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Galatians 5:17 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.
In this verse, Paul is teaching us why life as a Christian is a battle. The desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit are at war with one another. The flesh refers to our sinful nature. Even though you have given your life to the Lord, you still have to deal with the flesh.
If you experience temptations to sin, that does not mean you are not a Christian. Believers still experience the struggle against sin. The flesh opposes the work of the Holy Spirit and seeks to keep you from doing what God has called you to do.
As a Christian, you have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you do what God wills for your life. Choose to spend time in the Word of God. Meditate on and memorize Scripture. Pray with other Christians when you struggle, and pray for them when they face their own struggles. Go to church and spend time in fellowship with other believers.
Let this truth give you compassion for other Christians. They are also fighting the battle against sin. Encourage one another to remain faithful and depend on the Holy Spirit.
We will continue to struggle against sin until the day of redemption, when Jesus returns and we see Him face to face. Then we will be fully conformed to His likeness. Until that day, continue to ask God to strengthen you through His Spirit. Resist the temptations of the flesh and surrender yourself to God, knowing that you must depend on His power to live a life that pleases Him.~ Jeff M Newman
Latest Bible Study
Observe Jesus’ Commands
See that no one deceives you regarding false Christs and false prophets.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Mark 13:5-8)
Matthew 24:23-25 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you in advance.
Previous Bible Study
Lesson 64 -1 John 2:26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
Yesterday’s Devotional
He Went Out and Departed to a Solitary Place; and There He Prayed
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