Life Lists

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

-Galatians 5:16-17 (King James Version)

If you've watched, or listened to, any of our live Internet Bible study broadcasts, you've heard me say "You can't live as a Christian on Sunday, and as a sinner on Monday." But the fact remains that many professing Christians live in this way. There is a war, a battle going on in each one of us. What will win? 

Paul says, in Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." If we "Walk in the Spirit" we will keep away from sin. If we allow God to have His way in our lives, we will keep away from sin, from the lust of the flesh. In verses 19-21, Paul reveals the lusts of the flesh, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." That's quite a list. Verses 22-23 reveal  the characteristics of walking in the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Take a look at these lists that Paul provides to us. Is there more characteristics of the works of the flesh, or of the Spirit? 

Paul says in verse 17, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." This verse reveals why I say "You can't live as a Christian on Sunday, and as a sinner on Monday." Paul puts it plainly here. The flesh and the Spirit cannot coexist in the same life. Paul teaches that they are contrary to one another. They are polar opposites. You can't live in joy & peace if your're committing adultery and fornication. 

Which list looks more like your life? Are you walking in the Spirit? Or, are you walking according to your wants and desires? Think About It.