When reigned by the flesh and when reigned by the Holy Spirit

When we were reigned by the flesh, the sinful passion or evil desires, which were aroused by the Law,

were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death (Rom. 6:12; 7:5).

But since now we are reigned by the Holy Spirit,

we live by the Holy Spirit and walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25).

Now we serve in the new way of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6).

Now we live a new life (6:4).

When we were controlled by the flesh, we gratify the desires of the sinful nature

and work on the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19).

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (vv. 19-21).

But now we are controlled by the Holy Spirit (v. 22) and live according to the Holy Spirit

that is against the flesh (v. 17).  Now we bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control (vv. 22-23).