Flesh vs Spirit

Sermon Title: “Flesh vs. Spirit 

📖 Text: Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 

Galatians 5:16 – This I say then, walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

I. Introduction: A Life of Contrast

• We all live in a battlefield between two natures:
  • Flesh (our sinful nature)
  • Spirit (God's nature in us)
• Paul draws a sharp contrast in Galatians 5 between:
  • What the flesh produces vs. what the Spirit produces
• Illustration: Two trees: one diseased with bad fruit, the other healthy and fruitful. Which one are you?

II. The Works of the Flesh (Verses 19–21): A Life Without God

Introduce these as manifestations of a life disconnected from the Spirit.

A. Sins of Pleasure

• Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness
• Self-centered, flesh-driven cravings
• Key Word: Uncontrolled desire

B. Sins of Idolatry and Rebellion

• Idolatry, Witchcraft
• Replacing God with people, power, or objects

C. Sins of Division

• Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Heresies
• When pride and anger govern our relationships

D. Sins of Envy and Excess

• Envyings, Murders, Drunkenness, Revellings
• Jealousy and indulgence that damage others and ourselves

🛑 Warning (v. 21): “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

III. The Fruit of the Spirit (Verses 22–23): A Life Controlled by God

• While the “works” of the flesh are many and destructive, the “fruit” of the Spirit is one unified result of being led by God.

A. Attitudes Toward Others

• Love – sacrificial, Christ-like concern
• Peace – unity and calm under pressure
• Gentleness – kindness in action
• Goodness – doing what’s morally right
• Meekness – strength under control

B. Attitudes Within

• Joy – inner gladness that isn't based on circumstances
• Longsuffering – patience under trial or with difficult people
• Faith – loyalty, trust, and consistency
• Temperance – self-control over desires and emotions

IV. The Conflict Between the Two (Verse 17)

“The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”

• You can’t walk in both directions at the same time.
• Illustration: Two dogs inside you—whichever one you feed will win.
• Question: Are you feeding your flesh or your Spirit?

V. Walking in Victory (Verses 24–26)

• Crucify the flesh – daily surrender and repentance.
• Walk in the Spirit – follow His lead in every decision.
• Let fruit grow – fruit isn’t forced; it’s grown through abiding in Christ (John 15:5).

Examples of People Who Walked in the Spirit

1. Jesus Christ – The Perfect Example

📖 Luke 4:1 – “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
✅ Exhibited the fruit: Love, peace, meekness, goodness
➡️ Even when tempted by Satan, Jesus responded with the Word and overcame through the Spirit.

2. Stephen – Full of F