Beyond the Weekend

October 5 | Acts of the Flesh

October 5, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh… Galatians 5:13a

Read: Galatians 5:13-21
Listen: 
Galatians 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

We all have ungodly desires, but what we do with those desires really matters to God. The word “sin” means turning away from God in our thoughts and actions. Paul is pointing out that even though Jesus died in our place to free us from the debt of sin, it’s still a habit we easily give in to.

Sinful desires are strong because we want what we want. An example is desiring a forbidden cookie. Wanting the cookie isn’t a sin. But we cross the line when we gratify that desire by constantly thinking about how to get the cookie OR taking and eating it. The cookie could be any ungodly desire. Maybe we’re furious with someone, so we imagine the conversation or lash out at them. We’re attracted to someone’s spouse at the gym, so we fantasize about being with them or make a move.

Having an ungodly desire doesn’t make us bad people. God understands we’re in a battle. That’s why he sent Jesus to die for us—and the Holy Spirit to help us choose what is right. He has made a way for us not to cross the line from desire to sin.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

With a humble heart, ask God to show you where you may be crossing the line between ungodly desire and gratifying that desire in your mind or actions. Tomorrow, we look at how God can help us conquer that desire.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

MICAH 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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