Galatians 5:16
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Scripture tells us that sin is conceived when we are drawn away by lust; this implies that lust is the origin of sin. Lust is an intense desire, craving, or longing for something or someone. Lust can be associated with worldly desires in terms of sexual intent or possession of material things. Lust is a force that wants to be gratified at all costs without considering the consequences. It is responsible for the sinful nature of man. To live above lust and walk in victory over sin, it is imperative that we are controlled by the Spirit. When we submit to the guidance and directions of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easy for us to live a new life in Christ. When we are born again, our spirits become regenerated, and we are free to serve God and do good works. But sin through the agency of fleshy desires opposes the Spirit of God in us so that we are unable to conduct ourselves according to the new life in Christ. As believers, we must not be oblivious to this war between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit of God if we want to be active and relevant in the things of the Spirit. Our relationship with the Spirit of God assures us of victory in this battle, as He empowers and equips us to resist the advances of the flesh in obedience to His instructions.
James 4:9
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Jeremiah 3:14
Return, faithless people, declares the Lord, for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion.
Romans 8:24
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Joel 2:12
Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.