The crux of the passage is the instruction to “Walk in the Spirit.” Paul explains that this is the supernatural antidote to fulfilling “the lust of the flesh.” He describes an intense internal conflict: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” This inherent opposition means that believers cannot naturally do the things they might wish to do, whether that is perfectly keeping the Law or perfectly expressing love, without dynamic reliance on the Spirit.
To clarify what life looks like under these opposing influences, Paul explicitly lists the “works of the flesh.” These behaviors are “manifest” (evident and obvious) and include acts that are deeply destructive to the individual and the community: “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.” Paul delivers a sobering warning: those who engage in such practices “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” He is contrasting a pattern of life dominated by the flesh with a life aligned with God’s reign.
Conversely, the “fruit of the Spirit” presents a stunning contrast. It is essential to note that Paul uses the word “fruit” (singular), implying that these qualities are organically connected and are the collective byproduct of the Spirit’s work, not multiple separate “fruits” to be individually achieved. This fruit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Paul concludes this list with a simple but powerful observation: “against such there is no law.” The Law condemns the works of the flesh, but it has no jurisdiction over or opposition to the virtues produced by the Spirit.
The passage concludes with the application of this truth. Paul states that those who belong to Christ “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” This implies a definitive, past-tense decision to renounce the old way of life. The challenge now is one of consistent alignment: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” We are called to pursue the characteristics of the Spirit and actively resist the temptations of the flesh. Finally, we must avoid “vain glory,” which manifests as “provoking one another, envying one another,” the very opposite of serving one another in love.
And here is the most important message, the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ…
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: “that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
*****
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