The War Within

Galatians 5:16-26

Galatians 5:16-2616 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-2617 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

Galatians 5:16-2618 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:1515 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Galatians 5:1515 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

The Claim Paul MakesThe Conflict We Are InThe Command God Gives Us

The Claim

Galatians 5:16-1716 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-1717 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

Ephesians 1:1313 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.

Why has God given us the Holy Spirit?

Galatians 5:16-1716 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-1717 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

Key Idea: The Holy Spirit dwells in us to fight for us

The Conflict

Galatians 5:16-1716 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-1717 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

The Combatants:1. The desires of the flesh2. The desires of the Spirit

1. The desires of the flesh

What are the desires of the flesh?

• Set of natural desires, rooted in deception that motivate disregard for the commands of God

Ephesians 4:20-22

20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus

Ephesians 4:20-22

22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires

Root deception: Gratifying your desires will bring you life.

Romans 8:7

The mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God's law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.

Baby I rememberThe way you used to look at me and sayPromises never last foreverI told you not to worryI said that everything would be all right

I didn't know then that you were rightYou're all I ever wantedYou're all I ever needed, yeahSo tell me what to do nowWhen I want you back

I want you back, oh yeahYou're the one I wantYou're the one I needGirl, what can I do

You're all I ever wanted(You're the one I want)You're all I ever needed(You're the one I need)So tell me what to do now(Tell me, what can I do)When I want you back

- NSYNC

I’m gonna dance on broken glassEy, on broken glassAnd I’m gonna make that ceiling crash (uh)That ceiling crashSo what? Still got knives in my backSo what? So I’m tied to the tracksI’m gonna dance on broken glass

And here I go, here I goyeah here I go, here I go(Ooh, ooh, ooh) and here I go, here I goSo I bet on me and my own heartbeatWhen all the odds are pilingLike bricks around my feet

- Rachel Platten

Romans 8:88 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

2. The desires of the Spirit

Galatians 5:1717 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

What are the desires of the Spirit?

• Set of Godly desires, rooted in truth that motivate high regard for the commands of God

Galatians 4:6-76 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying “Abba, Father!”

Galatians 4:6-77 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.

John 4:3434 “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.

John 8:2929 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”

Galatians 2:20[20] I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 5:1616 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

The Command

Galatians 5:16,22-2316 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16,22-2322 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:16,22-2323 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Application:

1. Recognize Christ is in you

John 4:3434 “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.

John 8:2929 The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”