16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Annie Davies

When I read verses 19-21, with its list of the acts of the flesh, some things seem crazy – I would never do those as a Christian! Like sexual immorality, debauchery and sorcery. And yet there are other things in the list that I can struggle with sometimes, like discord, jealousy and envy. And those don’t seem that bad or serious, particularly compared to the other things listed. But Paul is very clear: “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. I was struck and rebuked when I read that! When I am envious of what God has given other people, that is an act of the flesh … it’s sin, and sin puts people outside of God’s kingdom! I am reminded that God really is holy, and even something that is a “small sin” in my eyes – something everyone probably struggles with – is utterly offensive to God. And if I practice those things, if I give my life over to that way of life, I will not be part of God’s kingdom.

But verse 16 fills me with such a wave of hope and encouragement. Walking by the Spirit is about living by faith in Jesus, who gives us the gift of his Spirit to both cleanse us from the guilt of sin and give us a new heart and a new way to live. I am so thankful that because of what Christ has done for me, God has given his Spirit to dwell in me. He helps me not do the acts of the flesh. It is so amazing that it is not my efforts to try harder, but rather God is at work in me by his Spirit to help me walk by his Spirit. Trusting in Christ truly does set us free! It is all his work that keeps forgiving my sin, keeps me walking by the Spirit, and ensures that I can inherit the kingdom of God and be part of his people.

This reminds me to pray. When I am struggling with things that are acts of the flesh, only God can help me. So I should depend on him in prayer, that he may continue his work in me. If anything from the list has struck you, why don’t you join me in praying for God’s help that we will walk by the Spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.