Which Nature?
Galatians 5:16 26 There are basically two forces which drive our lives. On the one hand there is the sinful or flesh nature and on the other is that which is directed by the Holy Spirit. These two forces are in a constant struggle with each other. The sinful nature is driven by what I want for my control and what I perceive as in my best interests. It is what brings pleasure and comfort to me and my world. It is kind to others or uses others as best furthers my end. It calls upon God or ignores God as He fits into my scheme of things. It is governed by feels good, seems right, avoids pain, etc. Proverbs 14:12 says it best, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death." The law is given to set limits and keep under control what would by natural course bring about chaos and destruction. As one looks down the list of the acts of the sinful nature in verses 19 21 and considers that if the law were removed (God's and man's) for several generations; the results would be too terrible to imagine. On the other end is being led by or living by the Spirit, i.e., living in a way and for the purpose of pleasing God. In "the fall", Genesis 3, that ability was broken, and the law and sacrificial system became "work arounds" until the Messiah, Jesus, would come and by His death in our place would replace that broken part. It's like staying plugged into the generator when the power is off. Notice in our Scripture we have "acts" of the sinful nature, but "fruit" of the Spirit. Fruit is not what you do, but it is the natural results of living under the Spirit's direction for the purpose of pleasing God. It is much like: being healthy is a result of eating right and taking good care of our bodies. The fruit of the Spirit describes our spiritual health as we live under the Spirit's control.
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