Scripture
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Observation
We have been called to freedom, but it is a freedom to do right not freedom to sin. Our flesh fights against the Spirit, so that we are not free in ourselves to carry out our good intentions. But when we live in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not under any obligation to the Law of Moses or to the desires of the flesh.
The sinful nature manifests itself in all kinds of sexual immorality, idolatry, anger, ambition and such like. The Holy Spirit produces Christ- like actions in us such as love, joy, peace, and so on.
As people living in the power of the Holy Spirit, we should let the Spirit dominate in every part of our lives.
Application
Christ has brought us freedom from every kind of bondage. Now we are called to live lives of freedom. But it is not freedom to sin. That would be just the same kind of “freedom” the world offers.
The Good News is that we do not have to be good enough to prove we are acceptable to God. We are saved by grace because God loves us.
This is not an excuse to sin. We are not saved by good works, we are saved for good works.
The freedom we have in Christ is not freedom to do as we please. It is freedom to do what pleases God. Before Jesus came into my life, I had no alternative to self- centred sin. But in Christ I now have the freedom to do what is right, not by compulsion, but in joyful surrender to the Holy Spirit.
This freedom in the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self- control. What a wonderful gift!
Prayer
Holy Spirit come and direct every part of my life. I surrender all of me to you. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 
Hi ,
(Galatians 5:13) states :‘ You My brothers & sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.’
The description is propounded
nicely in this article.
The passions of the flesh, the lusts of the flesh, the desires of the flesh, filthiness of the flesh etc, defile the flesh & spirit.
The following verses denote the meaning of living in the flesh, _:
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1) Walking in lasciviousness, lusts, revellings, banquetings & abominable idolatries.
(1 Peter 4:3 )
Lasciviousness refers to
unbridled or lewd behavior that express es intense, often indecent, sexual desire. It implies a lack of restrai nt regarding sexual behavior,such as in public indecency, obscene gestures, or wantonness.
The “lust of the flesh” refers to uncontrolled, excessive cravings arising from human nature, often focusing on physical pleasure, comfort & indulgence contrary to God’s will. It represents selfish desires that prioritize bodily appetites—such as gluttony,
laziness, or sexual immorality—over spiritual health & godly living.
Revellings refers to engaging in noisy, lively, & often wild festivities or partying.
Banqueting is the act of hosting or partaking in a large, formal, & lavish meal for many people, typically honoring a specific occasion or person. It involves high-level catering service, meticulous planning,& organized, multi-course dining for events like weddings, galas & corporate conferences.
2) Care of this world & the deceitfulness of riches. (Matthew 13 :22)
Care of this world” refers to the anxieties,worries& preoccupation with earthly, material matters that distract from spiritual growth & divine focus. These concerns—such as money, career,reputation,
& daily necessities— as burdens that “choke” spiritual life.
3) Filthy dreamers, Murmurs, complains. ‘( Jude 8,19 )
Filthy dreamers” is used to describe false teachers or individuals who allow impure, immoral thoughts to pollute the lives. They are characterized by defying divine authority, indulging in licentious behavior, & distorting grace to justify sin.
4) Friendship with this world,
covetousness . ( James 4: 4)
Friendship with the world, refers to adopting the values, desires, & behaviors of the ungodly human system rather than following God.This involves pride, & material pleasures .
5) Bitter envying, strife &jealousy.’
(James 3: 14). Confusion,selfish ambition & every evil work.(James 3:16)
6) lmpurity, evil desire.”
(Colossians 3:5)
Impurity is not limited to physical acts but also extends to words, thoughts & actions, moral or ceremonial—that deviates from God’s holiness & separates humanity from His presence. It encompasses sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, & internal corruption of the heart. In the Old Testament, it primarily meant ritual uncleanness, while in the New Testament, it focuses on inner moral defilement.
7) ‘Divisions’ (1Corinthians 3:3)
8) Quarreling & jealousy.
(Romans 13:13 )
9) (Ephesians 5:18) warns: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. lt involves excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures: a loss of control over one’s desires & actions.This includes over indulgence in food, alcohol, drugs, & sexual activity outside of marriage.
10) Works of the flesh such as witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,(Gal.5 :19, 20 )
Emulation refers to jealous competition, envious rivalry.
Sedition is the act of inciting rebellion, discord, against established authority, whether civil or spiritual, that disrupts peace & unity. Key examples include Absalom’s conspiracy (2 Sam 15) and Barabbas’s insurrection (Luke 23:19).
Heresies refers to divisive teachings or false doctrines that deny essential Christian truths.
11) Greed., filthiness, foolish talk & crude joking. (Ephesians 5:3-5)
12) Reckless behavior:
(2 Tim. 3:4) It is characterized as foolishness, impulsiveness & a disregard for consequences, wisdom, or God’s commands. It often leads to senseless deeds, wild living & disregard for the consequences of one’s actions.
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