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THINGS TO AVOID

As we have discussed, Paul used the human body as an example to represent God’s people as the Body of Christ.

When our leg is broken, we cannot walk. When we have an ear infection we cannot hear.

In the same way when we blatantly sin, we hurt not only ourselves but the whole Body of Christ.

To make things worse, we grieve the Holy Spirit and our gifts become flat and dull.

Keep in mind; you have a responsibility to the Body of Christ.

In Galatians, Paul says to avoid these things: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy, and drunkenness.

Paul then says, “live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

READ SCRIPTURE

GALATIANS 5:16-21, NIV

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

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.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

21 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.

EPHESIANS 4:29-32, NIV

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10, NIV

9 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

10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

LIVE IT

With a friend, go over the list below and discuss how your life needs to change. Pray for one another that God would give you victory and freedom from these sins:

Sexual immorality
Idolatry
Witchcraft
Hatred
Jealousy
Selfish ambition
Envy
Drunkenness

God is good in giving us the gift of repentance, so change your mind and move in a new direction through the Spirit’s power today.

PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness. I confess these sins and fall upon your mercy today. Help me to be obedient to you. Empower me to follow you and cleanse my mind so that I may stay focused on loving and living for you. In your name I pray, Amen.”

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