Galatians – Chapter Five XXIV

by Ed Urzi

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:17-18).

We associated “the flesh” with the weaknesses that are common to human nature in an earlier message. When used in a spiritual context, the flesh represents the best or worst anyone can do in his or her own strength. It also represents our natural tendency to think and act in ways that are misaligned with God’s design for His creation. If left unrestrained, the flesh will pursue whatever it desires at any particular moment without regard to morality or consequence.

One scholar highlights the animosity between the flesh and the Spirit with the following translation of Galatians 5:17-18: “…the evil nature constantly has a strong desire to suppress the Spirit, and the Spirit constantly has a strong desire to suppress the evil nature. And these are entrenched in an attitude of mutual opposition to one another so that you may not do the things that you desire to do” (Wuest).

But as we seek to to be led by the Spirit, we may wish to reflect upon the following cautionary message…

“…be careful not to confuse your subjective feelings with the Spirit’s leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’s Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and his promptings.” (1)

For instance, there are some who are often heard to use phrases like, “The Lord spoke to me…” or other, similar expressions. While it is certainly true that God provides direction for His people, its important to exercise caution before we attempt to speak for God in this manner. In such instances, we would do well to remember the advisory given to us in Proverbs 30:5-6: ”Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge In him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke-you and prove you a liar” (NIV).

Instead of a blanket statement like, “The Lord told me,” it would be far more prudent to say, ”I believe the Lord has spoken to me…” or, ”I feel that God is directing me…” or, “I think God is leading me to do such and such.” These qualifiers recognize that we are imperfect people who sometimes make honest mistakes as we seek to be led by the Spirit.

(1) Life Application Study Bible, Galatians 5:16-18 Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved. Life Application® is a registered trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.