CULTIVATE: KILL THE FLESH, FEEL THE POWER

2025-11-23

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Galatians 5:22–25 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Today, we are going to discuss faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are the last three words used to describe the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. Each of these nine attributes, or graces, are evidence of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. When walking in the Spirit, these attributes will naturally be on display. Not because of our goodness, but because of His work.

Vs 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

David Guzik said, “The flesh battles against God because it does not want to be crucified and surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. It does not want to live out Galatians 5:24.”[1]

1. Faithfulness

Pistis – the state of being someone in whom complete confidence can be placed; trustworthiness, dependability

• 1 Sam. 12:24 (NKJV) Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth (faithfully) with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
• No matter the circumstances, the Holy Spirit’s work in us produces a person who is faithful in thought, belief, and action
• “Every thought we think, in every hour we live, must be, not necessarily about Christ, but it must be the thought Christ would think were he placed in our circumstances and subject to our condition…Only our disobedience and distraction can keep us from experiencing the Spirit’s work within us.”[2] – Hannah Whitall Smith
• Faithfulness takes intention

2. Gentleness

Prautēs – gentleness of one’s attitude and behavior, in contrast with harshness in one’s dealings with others

• 3:12 (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness (gentleness), longsuffering
• Gentleness (or meekness) is not weakness, it is Christlikeness
• Gentleness is strength under control
• “Meekness is power under control. Biblical meekness, or gentleness, is power under the control of God.”[3] – John MacArthur

3. Self-Control

Enkrateia – to exercise complete control over one’s desires and actions, especially sinful desires and temptation

• Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
• We all struggle with various temptations, the Holy Spirit’s work within us gives us what we need to overcome temptation
• “Nothing is more powerful to overcome temptation than the fear of God.”[4] – John Calvin
• Again, only our disobedience and distraction can keep us from experiencing the Spirit’s work within us

Action Points:

1. Let your words and actions define you…reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit

2. When anger or disappointment are possible, slow down and let His Spirit take over

3. You will be tempted in sin in the coming days, stand firm against giving in to what the flesh desires

[1] Guzik, David (2002). Romans Commentary. Enduring Word Media.

[2] Bunn, I. D. (2006). 444 Surprising Quotes about Jesus: A Treasury of Inspiring Thoughts and Classic Quotations. Bethany House Publishers.

[3] MacArthur, J. F. (2015). Ephesians: Our Immeasurable Blessings in Christ. Harper Christian Resources.

[4] Blanchard, John (2024). The Complete Gathered Gold: A Treasury of Quotations for Christians. Reformation Heritage Books.