Paul moves us from humanistic behavior modification to supernatural transformation. One has to do with our fallen nature called the flesh and the other has to do with our new nature empowered by the Holy Spirit. When I get out of control and let the Spirit of God have control of my life, then five benefits will be evident.
- When I live by the Spirit of God I can overcome .
” But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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.” – Galatians 5:16-17
- When I live by the Spirit of God I can overcome .
” Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissentions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” – Galatians 5:19-21a
- When I live by the Spirit of God I can overcome .
” I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:21b
- When I live by the Spirit of God I will the fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
o My relationship with God – Love, Joy, Peace
o My relationship with others – Patience, Kindness, Goodness
o My relationship with self – Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
- When I live by the Spirit of God I will a crucified life.
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying on another.” – Galatians 5:24-26