
Holiness is Spirit-driven, not self-driven.
16 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things 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. The law is not against such things.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. —Galatians 5:16-25 (CSB)
1. The War Between Flesh and Spirit (vv.16–18)
You can’t walk both ways.
The Spirit and flesh are in conflict.
Walking in the Spirit means choosing His way daily.
“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
2. Works of the Flesh (vv.19–21)
The evidence of unholiness is obvious.
Sexual sin, idolatry, division, and addictions destroy us.
These cannot be ignored—they must be crucified.
“Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
3. Fruit of the Spirit (vv.22–23)
Real holiness is produced, not performed.
Ninefold fruit = the character of Christ formed in us.
Not about trying harder, but walking closer.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
4. Crucify the Flesh (vv.24–25)
If you belong to Jesus, you kill what kills your soul.
Crucifying the flesh leads to spiritual growth.
Stay in step with the Spirit—daily surrender.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”