GALATIANS 5:16-18 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
NSB* - The only consistent way to overcome the sinful desires of our human nature (the flesh) is to live step by step in the power of the Holy Spirit as He works through our spirit (v.25). Shall not is a striking promise. Walking each moment by faith in God's Word under the spirit's control assures absolute victory over the desires of our sinful nature.
Walk; In Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25 begins a new section which extends to Galatians 6:10); in Galatians 6:16 it is used of walking by the rule expressed in Galatians 6:14-Galatians 6:15; It is used more especially of the individual walk. Strong's defines it as to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary). The Greek word used here is περιπατέω peripateō. Strong's G4043.
Definition References: Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:14-16 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
Spirit; Thayer denotes - 1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his personality and character (the "Holy" Spirit) 1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasis. Primarily denotes the wind" (akin to pneo, "to breathe, blow"); also "breath;" then, especially "the spirit," which, like the wind, is invisible, immaterial and powerful. Here the Spirit is a distinct reference to the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used here is πνεῦμα pneuma. Vine's (def 1), Strong's G4151.
Lust; Denotes strong desire" of any kind, the various kinds being frequently specified by some adjective (See below). The word is used of a good desire only in Luke 22:15; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:17. Everywhere else it has a bad sense. In Romans 6:12 the injunction against letting sin reign in our mortal body to obey the "lust" thereof, refers to those evil desires which are ready to express themselves in bodily activity. They are equally the "lusts" of the flesh, Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 2:3; 2 Peter 2:18; 1 John 2:16, a phrase which describes the emotions of the soul, the natural tendency towards things evil. Such "lusts" are not necessarily base and immoral, they may be refined in character, but are evil if inconsistent with the will of God. The Greek word used here is ἐπιθυμία epithumia. Vine's (def A-1), Strong's G1939.
These verses translate the word "desire" rather than lust because they are used in a good sense, but they are the same Greek word ἐπιθυμία. - Luke 22:15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;
Philippians 1:23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
1 Thessalonians 2:17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
Everywhere else in the Bible ἐπιθυμία is used in a negative sense.
Definition References: Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Ephesians 2:3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
Flesh; See this study under "Flesh".
Moving to Verses 17 & 28
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
NSB* - The potential of the flesh energized by Satan in the life of the Christian should not be underestimated. Given free reign, the flesh will direct our choices, making us do what we should not do. This inner conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is very real, but there is considerable disagreement as to its precise meaning. Some believe that flesh here refers to "sinful nature" nature continuing after salvation...while others view it as simply the physical flesh and its natural tendencies. Still others focus on the "fleshly" or "worldly" habits and patterns that continue after justification. Although the precise meaning of flesh is unclear, Paul's intent is plain. The desires of the flesh are at odds with what the Holy Spirit desires for us; to be free from sin.
Romans 7:22-23 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Takeaway: We are constantly at odds with the flesh if we are walking with God. One indicator you have drifted from God is if you ever get to a point where sin doesn't bring some sort of spiritual pain and sorrow. The flesh will try to get you to reason away sin, while the Holy Spirit rails against it. We must hear the Holy Spirit and walk with God in such a way that the victory we have in Christ over sin is our experience.
Comments