The
Spirit versus the Flesh
16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the
desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the
Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to
each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by
the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious:[a][b] sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry,
sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy,outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions,
dissensions, factions, 21 envy,[c]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.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness,goodness, faith,[d] 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things
there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the fleshwith its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit,
we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited,
provoking one another, envying one another
Questions:
- What
does Paul mean in verse 17?
A.
Paul means that the human race does what god does not want and God
wants to do what the human race does not want although God's way is much
better.
2. What
does it mean to live by the spirit?
A.To live
by the spirit means you listen to God and the Holy spirit, and letting God
direct you.
3.
What does Paul mean when he says, “ Now the works of the flesh are
obvious.”
A.
The works of the flesh is the human race works, and how we sin in
our lives. Such as sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery,
hatred,strife,jealousy, outbursts of anger,selfish
ambitions,dissensions,factions,envy,drunkenness,cursing,and anything similar.
4. What
are two “flesh” or bad habits you need to break?
A.
For me, i am often short of patience with my mom when she wants me
to do things at home . I will get grumpy and often talk back.I am also am
way too focused on what i dont like about school and that puts me in a bad
mood.
5.
What are the fruits of the spirit?
A.
Love, Joy ,Peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness,
and self control.
6.What
are two “fruits” or positive strengths that you can focus on using and showing
more?
A.
I show love to my friends and family and I am very faithful I can
show those two more by showing my love for christ and being faithful
Summary
The spirit and flesh are against
each other. This means our natural and sinfull ways are always fighting against
the kinder and plesant things that please God. It is easy and more natural to
be angry, unkind, selfish,and generally bad behaved. But we should be focused
on the “fruits” or “good things” that God has placed inside of us. We should be
kind, joyful,looking out for other people and always showing love. For this we
need to trust in God to make the right choices.
