VICTORY OVER YOUR FLESH!

Galatians 5:16-21

INTRODUCTION: In the book of Galatians we find a description of both the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. We learn that if we will walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the works of the flesh and also if we walk in the Spirit we will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Galatians 5:16-19: Paul here tells us that the acts or the works of the sinful flesh are obvious. Now Paul groups the acts of the sinful flesh into three categories: 1.) Sexual sins: Galatians 5:19; Matthew 5:27-28; Romans 1:24-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. 2.) Spiritual sins: Galatians 5:20. 3.) Social sins: Galatians 5:21. Now Paul compares all of these works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23. Neither the Lord of glory, nor the laws of men have ever been made against the fruit of the Spirit. However, ever society on earth has made laws against the works of the flesh. There is a clear contrast between the work of the flesh which we do and the fruit of the Spirit which God does in us and through us. Galatians 5:24-26. Every Christians has three major enemies over which he is to gain the victory: The world, our external foe: The flesh: the internal foe: and the Devil: the infernal foe Romans 12:2.

I. OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF OVERCOMING OUR FLESH!

1 Corinthians 10:11. We will look at a few examples of God’s people overcoming their flesh: Exodus 17:8-15; Malachi 1:1-5; Esau was called a profane person. He was a carnal man. Amalek was a grandson of Esau: Exodus 17:16. God has a perpetual war with our flesh! Israel represents the Spirit while Amalek represents the flesh there will always be war between the two: Exodus 17:8; Exodus 17:5-7; 1 Corinthians 10:4: right after they were refreshed by Jesus Christ Amalek attacks them. The flesh lusts against the Spirit! It is a perfect parallel. 2 Peter 1:2-4; Philippians 4:13.

II. THE BATTLE OF OUR ENTIRE LIFE TIME!

The story is there for our learning because it is a never-ending battle: Exodus 17:12; Exodus 17:16. Yes, the children of Israel won the battle that day but there would be more battles to follow. We cannot eradicate the flesh but we can always have the victory over it! Amalek attacked Israel when they did not expect it! Matthew 26:41. The flesh always tries to sneak attack us: Exodus 25:17-19 . Our flesh always attacks us in our weakest area. Our flesh has no fear of God; in fact the Bible tells us that our flesh is at war with God.

III. THE VICTORY OF OUR FAITH!

How can we win this life long battle with our flesh? Exodus 17:9-11. Moses rod became the rod of God and as Moses held us the rod of God Israel prevailed, but when he became too tired to hold up the rod of God, Amalek prevailed. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. God is showing His children how we can have God’s power in our lives to overcome our flesh! Aaron represents intercession or pray as the priest of God. Overcoming the flesh takes the power of God as represented by the rod of God. The power of God is released through prayer and purity of life. The battle was not won that day over Amalek by the army, it was won on the hill as the rod of God was held up. 1 John 1:9; Psalm 25:14; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Galatians 5:16. It is time for each of us to get alone with God in prayer and fasting asking our God to purify our lives. Hebrews 4:16. It is time for each of us to seek the Lord. To seek His power in our lives to help us live a pure life for His glory and to help us overcome our flesh!