizes that we are no longer under the law but under grace. The Judaizers in the early church tried to impose Jewish customs on Gentile believers, but Paul countered that grace through faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation. The law reveals our sin, but it is grace that redeems us.

Paul lists the works of the flesh—sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, fits of anger, and more—contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are not individual traits to be picked and chosen but a collective manifestation of a life led by the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit is a daily choice. It requires us to stay close to God, much like Aristotle's students who followed him everywhere. This walk is not about achieving a higher level of Christianity but living the normal Christian life as God intended. We must plug into our power source, the Holy Spirit, to resist the flesh and grow in our faith.

Paul also warns against becoming conceited or envious of others' spiritual fruit. True spiritual maturity is not about knowledge or position but about a life transformed by the Spirit. We must continually crucify our flesh and yield to the Spirit to bear fruit that glorifies God.

In conclusion, the battle between the flesh and the Spirit is ongoing, but through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to overcome. Let us commit to walking in the Spirit, bearing fruit, and living lives that honor God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. control—are collective traits that manifest in a believer's life. These are not individual qualities to be picked and chosen but a holistic transformation that occurs when we walk in the Spirit. [50:05]
4. Daily Walk in the Spirit: Walking in the Spirit is a daily choice that requires us to stay close to God. This walk is not about achieving a higher level of Christianity but living the normal Christian life as God intended. We must plug into our power source, the Holy Spirit, to resist the flesh and grow in our faith.

5. Avoiding Conceit and Envy: Paul warns against becoming conceited or envious of others' spiritual fruit. True spiritual maturity is not about knowledge or position but about a life transformed by the Spirit. We must continually crucify our flesh and yield to the Spirit to bear fruit that glorifies God.

### [50:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:34] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[42:12] - The Struggle with Sin: Frodo's Analogy
[43:27] - Christians and the Struggle with Sin
[44:29] - Conviction by the Holy Spirit
[46:42] - Grace Over Law
[47:13] - Judaizers and the Early Church
[48:11] - The Righteousness of God
[49:30] - Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit
[50:05] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[51:08] - Walking in the Spirit
[54:04] - Daily Walk and Spiritual Growth
[57:22] - The Battle Within: Flesh vs. Spirit
[60:12] - Self-Examination and Spiritual Growth
[74:37] - Avoiding Conceit and Envy
[78:51] - Conclusion and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the "works of the flesh" that Paul lists in Galatians 5:19-21? How do these contrast with the "fruit of the Spirit" in verses 22-23? [49:30]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of walking in the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:16? [52:30]
How does the pastor use the analogy of Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings" to explain the struggle with sin? [42:54]
What does Paul warn against in Galatians 5:26, and how does this relate to spiritual maturity? [50:05]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that believers are no longer under the law but under grace? How does this understanding impact a Christian's daily life? [46:42]
How does the pastor describe the daily choice of walking in the Spirit? What practical steps can believers take to stay close to God? [54:04]
What does it mean to "crucify the flesh" according to the sermon, and how can this be applied in a believer's life? [50:05]
How can believers avoid becoming conceited or envious of others' spiritual fruit, as warned by Paul in Galatians 5:26? [01:14:37]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent struggle with sin in your life. How did you respond, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in that situation? [43:27]
Paul emphasizes grace over the law. How can you remind yourself daily that your salvation and righteousness come from grace and not your own efforts? [46:42]
Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with your family? [50:05]
The pastor mentioned the importance of staying close to God, much like Aristotle's students followed him everywhere. What are some practical ways you can "walk in the Spirit" daily? [54:04]
Have you ever felt envious of someone else's spiritual growth or achievements? How can you shift your focus to your own walk with God and celebrate others' growth without envy? [01:14:37]
Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? [50:05]
Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually mature. What were the key factors that contributed to your growth, and how can you replicate those in your current walk with God? [50:34]

Sermon Clips

1. "We know that we have within us the power to overcome sin, but at times in our lives, sin overcomes us. Now, unbeliever's sin, and you're saying, duh, you went to seminary to learn that? Yes. That's one of the things they taught me, unbeliever's sin. And I know because I used to be an unbeliever, and I used to be a sinner, the chief of all sinners, if you will, just like the Apostle Paul said." [43:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The good news is that God will always forgive you. But you've got to come to him. You've got to forsake your sin. You don't keep going back to it like, as James said, dog to its vomit. You forsake that sin. You turn from your sin into the Savior, because for a Christian, sin is not liberating. It is frustrating, because we know that it's not the way that we are supposed to live." [44:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you consider yourself to be a believer and you've never seen a change in your life, give your heart to Jesus today. Give your heart to Jesus. Don't worry about the person sitting next to you. Don't worry about, what are they going to think of me? Worry about what God thinks of you. And if you're not sure of your salvation, do not leave here today. Please, I plead with you, until you know that you know that you know that you belong to Jesus Christ, and that Jesus belongs to you." [45:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The solution is grace. That's why we've called this sermon series Amazing Grace. We're going through the book of Galatians. And in it, Paul reveals amazing grace of God and how the law cannot replace grace. In fact, love replaces the law. Grace replaces the law in the life of a Christian." [46:42] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Grace gives us righteousness as a gift that we cannot earn as a prize. It's something that we don't deserve. It's something that we could never work hard enough for. And even though we have the righteousness of God, sometimes we don't act right, we don't think right, we don't talk right, and we don't do right." [48:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The average Christian life is so subnormal that when he acts normal, people think he's abnormal. And that's true, but it's a shame. If you consider a toaster, you want some toast. So you walk over to your toaster. You put the bread in a toaster. You push the button down and nothing happens. 20 minutes later, you still have white bread. Why? Because you didn't plug it in. Too many Christians, and I was one of them at one time, they don't plug in their toaster." [54:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The way to overcome the flesh is not simply saying no to things. It's saying yes to the Spirit's work in our lives. The Spirit wants to work in our lives, and people will think, well, you know, being a mature Christian is knowing a lot of Bible stuff. That's wrong. Am I saying knowing Bible stuff's wrong? Well, I'm in big trouble, because I don't know much." [57:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You cannot consistently sin and be a child of God. You simply can't do it. Yes, you will step in a hole, once in a while. Yes, you will do what is wrong once in a while, but you will not stay there. You will one day maybe find yourself face down in a pig pen like the prodigal son did. But did he leave himself there? No. He said, I've sinned against my father and against God. I've got to go back. I've got to return. I've got to ask for forgiveness." [01:08:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The abundant Christian life is for every follower of Christ. This abundant spirit filled Christian living is so rare that as I said it seems abnormal. It's like these people have a special blessing from God. We all have the same Holy Spirit living inside of us. And each of us is unique. We have different gifts. We have different abilities. And the filling of His spirit is the same for all of us." [01:12:09] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The law of grace is going to overcome the law of sin through the thrust of the holy spirit it will lift you higher than any problem that stands before you because with jesus at the controls you're always going to fly first class." [01:18:51] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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