Galatians 5:24-25 – “24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Life outside the control of the Holy Spirit is synonymous with “the natural man,” “the old nature,” “lust of the flesh,” “desires of your lower nature,” or “sinful nature.” If you are not under the control of the Spirit, this nature is in control. The two dynamics at work: “the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit;” “the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh.”
There is a desire, longing, or craving for something that is forbidden and if you yield to it you will produce a lifestyle and behaviors that are not pleasing to God. When this nature is left unchecked, it produces the “works of the flesh.” It is our fallen human nature, which was inherited from our fallen parents. It is self-centered and prone to sin.
Paul admonishes Christians not to use their new found spiritual freedom to live a lifestyle that will give full-play to the demands of their lower nature and produce behaviors contrary to God’s righteousness. The Holy Spirit is more powerful than our sinful nature. There is a state of continuous opposition, but thank God it is not between equal powers! The Holy Spirit restrains the desires of the flesh.
It’s a brand new day! Keep enjoying Kharis!
Pastor Josh Laryea