Kingdom Living Over Carnal Desires | Galatians 5:19-21

Do you feel like you are missing out on something in your spiritual life?

We are going to be starting a new book of the Bible soon. We are returning to the story of three men: Samuel the Prophet and Kings Saul and David. The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, marked by intrigue, betrayal, and divine intervention. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, it vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the continuing faithfulness of God amidst human sin. So go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin!

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. — Galatians 5:19-21

Paul clarifies the difference between a believer who lives directed by the Spirit and one who lives directed by the flesh. The core issue is corrupt desires. However, the problem is that we cannot see corrupt desires; we can only see their outputs. So Paul does this here: He lists fifteen seeable proofs of our unseeable corrupt desires. They can be grouped into four categories:

Group One: Impure Private Desires

1. Sexual Immorality
2. Impurity
3. Sensuality

Group Two: False Public Worship

1. Idolatry
2. Sorcery

Group Three: Destructive Interpersonal Behaviors

1. Enmity
2. Strife
3. Jealousy
4. Fits of anger
5. Rivalries
6. Dissensions
7. Divisions
8. Envy

Group Four: Excessive Personal Indulgence

1. Drunkenness
2. Orgies

But what is most interesting is how Paul ends this long list of fleshy evidence. He states, "I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." His point of emphasis is not about missing out on inheriting a future kingdom. It's about missing out on experiencing a present kingdom (or present way of life with God) where God's kingship rules our every thought, action, and decision. In other words, living the Christian life directed by carnal desires resulting in carnal actions is to miss out on the leadership of Jesus and the direction of the Spirit.

So don't miss out on the Spirit's life. The Spirit's desires are greater than those old carnal ones. Living your life like a "Carnal Christian" is a misnomer. Don't live this way. Kill those old behaviors and desires, and invite the Holy Spirit to give you strong and new godly desires.

#KingdomLiving
#SpiritLedLife
#CarnalChristianity

ASK THIS:

1. Reflecting on your own life, which of the "fleshy evidence" mentioned by Paul do you struggle with the most? How can you actively work to replace those desires with godly ones?
2. Consider a recent decision or action you took that was influenced by carnal desires. How might that situation have played out differently if you had sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit and aligned your actions with God's kingdom principles?

DO THIS: Invite the Spirit to give you strong godly desires.

PRAY THIS: Father, I pray for strength to overcome my carnal desires and to walk in the guidance of your Holy Spirit, embracing the fullness of life in your kingdom today. Help me to continually seek your will and to live in alignment with your ways. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Holy Spirit.