This week’s Bible study was on works of the flesh. I struggled with how much or little of this to present, but after studying, I realized it needed to be covered. In order for us to learn about walking in the spirit, we must know about walking in our flesh.
We have to make a choice. Do we walk in the Spirit? Or do we walk in the flesh? Do we walk in God’s power or in our own strength?
What happens to a Coke when we shake it up? It makes a huge mess. The same thing happens when we choose to walk in the flesh. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace” (HCSB).
How many times is flesh used in Galatians 5:16-26? More than once. More than twice. Five times. Something tells me God’s trying to tell us something. When we let our flesh have its way, we make the deliberate choice to habitually sin and to consistently walk outside of God’s plan for our lives. Nothing but bondage can come from that kind of living.
Let’s break down this truth about the flesh, so the truth can help us break free.
What does God say about the works of the flesh?
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18 ESV).
“Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV)
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 HCSB).
Galatians isn’t the only book to contain a list of works of the flesh. Take the time to examine other lists in Mark 7:21-23, Romans 1:29-32, 2 Timothy 3:2-5, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10.
God doesn’t tell us to not do these things because He’s mean and out to ruin our fun. He tells us these things to protect us. Have you ever told a child to come in out of an electrical storm? Have you ever snatched a child from entering oncoming traffic? Were you trying to ruin their fun? No, it was for their safety and preservation. You know what the ramifications can be by playing outside when it’s lightning. You know what the consequences are if a child runs into traffic. You know because you have more wisdom and experience. God has more wisdom and experience than we ever will. We must choose to trust His lead.
What do the works of the flesh have to do with me?
When I first read through the list of flesh behaviors in Galatians 5, I thought, I don’t do these things, but the Bible says if we have thought these things, we are guilty of that sin (Titus 1:15). Look through the list again. Have you ever lusted for someone? Have you ever wished someone would die? Have you ever despised someone in your heart?
Philippians 4:8 tells us the things on which we should meditate, and I assure you, the works of the flesh aren't on that list. These are things that are not to be a part of the Christian life.
Did you notice In Galatians 5:21 God puts an “etc.” in the Scripture? He actually says “and anything similar” (HCSB). There are so many things in scripture we are to avoid like the lists in Mark 7:21-23, Romans 1:29-32, 2 Timothy 3:2-5, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10. A few more I found were slander, gossip, defaming, and evil speaking.
Do you use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh or the Spirit?
Why should we avoid the fleshly works? Ephesians 4:29-30 says that these things “grieve the Holy Spirit.” It breaks my heart to think that I would grieve the Holy Spirit. There's such a sweet, tender relationship with the Spirit, and the last thing I would want to do is to damage our relationship.
Did you realize there are almost twice as many fleshly behaviors listed as fruit? Why? There is more evil than good in the world. What's remarkable is that the fruit of the Spirit gives us freedom, and what the world thinks is the freedom to express themselves sexually or in any other way really puts them into bondage to their fleshly desires. They aren't in control. They think they are. They want you to join in, but truth is, we have more freedom in Christ than anywhere else.
In conclusion, if we walk in the flesh, we cannot expect blessing and protection of the King when we choose to walk away from His rule and reign. The Spirit life is the better way! Let’s keep digging into God’s Word together.