The Battle Between Light and Darkness Within Us

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Darkness and chaos in our lives can be caused not only by external factors like the devil but also by our own actions and behaviors, often referred to as "the works of the flesh.” Paul’s words highlight the inner conflict between wanting to do what is right and sometimes falling into sin. He expresses his frustration by acknowledging that it is not him but rather the sin within him that leads to these actions.  Romans 7:15-20
Paul then addresses whether this gives us the right to continue sinning, Romans 6:15. It is not the sin itself but consistent disobedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

WORKS OF THE FLESH

The flesh represents the trait of human nature, identified by its corrupt desires. Even after a Christian's transformation, it lingers as a disturbing adversary. Those who continue to engage in the sinful acts of the flesh as a lifestyle cannot enter the kingdom of God. It is imperative to resist and overcome them in an ongoing spiritual battle, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

(Galatians 5:19-21)

  • Adultery (Gk. moicheia) is the sexual relations of a married person with someone other than their spouse.
  • Fornication (Gk. porneia) is immoral sexual conduct and intercourse, including pleasure in pornographic pictures, films, or writing.
  • Uncleanness (Gk. akatharsia), sexual sins, evil deeds, and vices, including thoughts and desires of the heart.
  • Lasciviousness (Gk. aselgeia) is sensuality, following one’s passion and desires to the point of having no shame or public decency.
  • Idolatry (Gk. edololatria) is the worship of spirits, persons, or graven images and trust in any person, institution, or thing as having equal or greater authority than God and His Word.
  • Witchcraft (Gk. pharmakeia) sorcery, spiritism, black magic, worship of demons, and use of drugs to produce “spiritual” experiences.
  • Hatred (Gk. echthra), intense hostile intentions and acts, extreme dislike or enmity.
  • Variance (Gk.  eris), Quarreling, antagonism, a struggle for superiority.
  • Emulations (Gk. zelos), Resentfulness, the envy of another’s success.
  • Wrath (Gk. thumos), explosive anger or rage that flares into violent words and deeds.
  • Strife (Gk. eritheia), selfish ambition, and power-seeking.
  • Seditions (Gk.  dichostasia), introducing divisive teachings not supported by the word of God.
  • Heresies (Gk. hairesis), a division within the congregation into selfish groups or cliques, destroys the church’s unity.
  • Envying (Gk. phthonos),  resentful dislike of another person who has something that one desires.
  • Murders (Gk. phonos), killing someone unlawfully and with malice.
  • Drunkenness (Gk. methe), impairing one’s mental or physical control by an alcoholic drink
  • Reveling (Gk. komos), excessive feasting, revelry, a party spirit involving alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Opposite the works of the flesh is a lifestyle in which the Messiah’s followers function to pull down the power of sin in our lives. These actions comprise of (Galatians 5:22-23)

  • Love (Gk. Agape) is caring and seeking another person’s highest good without motive for personal gain.
  • Joy (Gk. Chara) is the feeling of gladness based on God's love, grace, blessings, promises, and nearness belonging to those who believe in Christ.
  • Peace (Gk. Eirene) is the quietness of heart and mind based on the knowledge that all is well between the believer and their heavenly Father.
  • Longsuffering (Gk. Makrothumia) endurance, patience, being slow to anger or despair.
  • Gentleness (Gk. Chrestotes) is not wanting to hurt someone or give them pain.
  • Goodness (Gk. Agathosune), zeal for truth and righteousness, and a hatred for evil can be expressed in acts of kindness or rebuking and correcting evil. 
  • Faith (Gk. Pistis), faithfulness, firm and unswerving loyalty, and adherence to a person to whom one is united by promise, commitment, trustworthiness, and honesty.
  • Meekness (Gk. Prautes) restraint coupled with strength and courage describes a person who can be angry when anger is needed and humbly submissive when required. 
  • Temperance (Gk. Egkreteia) is having control or mastery over one’s desires and passions, including faithfulness to one’s marriage vows and purity chastity. 

Followers of the Messiah should strive to embody the character traits of the fruit of the spirit in their daily lives. These qualities are essential for building solid and unwavering faith. These principles are fundamental for those who consider themselves children of the kingdom of God.

Making our calling and election sure

(2 Peter 1:3-11) His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him, who called us by his glory and goodness. By these, he has given us exceedingly great and precious promises so you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world because of evil desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election because if you do these things, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. 

In conclusion, the writings of Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter give us valuable insights into the qualities and virtues that every born-again believer should strive to possess. Paul emphasizes the importance of pursuing the fruit of the spirit. These character traits are essential in our battles against evil and darkness in this era.

Apostle Peter, on the other hand, shares the keys to never falling, offering guidance on how to stand firm in our faith and resist temptation by staying vigilant.  (2 Peter 1:3-11), with this inspiration, we can navigate through the challenges of life without falling into the darkness around us.

By adopting the teachings of apostles Paul and Peter, we can make a positive difference in our communities and combat the forces of darkness that seek to divide and destroy. So, let us strive to cultivate the fruit of the spirit, hold fast to the keys of never falling, and allow our light to shine, illuminating the path for others and scattering the darkness wherever we go.


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