Life in the Spirit: Bearing Spiritual Fruit- Week 3: Resisting the Flesh
Week 3: Resisting the Flesh
Key Focus
Walking in the Spirit means actively choosing not to walk in the flesh. You are no longer a slave to sin, but you still have to fight it—and that battle begins in your heart and mind.
Key Scriptures
Galatians 5:17–21 – The flesh and Spirit are in conflict with each other.
Romans 6:11–14 – Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God.
Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Teaching: The War Within
One of the most freeing truths of the Gospel is that we are no longer slaves to our flesh. But one of the hardest realities of Christian living is that we still have to fight it.
The flesh doesn’t die quietly. Even though your old self was crucified with Christ, the patterns, temptations, and desires that once ruled your life don’t just disappear overnight. They try to whisper. They try to reclaim control. But the good news is this: you don’t have to listen anymore.
Paul explains in Galatians 5:17 that the desires of the flesh and the Spirit are in constant opposition. That means this internal war is normal for a believer—but we aren’t left powerless in it.
The “deeds of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5:19–21 aren’t just extreme sins—they’re everyday attitudes and behaviors we justify far too easily: jealousy, selfish ambition, fits of rage, envy, division. These things aren’t minor personality quirks—they’re evidence of the flesh ruling the heart. And Paul says plainly: those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
That’s sobering. But it’s also clarifying.
Resisting the flesh is not about behavior modification—it’s about Spirit submission. You don’t overcome your sin by gritting your teeth. You overcome by walking in step with the Spirit and feeding your Spirit more than your flesh.
Romans 6 tells us we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. That means every time you’re tempted to act, speak, or think in a fleshly way, you have a choice: feed the old you, or walk in the new you.
And how do we resist when it’s hard? Psalm 119:11 gives the key: “I have hidden your Word in my heart…” The Word of God is our weapon against temptation. The more it lives in you, the easier it is to fight the war within you.
You are not weak—you are empowered. But you must choose daily: flesh or Spirit?
Greek Word Study
“Sarx” (σάρξ) – flesh, sinful nature, carnal desires
Refers to the human nature apart from God, driven by selfish impulses. In Paul’s writings, it’s often used to describe the internal struggle of man against the Spirit of God.
Cross-References
Romans 7:21–25 – The war between doing good and sin at work in us
1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way out of temptation
Colossians 3:5 – Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature
2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness
Reflection Questions
What “deeds of the flesh” are easiest for you to excuse or justify?
How are you feeding your Spirit more than your flesh this week?
What Scriptures have helped you fight temptation in the past?
Weekly Challenge
Pick one area where the flesh tempts you most (anger, envy, self-indulgence, etc.). Write a Scripture that combats it on a sticky note and put it somewhere visible this week.
