The Power to Say "No"

Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16

If you’re under the dominion of the passions of your flesh, then you’re not walking by the Spirit. You can’t be under the control of the Spirit and at the same time be a slave to your flesh. You’ll either be doing one or the other.

In Galatians 5:19–20, Paul lists many of the works of the flesh, including sexual immorality, hatred, strife, jealousy, anger, and selfish ambition (to name a few).

The children of God won’t be characterized by these things. That doesn’t mean they will never do some of them, but it won’t be a way of life. In contrast, if you’re walking by the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be evident: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (v. 22).

When you belong to Jesus, you “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (v. 24). That means as a Christ-follower, you’re no longer under the control of your flesh. You have the power through God’s Spirit to say “no.”