Rules of Engagement
May 29, 2022 – In Conflict with Myself
Galatians 5:16-25
What should a person do who is experiencing internal conflict? Decisions become complicated. Relationships are put in jeopardy. A key step in resolving this conflict is understanding the conflicting voices of the Spirit and the flesh. These two voices are in constant opposition to each other, with the voice of the flesh leading us away from the very things we want most in life. Learning how to walk in the Spirit, tuned to his voice, gives victory to those who belong to Christ, yielding the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-25 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.