A. The Spirit is given to us

1. The flesh resists the Spirit (16-18)

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

2. How to distinguish the Spirit from the flesh (19-23)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

3. The flesh cannot defeat the Spirit (24)

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

B. To Live by the Spirit means:

1. To bear the Cross one another (25-6)

25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

2. To live with God eternally (7-10)

 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Summary

The Spirit of God is already given to us, when we get the desire to follow Jesus. However, because “the flesh” (our sin) remains in us, the battle continues between “the flesh” and “the Spirit” in us. But the victory is determined to go to the Spirit, through Jesus’ Cross. Therefore, we will never fall, while we carry our own cross and each other’s cross. Let us be led by God’s Spirit and enjoy the joy of living an eternal life with God.

For Discussion

1) Tell your experience of the work of God’s Spirit.
2) What does it mean to “sow the Spirit”?