The Cure All Series

How To Cope with Life’s Struggles (Part 11)

THE CURE ALL

(Gal 5:16) So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

(Gal 5:25) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

(Eph 5:18) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

I. WHAT THE CURE IS

A. Stated positively - “Walk in the Spirit”

·(Rom 6:4) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

·(Eph 4:1) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

B. Stated Negatively - “not fulfill the lust of the flesh”.

·(Rom 6:6) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

·(Rom 8:9) You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

·(Rom 13:14) Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

·(1 Pet 2:11) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

II. WHY THE CURE IS NEEDED

A. There is a spiritual warfare raging.

·(Rom 7:23) but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

·(Gal 5:17) For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

·(Eph 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

B. There is no victory by obeying rules.

·(Rom 8:2) because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

·(Heb 7:19) (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

C. There are corrupt works of the flesh.

·(Gal 5:19-21) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

D. There is an exclusion from the kingdom of God.

·(1 Cor 6:9-11) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

III. HOW THE CURE APPLIES (Gal. 5:22-23)

A. In your own heart the Spirit produces “love, joy and peace”.

B. In your relationship with others the Spirit produces “ longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness”.

C. In your relationship with God the Spirit produces “faith, meekness and temperance”.

IV. HOW THE CURE IS EXPERIENCED

A. Crucifixion of the flesh is experienced.

·(Gal 5:24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

·(Luke 9:23) Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

·(1 Cor 9:27) No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

·(Col 3:5) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

·(1 Pet 4:2) As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

B. Filling with the Spirit is experienced.

·(Gal 5:25) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

C. Enjoying Christian fellowship is experienced.

·(Gal 5:26) Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.