The works of the flesh or the Fruit of the Spirit… 

Galatians 5.1-26

        Believers cannot satisfy the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit at the same time; he cannot be under control of both simultaneously. These are contrary to each other, diametrically opposing each other, and totally incompatible with each other. The constant practice of the works of the flesh with no heart-rooted effort for change is evidence one is not a believer. It is contradictory to claim God’s forgiveness, to recognize the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice, to see the depth of the Father’s love in giving His Son, to see the horror of sin before the Holy God, and do nothing about life practices, sinful behavior, or a wicked heart that took Jesus to the Cross.

        Knowing Christ as our Savior makes all the difference. Seeing Christ, we want to change; seeing Him we are compelled to change; seeing Him we must change. May we pray to consistently evidence the work of the Holy Spirit within us. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5.22-23). Steady and honest praying to be led by the Spirit will bring about heart and life transformation, changing the believer to be more like Jesus. We will love the Father in response to His great love for us; we will love Jesus and His redemptive work on our behalf; we will love others Biblically. We will know the joy of our salvation and new life in Christ. We will enjoy peace with God and seek to be at peace with others. We will be patient, accepting God’s timeframe in all things. We will pursue kindness in our relationships. We will seek goodness, having no desire for evil. We desire faithfulness to God, His Word, and others. We will show gentleness with other people and not be harsh. May this be our prayer, our greatest desire, our earnest resolve, to be under the control of the Spirit and not our fleshly desires, to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (5.24) and to be wholeheartedly led by God’s Holy Spirit.

Being indwelt by the Spirit – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry