Part 2: When the Flesh Tries to Talk—Just Don’t Answer: Gal 5:16

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

Let’s be real—sometimes we have thoughts we’re not proud of.

I remember someone once telling me about this inner struggle he had. A person who had given him a tough time was now going through a rough patch. And even though he knew better, somewhere deep inside, he felt a little glad. Just a tiny flicker of satisfaction. Then came the guilt—“I can’t believe I thought that. I need to crucify myself. What’s wrong with me?”

Ever been there?

But here’s what we often miss: that tug-of-war? That inner contradiction? That’s not a sign that you’re failing—it’s a reminder that you still have flesh. And the flesh, my friend, is not sinful nature, or body of sin, but rather it is the outdated operating system, or unrenewed mind.

The Flesh Isn’t You—It’s Just Old Programming

Paul says, “The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit.” It’s like an outdated operating system that keeps trying to boot up. It’s not you—it’s the leftovers of your old mindset. The stuff you used to run on before grace rewired you.

So when that old junk surfaces—jealousy, irritation, petty satisfaction—don’t panic. Don’t obsess over it. And don’t get caught in this trap of trying to kill the flesh again and again like it’s some zombie that keeps rising from the grave.

Instead, just… side step it.

You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to manage it. Just walk by the Spirit. That’s your new way of life. That’s the real you.

What Does It Mean to “Not Fulfill the Flesh”?

Let’s zoom in on this word: “fulfill”. In Greek, it’s teleó, the same word Jesus used when He said “It is finished” on the cross (John 19:30).

Paul’s not saying that walking in the Spirit will make the flesh stop trying. He’s saying that as you walk by the Spirit, you won’t let the flesh complete its mission. It won’t be able to finish what it started. It’ll be left hanging, powerless.

Because the flesh doesn’t just want to pop in for a visit—it wants to move in, unpack, and run the show. But when you walk by the Spirit, you don’t give it the mic.

Don’t Wrestle. Walk.

So instead of wrestling with the flesh all day, just walk. Side step. Remember who you are and live from that place.

Your victory isn’t in crushing the flesh every time it shows up—it’s in refusing to let it have the final word.