But You Cannot Do Whatever You or Your Flesh Desires

Grace is one of the most profound gifts God has given humanity. Through grace, we are saved, forgiven, and empowered to live holy lives. However, grace is often misunderstood and misused. Some see it as a license to sin, believing they can live however they please because “God’s grace covers all.” This mindset is dangerous and contrary to the teachings of Scripture. While grace abounds, it calls us to live righteously and reject the desires of the flesh.

What Is Grace?

Grace is God’s unmerited favor — His free gift of love, forgiveness, and salvation. It cannot be earned through works or good deeds. Paul writes:“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Grace empowers believers not only to receive salvation but also to live in obedience to God’s will. It is not a freedom to sin but a freedom from sin.

Grace Is Not a License to Sin

Paul’s Warning Against Misusing Grace

Paul addressed this very issue in his letter to the Romans:“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1–2).
Grace is not an excuse to indulge the flesh; it is the power to overcome sin.

Sin’s Destructive Nature

Sin enslaves and separates us from God. Jesus died to free us from sin, not to give us permission to remain in it:“Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).
To abuse grace by willfully living in sin is to trample on the sacrifice of Christ.

The Call to Holiness

Grace calls us to holiness, not lawlessness:“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11–12).

The Flesh vs. The Spirit

The War Within

As believers, we face a constant battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit:“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other” (Galatians 5:17).

The Works of the Flesh

Paul lists the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. These include:
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, hatred, envy, and more.

Walking in the Spirit

Grace empowers us to walk in the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Walking in the Spirit means living a life that reflects God’s character and resisting the temptations of the flesh.

The Danger of Cheap Grace

What Is Cheap Grace?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian, described cheap grace as “grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”
It is the mindset that says, “I can sin because God will forgive me.”

True Grace Transforms

True grace leads to transformation. Paul emphasizes that believers are new creations in Christ:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Grace does not leave us where we are; it changes us from the inside out.

Living Under Grace: What It Really Means

Freedom Through Grace

Grace frees us from the penalty and power of sin. It gives us the ability to live victoriously through Christ:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

Submission to God

Living under grace means submitting to God’s will and rejecting the pull of the flesh:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Obedience Out of Love

Grace calls us to obey God not out of fear but out of love and gratitude for what He has done. Jesus said:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Practical Steps to Walk in Grace and Resist the Flesh

Daily Surrender

Begin each day by surrendering your desires to God and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Key Verse: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Stay in the Word

Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to renew your mind and strengthen your spirit.
Key Verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit

Focus on growing in love, joy, peace, patience, and other fruits of the Spirit. These reflect a life transformed by grace.

Seek Accountability

Surround yourself with godly mentors and friends who will encourage you to walk in holiness and resist temptation.
Key Verse: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer keeps you connected to God and strengthens your spirit to overcome the flesh.
Key Verse: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Conclusion

Grace is not a license to do whatever you or your flesh desires. It is the power of God at work in your life, enabling you to live in freedom from sin and in obedience to Him. True grace transforms, renews, and calls you to a higher standard of living — one that reflects Christ.

As believers, we must reject the misuse of grace and live lives that honor God. Let us walk in the Spirit, cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, and show the world what true grace looks like in action.