THE WORKS OF THE FLESH - Hindrances to spiritual growth - Part 1 Text: Galatians 5:16-21

TOYE OGUNGBE·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018·

In our quest to know the Holy Spirit one of the most challenging hurdles to cross is that of the works of the flesh! They are a hindrance to our spiritual growth. Every Christian will have to deal with them, as long as you are flesh and blood you will have them to contend with (by no means am I an exception). This reminds me of the saying, “Check yourself or wreck yourself.”

In Galatians 5:16-17, the scripture says, “I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, for the flesh lust against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” So we can see that there is an ongoing conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. Which one are you yielding to? They are both fighting for our attention. From the viewpoint of a Christian there are at least 3 types of spiritual people which are:

1.      Natural man - not born again, unregenerate and devoid of the Spirit

2.     Spiritual man - born again, Spirit filled, regenerate and possessing spiritual maturity

3.     Carnal man - born again, regenerate but living much like an unregenerate; a believer with childish ways as in a jealous and sectarian Christian. An immature Christian who lives more for human opinion than for Christ. A lack of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit!

In Galatians 5:19-21, seventeen works of the flesh are listed and I believe there are more because in verse Apostle Paul said those who practice “such things” which can be interpreted as similar practices. The first four listed in verse 19 can be categorised as sexual sin, the next two are sin related to pagan religion. The next nine are related to sin of the temper and the last two are related to sin of drunkeness.

In Colossians 3:5 the scripture instructs us in this manner: “mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication...” The word “mortify” means to subdue. We are to subdue the body or works of the flesh through self denial or discipline. Another translation of Colossians 3:5 is: “Put to death your members which are on the earth.” As long as we are human we have these “vices” to contend with. But remember, to whom you succumb to will determine your spiritual growth. I say yield to the Holy Spirit, the dividends are priceless! For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. (the spiritually mature children of God) Romans 8:14. And if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law!

Reverend Toye Ogungbe, Robust Blessing Ministries, London +447727 695293, revtoye@robustblessing.org.uk