This passage reminds us that we are in the middle of a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. These two things are actively working against each other. We cannot remain neutral in this battle and must pick a side because the stakes have eternal consequences.
So, how do we know what side we are on? We can be assured that we live by the Spirit if we have accepted Jesus into our lives and the free gift that his death & resurrection covers our multitude of sins. For everyone who has done this the Holy Spirit dwells inside of you as the seal of your salvation.
For those that are now living by the Spirit we are called to use our freedom to walk by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit births in us all the aspects the Fruit of the Spirit that are perfectly personified in the life of Jesus. These things can only come from the work of the Spirit but have delightful consequences for us, those around us and for our Church community. As opposed to the desires of the flesh, these things are rotten and toxic. They bring no benefit to anyone.
Therefore, if we are living by the Spirit, we should see growth in our walking by the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit changes our desires and helps us to say no to these rotten desires of the flesh. This reproducing fruit leaves the sweetest of aromas and is a great blessing from a God that loves to give good gifts.
Leave a Reply