I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.     Galatians 5:16 HCSB

Yesterday, we spoke about not allowing the devil into your church. The same holds true for all relationships (marriages, families, friendships). We must keep the doors of our hearts closed to the devil. If we open it just a crack, he can gain a foothold and force his way in and take over.

In our Scripture passage today, Paul tells us to simply walk by the Spirit and we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. We won’t yield to the devil’s temptations or open the door to the devil. You see, the devil tries to convince us that sin is not sin or that a little bit of sin won’t hurt. But the devil is a liar. As a matter of fact, in John 8:44 Jesus says that the devil is a murderer and a liar and the father of liars. Whatever you do, don’t believe the devil’s lies.

The devil wants you to spend eternity in hell under his control. If he can get you under his control while you are on earth, he’s won. In Galatians 5, Paul lists the types of behavior that will cause us to not get into heaven. God created us to be in fellowship with Him and to inherit His kingdom, but He will not tolerate disobedience.

In Galatians 5:19 Paul says that the works of the flesh are obvious. There are people who warm a church pew every Sunday that will not inherit the kingdom of God. They fail to walk in the Spirit, they satisfy the desires of their flesh and think that no one knows, but Paul points out that it is obvious. My friend, it’s blatantly obvious when someone is or is not a Christian. That’s another blog for another day. But let me just say you are not fooling God and you aren’t fooling many people.

Paul gives us a list of the works of the flesh. At the top of the list is sexual immorality. Sex is to be used as God intended for it to be used, by one man and one woman who are husband and wife. Anything outside that is considered sexual immorality. This goes from lusting after someone to pornography to adultery. And of course, these days there is all kinds of other stuff that can be added to that. Moral impurity goes hand in hand with sexual immorality but can include lying or anything else that goes against God’s commands.

Promiscuity is defined as the practice of engaging in sexual activity frequently with different partners. This one also goes hand in hand with sexual immorality and moral impurity.

Next on the list is idolatry. This is putting anything or anyone before God. God must come first.

Sorcery is next on the list. Many may look at sorcery and say, “Well, that’s one thing I have no problem with.” Are you sure? This can include things like horoscopes and Quija boards. Even rebellion is likened to witchcraft in 1 Samuel 15:23, which says, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry.”

Hatred is being bitter or wishing harm on anyone. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 6:14-15 that in order for us to be forgiven for our sins, we must forgive those who have sinned against us. Strife goes hand in hand with hatred. Proverbs 10:12 says that hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 29:22 says a man of wrath stirs up much strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression or sin. Stay away from hatred and strife.

Next Paul mentions jealousy. It is a sin. The Tenth Commandment says we shall not covet anything or anyone that belongs to someone else. James 3:16 says that where jealousy and selfish ambition exists, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Outbursts of anger are mentioned next. We just read in Proverbs 29:22 that one given to anger causes much sin. Selfish ambitions are next and again James 3:16 tells us that selfish ambition leads to disorder and every vile practice.

Dissension factions are the act of causing dissension among others. This is often seen in churches or any relationship where the devil has gained access through one or more members. There will be disagreement after disagreement. The devil can’t stand for people to get along. Then Paul mentions envy which goes hand in hand with jealousy and strife.

I think we all understand what drunkenness means. Then Paul mentions carousing. This is defined as drinking and being noisy and lively. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Don’t get drunk with wine which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit.” If you are a Christian, then you know you don’t need alcohol to have a great time.

These things open the door for the devil. We must keep that door closed. Tomorrow we will talk about how to weatherproof that door and keep the devil out.

Have a great day!