"So I say, live by The Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to The Spirit, and The Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want ... The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:16-23 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Galatia, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote to them saying that the sinful nature of man is in direct conflict with The Spirit. Those who live their lives gratifying the desires of their sinful nature, will not see the kingdom of God. (Romans 8:8) However, those believers who live their lives exhibiting the fruit of The Spirit, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Believers are to live their lives in such a manner that their behavior exhibits the fruit of The Holy Spirit. While belief in Jesus, The Christ, does not render the believer free from sin, but from the penalty of sin. (Romans 6:23) It is the believers' love for Christ which causes them to want to please Him by obeying His word, and by following His commands. (John 14:15 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1) Believers should strive to continually walk in The Spirit and not in the flesh. (Romans 8:1, Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:16, and Galatians 5:25) When we walk in The Spirit, our lives demonstrate the fruit of The Spirit, and the world can see the light of Christ shine within us. (Matthew 5:16)
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