“5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.”
In the previous verses, Paul introduced two opposing worldviews. First is to live according to the flesh, which means to be living in sin, distracted by temporal possessions, overly concerned about oneself, etc. The second is to live according to the Spirit, which is the exact opposite of those things. To live by the Spirit is to systematically remove all sin from your life, treasure things that are of eternal value, and live in service to Jesus and to others.
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.” — Galatians 5:16-17
Verse 5 offers a diagnostic tool for evaluating your heart’s desires, and its formula is quite simple. “For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.” (v. 5) What is on your mind!? Are you thinking about fleshly desires? Then you are walking by the flesh. Are you thinking about the desires of the Spirit? Then you are walking by the Spirit.
What sorts of things are the things of the flesh? Paul uses verses 6-8 to elaborate. Are your thoughts consumed by death and hostile thoughts towards God? Are you in rebellion against God and His order of law? If so, you are walking by the flesh. Are your thoughts about life and peace? Are your thoughts in submission to God’s law? Are they about how you can please and honor God? Are you concerned about reflecting God’s glory through the way you think and act? If so, you are walking by the Spirit.
Another way to discover where the loyalties of your heart lie is to evaluate your behavior. Paul lists the behavior of both those who live by the flesh and those who live by the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians.
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things — as I warned you before — that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” — Galatians 5:19-26
Notice that in verse 8, Paul says there is no possible way for those who live by the flesh to please God. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (v. 8) James tells his readers the same thing.
“You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God.” — James 4:4
This does not mean that God is unable to use those who live by the flesh for His own glory, or that they will somehow live outside of His will. No, God will still get His glory and will still accomplish what He intends. However, God receives no pleasure from those who dwell in sin. Those who choose to live in sin will be separated from God. What these verses do mean is that there is no middle ground when it comes to our relationship with God. You are either His friend or His enemy. Waste no time and take no chances, you’ll want to be on God’s side when the day of judgment comes.
Paul reveals in verse 9 that it is only possible to walk by the Spirit if, in fact, the Spirit of God lives in you. It is not us who have the power to walk by the Spirit, but rather the Spirit of God enables us to walk in His ways. This is so important, and in fact, Paul goes on even further to tell his readers, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.” (v. 9b) If you don’t have the Spirit of God living in you, enabling you to live by the Spirit, then you do not belong to God, and you are not saved! Let this serve as a warning to those who are living in their sin. If you continue to love your sinful lifestyle, having no desire to change, you do not have the Spirit of God, and God is calling you to repent and have faith in Jesus who can save you from your sin and shame! On the day of judgment, those in sin will be found out, and they will be punished as God’s enemies. Call on Jesus to save you and ask God to send His Spirit to enable you to walk in His ways.