Our Scripture meditation is based on Galatians 5:16–17, from next week’s Epistle Reading.
[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.
The author of Galatians provides us with counterintuitive instruction for dealing with sin.
The “desires of the flesh” are sins that arise from our fallen natures. In Galatians chapter five works of the flesh include:
sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
When dealing with such sin, our first response is usually to address the sin. If we have fits of anger, we seek ways to control our emotions or avoid triggers for anger. If we are dealing with envy, we try to discern the root of the envy.
Notice that verse 16 says, “…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians chapter five not only describes works of the flesh, but also the fruit of the Holy Spirit include. These include, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control…”
By living to produce such fruit in our lives, we will less and less desire the works of the flesh. While we may still have to address specific sins, the focus of our lives increasing becomes living out the faith.
This brings to mind’s Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 