"Spirit vs. Flesh" October 4 Readings: Jeremiah 11-12, Galatians 5, Psalm 111, Proverbs 24:13–16

Today's Readings -  Jeremiah 11-12, Galatians 5, Psalm 111, Proverbs 24:13–16

Devotional 

Are you walking in flesh or in the power of the Spirit? It is not hard to tell. In Galatians 5, Paul describes both clearly and the difference is not hard to discern. Those who have been redeemed are called to walk in the freedom of Christ and not under the power of the flesh.

In verse 1, Paul warns the Galatians against regressing from the high standing they have achieved by God's grace to a life lived by the works of the law and the slavery that brings. In verses 2-15, Paul explains the tragedy of such a choice - having experienced God's grace and then returning to walking in the flesh and living by works.

Then, in verses 16-24, Paul clearly differentiates the life of the flesh and the life of the Spirit. He begins with a warning against gratifying the desires of the flesh because they stand in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit.

Simply put, there is a clear and unmistakable difference between how someone acts when they are walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit. It's one or the other. Paul lists the things that mark those who are walking in the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy,outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (19-21)

But the Spirit produces a different kind of fruit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. The law is not against such things. (22-23)

Are you walking in the flesh or in the Spirit? It's not that hard to discern. If your life is marked by the behaviors on the first list, you are squandering the grace of God by walking in the power of the flesh, the old nature that Jesus died to defeat. If you are walking in the Spirit, your life will evidence love and joy and peace and all the rest. 

Father, may your Spirit produce fruit in my life, the fruit of Christ, that the works of the flesh might be destroyed. 

Think and Pray

Read through the two lists - the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Which list best describes your life? Are you walking in the power of the flesh or the fullness of the Spirit?