Win the battle within!

Topics: victory, Spirit, Christian life

I. Walk by the Spirit!

A. Victory over the flesh is achieved as you yield to the Spirit!

1. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal. 5:16).
2. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

   Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord for we walk by faith, not by sight we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:4?9).

B. This is a lifestyle in which all aspects of life are transformed!

II. War Against the Flesh!

A. Victory over the flesh is an ongoing battle in your mind!

1. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (Galatians 5:17).
2. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:5?8).

B. This inner spiritual warfare is the ongoing reality of Christian living!

III. Win Relief from Guilt!

A. Victory over the flesh liberates you from guilt and shame!

1. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Galatians 5:18).
2. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; and You forgave the guilt of my sin (Psalm 32:5).

B. This victorious life enjoys a dynamic relationship with God!

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 2nd, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Win the Battle Within

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Helping one another to walk in victory over the temptations of the flesh is essential for winning the battle within. We cannot do it alone. How can you inspire each person to be led into victory (2 Corinthians 2:14, 15)?

Getting Started:

1. How do you stay connected to the Holy Spirit throughout each day?

2. What happens when we fail and give into the flesh? How should we respond to those moments of sin (Psalm 32:1-6)?

Discussing Truths:

1. What are some of the divinely powerful weapons of our warfare that help us win this battle within (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)?
2. Why do some people still want a list of rules and codes of conduct to feel a sense of moral security with God?
3. How can you war against the flesh with your mind (Matthew 16:23; Romans 8:5-8; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 4:21-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 2:3)?
4. What some spiritual disciplines that are involved in having our "inner man" being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)?
5. Why do you think many Christians still struggle with guilt and shame?
6. How does the New Testament picture this spiritual battle within (Romans 7:14-25; James 4:1-3; 1 Peter 2:11)?

Now What? Application:

1. How will you choose to daily walk in the Spirit, since the flesh and the Spirit are irreconcilable antagonists within?
2. Is there any guilt or shame from unconfessed sin that you need to humbly approach God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16; Psalm 51)?