September 21, 2020 (Monday)
Recent blogs have focused on the Fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5, however, before we are introduced to the Fruit of the Spirit, we are warned about the deeds of the flesh.
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
Wow, this list is hideous! It is ugly to the core. The list is identified as “deeds of the flesh.” So, what is the “flesh?” The word appears a number of times in the Bible and has several meanings, but here it describes our carnal nature, from which the sinful deeds named above originate. The flesh is inferior to the spirit, yet it seeks to gain control in our lives. So, “I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Galatians 5:16-17 NASB).
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:12-14 NLT).
So, there we have it. Within each of us exists a conflict between the flesh and the spirit. But remember and never forget Galatians 5:16, “Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
HOLY SPIRIT, BREATHE ON ME
Music by B.B. McKinney
Lyrics by Edwin Hatch
1937
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
Until my heart is clean;
Let sunshine fill its inmost part,
With not a cloud between.
Refrain
Breathe on me, breathe on me,
Holy Spirit, breathe on me;
Take Thou my heart, cleanse every part,
Holy Spirit, breathe on me.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
My stubborn will subdue;
Teach me in words of living flame
What Christ would have me do.
Refrain
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
Fill me with pow’r divine;
Kindle a flame of love and zeal,
Within this heart of mine.
Refrain
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
Till I am all Thine own,
Until my will is lost in Thine,
To live for Thee alone.
Refrain