How To Win The War Within (Part II)
Galatians 5:16-21
Leroy Eims tells about a time when he was serving in the Marines in the South Pacific during World War II: "Shortly after we hit the beach, our armored amphibious tank took two artillery shells broadside. We immediately evacuated our disabled vehicle and darted from hole to hole toward the enemy airstrip, which we were to take."The sergeant began to check on us to make sure that we were OK. He crawled over to me and asked, `You all right, Eims?' "I answered, `Yeah, I'm OK, Sarge.' "He looked at me and asked, `Eims, where is your helmet?' "I felt the top of my head and answered, `Must be in the tank, Sarge.' "`Where's your duty belt?' Our duty belts carried ammunition for our rifles, a canteen of water, and a bayonet. "`Must be in the tank, Sarge.' "`As a matter of fact, Eims, where's your rifle?' He looked at me with disgust and pity. Because of our hasty departure from the amphibious tank, I was dressed about the same way that I would be dressed for a game of volleyball. And there I was, hopping from hole to hole, from tree to tree !
We are told in Ephesians that we are to "put on the whole armor of God" that is very true but we also must know how to use our weapons! In any battle it is vitally important to understand the mission. We need to know how to recognize the enemy. And we need to know what we have in our own arsenal!
I would like to continue to examine "How To Win The War Within". In part 1 of this sermon we began to examine the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Described in our selected text are the differences between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Tonight I would like to look at the lists that Paul provided and break them down word by word so that we can better understand the battle that we face. Let's begin by examining:
I. The Works Of The Flesh
1) Adultery - this refers to any kind of sexual immorality among those who are married.
2) Fornication - all illicit sexual activity, including adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, incest, and prostitution. (ill. The common practice of living together without being married)
3) Uncleanness - this refers to physical or moral impurity.
4) Lasciviousness - any excessive behavior or lack of restraint (especially sexual excess and indulgence)
5) Idolatry - Worshipping anyone or anything other than the one true God.
6) Witchcraft - the original Greek word used here is pharmakeia, from which the English word “pharmacy” comes, originally referred to medicines in general, but in this context it refers to mood and mind-altering drugs, as well as the occult, witchcraft, and magic. Many pagan religious practices required the use of drugs to aid in the communication with deities.
7) Hatred - hostility and bitter opposition.
8) Variance - quarreling and hostile debate
9) Emulations - refers to hateful resentment, malice and indignation.
10) Wrath - outbursts of anger.
11) Strife - contention, dissention and conflict
12) Seditions - this speaks of division and discord
13) Heresies - organized division and/or cliques.
14) Envyings - jealously coupled with ill will toward someone.
15) Murders - speaks for itself.
16) Drunkenness - literally means intoxication
17) Revellings - rowdy, boisterous living (including wild parties).
This list describes in great detail many of the actions seen in the lost man. These actions are prevalent in those who are without Christ. The lost man has a void in his life and is trying to fill that void with anything that brings pleasure. When someone is living this lifestyle they may think that they are "living it up" so to speak.
Hebrews 11:25 tells us that there is "pleasure in sin for a season" - But the pleasure never lasts and there is no joy, contentment or lasting fulfillment in a lifestyle of sin. And a life lived in the flesh leads to destruction. Notice what Paul says at the end of verse 21...“I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”
This is devastating news! But it is true nonetheless! Those who refuse to surrender to Christ and remain in the depths of depravity that come from following the desires of the flesh are destined for Hell. Not because of the things that they do, but because of what they refuse to do (trusting in Christ for salvation). Understanding the context of this verse may help us in "Winning The War Within". Some people may look at this statement and say "there is no point in trying because there are some things in this list that describe me!"
I hate to admit it but there are several words in these verses that describe me from time to time. I know all of you and you all possess some of these attributes in your life. So does this mean that we will “not inherit the Kingdom of God?” Does it mean that we will lose our salvation when we commit any of the sins on this list? If that is what this means then we just need to hang it up because we have NO HOPE whatsoever! But, I am glad that we DO HAVE HOPE and it is in Jesus Christ!
But preacher, Paul said “they which DO such things SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God” Yes, he did and he is right! But you must understand that the verb "do" in this verse indicates an ongoing lifestyle. If you are constantly living a life that is filled with these “works of the flesh” then yes, YOU ARE HELL BOUND! If you are saved and you have fallen into sin you are not automatically lost and hell bound again.
But as we saw in verse 13 our freedom in Christ does not give us a license continue in sin - Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
If you have any of these “works of the flesh” in your life then you MUST REPENT! If you will, God WILL forgive you! - 1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.The flesh will have an impact on you even after this life!
Those who choose to live after the flesh and never surrender to Christ will be judged - Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Those who are saved and revert to the sins of the flesh will suffer as a result! There will be chastisement in this life - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
There will be consequences in eternity - 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
This shows the severity of the battle that we fight ...and it shows the importance of Winning The War Within! Maybe this portion of scripture has caused you to doubt your salvation. This may be a good thing because there are some people who need to doubt because they aren't saved! But for those who are truly saved, when doubt arises in your life it will ALWAYS hinder progress. If you don't have that full assurance you will not be able to live in victory. In the next few verses we find certain information that will help you KNOW THAT YOU KNOW... THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAVED!
- Let's take a few moments and consider:
II. The Fruit Of The Spirit
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
It is important for us to remember what Jesus said in - John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Fruit abides in the vine and the life of the vine to flows through it, The fruit is automatically produced on the branch. Just as the works of the flesh characterize the lives of the lost... the fruit of the Spirit is evidence of one's salvation.I encourage you, as we go through this list to examine your life and see if you posses these fruits.
The first fruit is LOVE!
1) Love – (agapē - ag-ah'-pay) - affection or benevolence;
If you are truly born again you WILL exhibit possess the fruit of love.Paul says in - 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
a) You will love God - Matthew 22:37 Jesus said ...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.
b) You will love your neighbor - Matthew 22:39 and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The opposite of love is hate... If you possess hate then you SHOULD be concerned about your salvation - 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Next on the list is joy:
2) Joy – (chara - khar-ah') - cheerfulness, calm delight: -
There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on what happens, Joy will remains even in the midst of trouble! Even when we are facing troubles, trials and tribulations if you are in Christ you can still have Joy.
- A Hindu trader in India once asked a missionary, "What do you put on your face to make it shine?" With surprise the man of God answered, "I don't put anything on it!" His questioner began to lose patience and said emphatically, "Yes, you do! All of you who believe in Jesus seem to have it. I've seen it in the towns of Agra and Surat, and even in the city of Bombay." Suddenly the Christian understood, and his face glowed even more as he said, "Now I know what you mean, and I will tell you the secret. It's not something we put on from the outside but something that comes from within. It's the reflection of the light of God in our hearts."
I found an illustration that describe some places where men look for joy but cannot (and will not find it) Not in Unbelief -- Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: "I wish I had never been born." Not in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."Not in Money -- Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth." Not in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret." Not in Military Glory -- Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer."Where then is real joy found? -- the answer is simple, in Christ alone.
The Bible Friend, Turning Point, May, 1993.
Be led by the Spirit... abide in the Vine and HE will produce the fruit of joy in your life! The next fruit that we see is:
3) Peace – (eirēnē - i-rah'-nay) Spiritual prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
I rest beneath the Almighty's shade,
My griefs expire, my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace. - Charles Wesley
The peace that comes to those who are in Christ is not the absence of trouble, but is rather the confidence that Jesus is always with you! We live in a world that is filled with turmoil and uncertainty but the believer can have peace because we are not of this world! We can have peace only because of the One who has secured it for us!
Remember what Jesus said in - John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Next on the list is:
4) Longsuffering – (makrothumia - mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah) - forbearance or patience.
This refers to those who are willing to accept and bear injury - Ephesians 4:32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
There are occasions throughout the day when people just get to us. Maybe you are quick to blow up and tell somebody off! When we react this way we are not being longsuffering. Coupled with longsuffering is:
5) Gentleness – (chrēstotēs - khray-stot'-ace) usefulness, moral excellence (in character or demeanor) Kindness
Someone who is gentle has an attitude of kindness.This is a person who is easy to get along with and easy to please. Someone who is always bitter and combative does not show evidence of this fruit!
Then comes:
6) Goodness – (agathōsunē - ag-ath-o-soo'-nay) - virtue or beneficence
This refers to a willingness to do good and help others - 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. So many are quick to talk the talk but very few will back it up with their actions, We can shout the Gospel from the roof top but if we never back it up with our actions what does it benefit?
Next on the list is:
7) Faith – (pistis - pis'-tis) - moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; as well as constancy in such profession;
This fruit begins in salvation but it doesn't end there! When you possess the fruit of faith you are trusting Christ each and every day of your life. It is also having faith in the promises that God has made concerning the future! This word also implies faithfulness.
o Are you devoted and faithful to Christ?
o Are you devoted and faithful to His Word?
o Are you devoted and faithful to His Church?
It was a stormy night in Birmingham, England, and Hudson Taylor was to speak at a meeting at the Severn Street schoolroom. His hostess assured him that nobody would attend on such a stormy night, but Taylor insisted on going. "I must go even if there is no one but the doorkeeper." Less than a dozen people showed up, but the meeting was marked with unusual spiritual power. Half of those present either became missionaries or gave their children as missionaries; and the rest were faithful supporters of the China Inland Mission for years to come. - W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, p. 242.
There is never a shortage of excuses... let us be found faithful!! This is part of the war within that we speak of. The flesh does not want to pray, study, worship, praise, witness or serve. The flesh will provide you with many excuses not to do these things. But when you "walk in the Spirit" you will be able to accomplish each and every work that you have been called to accomplish!
The next fruit that is mentioned is:
8) Meekness – (praotēs - prah-ot'-ace) – humility, Restraint - This refers to power under control. Not using one's power for evil or for revenge. Meekness is not weakness!
Jesus was meek - Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
No man that was weak could have endured the beating that Christ took but we see during the crucifixion that He did not use the power that He possessed! Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
When we are meek, we refrain from using our positions, power and influence for evil! This restraint is not possible when you follow the works of the flesh. The last word that is mentioned is:
9) Temperance – (egkrateia - eng-krat'-i-ah) - self control
This is refusing to do those things you have in your power to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. - Many have it in their mind that they are allowed to live as they please.
However, the opposite is true! Every child of God is commanded to render his life as a living sacrifice - Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
When you look at these two lists that are covered in these verses you see total opposites.
It is white and black
You see good and evil
You see spirit and flesh
You see saved and lost
You see heaven and Hell
You see victory and defeat
It is a war.. it is THE WAR WITHIN! And if you are saved you are in the middle of this war each and every day! If you will apply the truths found in these verses you will have all that is needed to win the war within!
How do you win the war within? = "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh"
