Galatians 5:16-26 (TPT)
The Holy Spirit, Our Victory
16 Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life. 17 When your self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit you hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your self-life from dominating you! So then, the two incompatible and conflicting forces within you are your self-life of the flesh and the new creation life of the Spirit.
18 But when you yield to the life of the Spirit, you will no longer be living under the law, but soaring above it!
19 The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, 20 chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, 21 being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior.
Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!
22–23 But the fruit [harvest] produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love [agape] in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit (Lordship). Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
24 Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah. 25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives. 26 So may we never be arrogant, or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.
In our passage this morning, the Apostle Paul gives a very powerful reminder of the life we should enjoy when we are connected to the Vine—Jesus Christ. Our flesh may wage war within us, but we cannot give way to the demands of the flesh; the flesh has been crucified in Christ Jesus. Let’s not resurrect that which seeks to destroy our fellowship with the Lord. When we offend the Holy Spirit with our self-centered inclinations, we limit the expression of divine love flowing through us. This world needs to experience the agape love of God flowing through his children of Light. Live in the Holy Spirit; live in victory!
Prayer: Lord, in a culture that hungers to live by sinful flesh and unrestrained emotions, please raise me up by the power of the Spirit so that I might live in your Holy presence. Help me bear the fruit of your righteousness and be the original you created me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.