16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Reflection
- In this chapter, Paul moved from doctrine to practice. He taught that justification brought freedom for Christians while legalism bondage (v1-15). Genuine faith will bring good works, and walking by the Spirit will lead not to gratifying the flesh (v16-21), and produce the fruit of the Spirit (v22-26).
- Having ruled out the Mosaic Law as a regulatory standard for Christian behavior, Paul proceeded to explain that the indwelling and transforming Holy Spirit now leads us, but we must be careful to follow His leading.
- Therefore, the life of discipleship, of following Jesus, and of holiness is not defined by what we do or not do. It is characterized by vibrant, and robust living by the Spirit. If we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit, we are free to say no to the “desires of the flesh”.
- Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit for guidance when facing a problem? What happened? If you haven’t ever asked, try it today. Watch and see if it changes your perception of the problem?
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv22-23 only.)
Guide each family member to write one of the fruits of the spirit on paper. Cut the paper in the shape of some fruit and paste them in your Family Devotional Journal. Sing together “the Fruits of the Spirit” www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1t8MVZRNb4
Proverbs for Today 21:9-11
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.