Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:16-24 (NIV}
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.
They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."*
*"The acts of the flesh 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."*
*"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."*
The Battle Between the Flesh and Spirit
Galatians 5:16-24 lays out a powerful contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul warns us about the flesh's constant war against the Spirit.
The word flesh in the Greek is σάρξ ( sarx), referring not just to the body, but to the sinful, corrupted nature that humanity inherited after the Fall. This flesh wants to fulfill its own sinful desires, contrary to what God desires for us.
The Works of the Flesh: A Breakdown
1. Sexual immorality (Greek: πορνεία, porneia) This includes fornication, adultery, and any illicit sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage. The Bible warns strongly against this, as sexual sin is often connected to idolatry and leads us away from God.
2. Impurity (Greek: ἀκαθαρσία, akatharsia ) This refers to moral uncleanness in thought, word, and action. It includes lust and evil desires, tainting our hearts and minds.
3. Debauchery (Greek: ἀσέλγεια, aselgeia) This is extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures. The Bible warns about living life seeking pleasure over righteousness (Romans 13:13).
4. Idolatry (Greek: εἰδωλολατρία, eidololatria) Worshipping anything other than God, whether it be money, fame, or people, which shifts our focus away from God.
5. Witchcraft (Greek: φαρμακεία, pharmakeia) This involves the use of spells, magic, or drugs to control others. Such practices are condemned throughout Scripture (Exodus 22:18).
6. Hatred (Greek: ἔχθρα, echthra) Intense hostility and enmity, often linked to personal strife, and bitterness.
7. Discord (Greek: ἔρις, eris) A state of constant disagreement, leading to divisions.
8. Jealousy (Greek: ζῆλος, zelos) The desire for others’ possessions or success, driven by covetousness.
9. Fits of rage (Greek: θυμοί, thumoi) Explosive anger, which is contrary to the peaceful spirit of a believer.
10. Selfish ambition (Greek: ἐριθεία, eritheia) The pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others.
11. Dissensions and factions (Greek: διχοστασίαι, dichostasiai) Causing division and creating conflict in the body of Christ.
12. Envy (Greek: φθόνος, phthonos) Resentment towards others because of their success or blessings.
13. Drunkenness (Greek: μέθη, methe) Overindulgence in alcohol to the point of losing control.
14. Orgies (Greek: κῶμοι, komoi) Wild parties that are associated with uncontrolled indulgence in sin.
The Hebrew word for flesh used in the Old Testament is **בָּשָׂר** (*basar*), meaning physical body, but in a spiritual sense, it represents our base, sinful nature.
In Romans 8:7-8, Paul tells us that the mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please Him. This underscores how dangerous it is to allow the flesh to rule our lives unchecked.
Punishments for Living in the Flesh
Throughout Scripture, we see dire warnings for those who live according to the flesh. One such warning is found in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where Paul says that those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. In Galatians 6:8, it states, *“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction.”* Living in the flesh brings not only consequences in this life but also in the afterlife.
The Bible teaches that hell has different departments, and these are correlated with the deeds committed during life. For example:
- The Lake of Fire is mentioned in Revelation 20:14-15 as the final destination for all whose names are not written in the Book of Life, where they experience eternal separation from God.
- Gehenna (Matthew 5:29-30) is a place of punishment for those whose sins remain unchecked.
- Outer Darkness (Matthew 8:12) describes a realm of isolation and sorrow for the rebellious and disobedient.
Hell is described as a place where "the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:48), showing the eternal torment for those who refuse to repent.
The Fruit of the Spirit: A Breakthrough
In contrast, those who choose to live by the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is life-giving and leads to peace with God. The fruit includes:
1. Love (Greek: ἀγάπη, agape) – The selfless, unconditional love of God.
2. Joy (Greek: χαρά, chara) – A deep sense of happiness that comes from the presence of God, not circumstances.
3. Peace (Greek: εἰρήνη, eirene) – Tranquility and harmony in our relationships and with God.
4. Forbearance (Greek: μακροθυμία, makrothumia) – Patience and endurance, especially in suffering.
5. Kindness (Greek: χρηστότης, chrestotes) Tender concern for others, reflected in how we treat people.
6. Goodness (Greek: ἀγαθωσύνη, agathosune) Moral integrity and righteousness in action.
7. Faithfulness (Greek: πίστις, pistis) Loyalty and trustworthiness.
8. Gentleness (Greek: πραΰτης, prautes) Humility and meekness.
9. Self-control (Greek: ἐγκράτεια, enkrateia) Mastery over one's desires and passions.
The Story of Two Men: The Flesh vs. the Spirit
Man A: A Life of the Spirit
John was a man who struggled with the temptation of the flesh early in his life. But one day, he made a decision to surrender his life to Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide him. He pursued a life of righteousness, seeking to produce the fruit of the Spirit. As a result, his life was marked by peace, love, and joy. When he passed from this life, he entered into the eternal reward Jesus spoke of, hearing the words, *“Well done, good and faithful servant”* (Matthew 25:21).
Man B: A Life of the Flesh
Mike, on the other hand, lived to gratify his sinful desires. He chased after wealth, indulged in sexual immorality, and lived selfishly, ignoring God’s call to repent. His life seemed successful to the world, but he suffered broken relationships, guilt, and inner emptiness. In the afterlife, Mike stood before the judgment seat of Christ and was cast into hell, reaping the consequences of his unchecked flesh.
Conclusion: Wake Up to the Reality of the Flesh
We must wake up to the truth that the flesh is our greatest enemy. Left unchecked, it will not only bring destruction to our lives here on earth but also in eternity. Let’s choose daily to walk by the Spirit, crucifying the flesh, and living in the fullness of God's will.
