The practice of sin

What’s your practice?

Galatians 5:16-21 NKJV
[16] I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

When I think of “those who practice such things” I immediately think of what “practice” means.

Athletes train and practice constantly and continually so that they can compete successfully in their sport. Olympic athletes train for years, practicing their sport habitually, so that they can make it onto the world stage. Every athlete practices so that they may maintain good strength, discipline and skills, in order to compete in their sport.

Whatever we do habitually and regularly is our practice.

Paul is telling us to develop a new practice. True followers will desire to turn away from their flesh with its sinful passions and desires. We once practiced these works of the flesh, and continue to do so if we’re not “walking in the Spirit.” We cannot walk in the Spirit if we’re not filled with the Spirit. We cannot be filled with the Spirit if we’re walking in (practicing) the works of the flesh. Our flesh and spirit are at war with one another, so that we do not do the things we want. Paul wrote extensively about this ongoing spiritual warfare. Romans and the Pauline Epistles all touch on the reality and presence of the battle of our flesh and spirit. Those who call themselves followers of Christ have entered this constant state of warfare, where their spirit is battling against their flesh, with their thoughts, emotions and feelings fighting against what God commands and requires of those who choose to follow Him.

Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [24] And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Our new practice is walking in the Spirit, which is a daily choice. Putting on our new man every day is important. We cannot walk in the flesh and overcome the wicked intentions that invade us. Only in the Spirit can we walk away from the lusts and desires of our flesh. In Christ we are victorious!

When we recognize that there is nothing good in our flesh, we will be led to repent and believe the Gospel, which is the good news of Christ’s atonement for the sins of the world. Jesus said to repent and believe. That’s a part of our new practice. It is the reason for our new practice.