So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature

Listened to a really good talk tonight.

Galatians 5:16-26 (NIV)So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. [17] For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. [19] The acts of the sinful nature 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, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. [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.

Galatians 6:1-5 (NIV)Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, 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 he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. [4] Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, [5] for each one should carry his own load.

Galatians 6:6-10 (NIV)Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. [7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who 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.

Paul's argument throughout Galatians - there is a problem and that is sin. The first treatment is the law but the correct treatment is faith in Jesus. Don't keep applying the first fix as it won't work.

The underlying problem is real - there is real sin which causes separation from God and causes pain in others and in God. The initial treatment (the law) didn't make it go away.

If we believe and trust in Jesus we are already Justified and we don't have to try harder to be right with him. God has made us right with Him but the other immediate consequence still has to be taken care of.

Life by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV)So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The Spirit will work in you to profoundly change your character, 

Galatians 5:17-18 (NIV)For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

When we live by the Spirit we will begin to want what God wants rather than what we want to do.

Ezekiel 36:36-37

Law was not meant to be an external medication. God puts His Spirit in our hearts and works from the inside out.

The Spirit is the source of power in our lives.

Why are the gifts given?

It is always for the same purpose - for the common good in building up the church and to bring people together. They are not given for individualistic reasons - to serve one and other not self. 

Tools to develop fruit.

We need tools to enable fruit to  grow - tools are needed to dig out, to plant, to tend and water.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)The acts of the sinful nature 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.

Notice how many of them are about pulling people apart. They are about destroying relationships.

Galatians 5:26 (NIV)Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Again these actions harm or destroy relationships and community.

But look at the fruits of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

These really are done with others, you can't be kind on your own. Faithfulness - who are you being faithful to? Love is about other people.

God isn't so worried about the gifts but the fruit - the change in character.

This is developed in chapter 6.

Galatians 6:2-5 (NIV)Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [3] If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. [4] Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, [5] for each one should carry his own load.

Check ourself - carry your own load and then be willing to help, support and encourage.

Galatians 6:4 (NIV)Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,

Teamwork - carry one and others burdens. Work together, protect one and other.

When we compare one and other we start to destroy relationships. We mustn't do that in a church context. It is Jesus decision if we have different gifts but wants us to grow.

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

It is not - if you do good works you will get good results.

What do we pursue:

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)The acts of the sinful nature 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.

Or

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control.