24 Jul W1 | Works of the Flesh vs Fruit of the Spirit

Posted at 02:28h in September, Topics 2024 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Galatians 5:19-23 | Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV)

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether we are operating based on our own carnal desires or the Spirit’s guidance, such that we may live out a more fruitful, enriching life that is evident before others.

CONTENT

THE ONGOING WAR

  • The moment we receive Christ’s salvation, we become enabled to choose what pleases His spirit rather than the flesh. But, for as long as we’re living on earth, the pull of the world is still present to warp our judgment according to the values and desires of the flesh, particularly those that seek to distort the gospel. Paul expressed the conundrum when he said, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” ‭‭(Rom‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬)‬‬.
  • Right living doesn’t always equal right believing (Gal 6:3). “Works” imply results of human effort (i.e. self-justification) whereas “fruit” is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s guidance over our lives (Gal 2:16). Works of the flesh are obvious (Gal 5:19-21): they lean toward lawlessness and grieves the Holy Spirit. But the less obvious roots of our actions are those enacted in His name, yet driven by the glorification of our namesake. You will know them by their fruit (Mat 7:16), where we become a people of self-conceit, “provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal 5:26).
  • We will always be cursed if we work by the law (Gal 3:10). No matter how hard we try, we can never amount enough to earn the blessed life God has freely given through Christ. We should, though, fully embrace the indwelling Spirit’s guidance. This means we enthrone Him and put ourselves at His disposal as He brings our life’s trajectories unto His victory on the cross.
  • Law may prescribe certain forms of conduct and prohibit others, but love, joy, peace, and the rest cannot be legally enforced. -- F. F. Bruce, evangelist, author of “The Epistle to the Galatians”.

THE FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE

  • Our life in Christ is a gift empowered by the Holy Spirit. His grace not only gives us the choice to always live according to His will, but also to cultivate holiness. In letting go of our human effort, we wage war with the principalities and rulers of this carnal world (Eph 6:12), continually submitting to the Spirit’s direction and bearing in Christ to the full exaltation of His glory.
  • Jesus commands his followers to abide in Him--the Vine--because we cannot bear fruit on our own (John 15:4-5). Rather than making helpless attempts to crucify the flesh, or worse--settling for the sake of convenience and comfort, “fruit” is a direct and supernatural result of staying actively connected with Him and remaining receptive to the Word as produced by the Spirit.
  • Truly living righteously brings the gospel we receive in our hearts to lasting impact and influence on the world around us. It is God who works in us and hopefully, through us, His divine glory may be magnified in all areas of our lives.
  • The good news is, we can start right where we are, where we live and work, bearing much fruit for His kingdom without the constant need to strive. All misguided deeds of our flesh have been put to death (Rom 8:12-13). Rest assured, we are free to live boldly in our faith with much love, joy, peace, and patience to share by His undeserved grace alone!

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • In what ways have you been justifying your sinful nature with righteous works?
  • Are there any spiritual habits or patterns you have that are conducive to a fruitful Christian life? If so, how has each made your life more meaningful?

REFERENCES