I've written a lot this week about our sinful desires vs. what the Spirit wants, but what is the difference? I know it's pretty easy to distinguish but for me, I always better understand things when I see them written out.
sinful desires: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealously, outburst of anger, self ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties.
Spirit desires: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Take a second and really look at those lists. I know it's pretty clear and obvious which list we should want to live by, but it's hard. No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be sinful desires that try to interrupt my day. Unfortunately we were born sinners.
So what should we do when we experience sinful desires?
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful natures to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5:24)
I hope that after this morning, and reading into this you will more easily be able to identify when you are living in one these types of ways. When you realize you are indulging in your sinful desires, nail those things to the cross and repent. Let's continue to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
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