The acts of the flesh are obvious …
Summary: Paul writes from his point of view. Sometimes it feels like he forgets we don’t have his knowledge. He can be hard to keep up with.
If the acts of the flesh are obvious, why does Paul need to list them here? The answer to that question is that they are obvious to mature believers who know the Scriptures and have the Holy Spirit. They are not “obvious” to people who don’t know God’s Word or his Spirit.
Of course, Paul is writing to believers. Both the Galatians and those of us who follow in their footsteps know the difference between the flesh and the Spirit.
As discussed in past meditations, being a believer is not like switching on a light. We have to be taught what it means to believe. Through his Spirit, God patiently trains us to “see” the difference between the flesh and the Spirit.
At some point in our spiritual growth, the “light” goes on. We begin to notice that our old ways of living do not align with God’s Word or his Spirit. I remember this well myself. What seemed “right” to me when I was younger now seems embarrassing, if not shameful.
These days, God’s Spirit speaks to me through his Word and through my heart. I feel convicted if an “act of the flesh” comes to mind. I feel at peace when I find myself enjoying the fruit of the Spirit.
As we continue our meditations on this topic, I am torn about how to proceed. Part of me wants to skip past all the details and jump into the fruit of the Spirit. Another part of me looks at the topics Paul has listed and thinks, “We really need to talk about some of these.”
The reason we need to talk about them is because it helps us to understand what they mean. The more we understand, the easier it is to recognize the acts of the flesh. Even though Paul sees them as “obvious,” the rest of us might find the line between flesh and Spirit a wee bit fuzzy. So, in the interest of clear vision, let’s forge ahead and explore those things that are contrary to the Spirit.
Application: Practice categorizing your thoughts into “acts of the flesh” and “fruit of the Spirit.”
Food for Thought: How has your understanding of “acts of the flesh” changed over time?
How has your understanding of “acts of the flesh” changed over time?
For me, my understanding of the “acts of the flesh” changed from being focused on intent verses the action. The intent precedes the action, and in the intent we make a choice between placing ourselves above God and our neighbor, or loving God first and our neighbor as ourselves. The outward appearances of our lives should be a truthful relefection of the inner self.
These are easy words to write, and I think alot of people would nod in agreement to them, but it is a hard truth to live up to. Our thoughts are an integral part to our free will, and are unseen by others. It becomes very important to keep in contact with the Holy Spirit, reading the Word and in prayer. To stand in truth in the presence of the Lord.
Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Chris,
I like how you identify “intent” and “action” as two sides of the same coin. We need to deal with both. Well said!