Podcast Summary: "Renewing Your Mind" Episode: Works of the Flesh Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction "Renewing Your Mind," the daily podcast by Ligonier Ministries, seeks to deepen Christians' understanding of God through the renewal of their minds according to His Word. In the episode titled "Works of the Flesh," released on August 14, 2025, the host delves into Galatians 5, examining the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. This episode marks the beginning of a two-day study focusing on these themes.

Understanding the Flesh: Definitions and Misconceptions R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by addressing a common misunderstanding about the term "flesh" in biblical texts. He emphasizes that in the context of Galatians 5, "flesh" (Greek: sarx) does not merely refer to our physical bodies (soma) but rather to our fallen, corrupt nature inherited from original sin.

"The main use of flesh in the New Testament is not with respect to our physical bodies, but with respect to our fallen human condition, our corrupt nature."
— R.C. Sproul [00:28]

Sproul explains that "flesh" symbolizes the inherent sinful condition that affects all of humanity post-Adam and Eve's fall. This understanding is crucial for comprehending Paul's message about the ongoing spiritual warfare between the spirit and the flesh.

The Necessity of Being Born Again Sproul highlights Jesus' teaching in John 3 about the necessity of being "born again" to enter the kingdom of God. He clarifies that merely being born or making a profession of faith without the transformative work of the Holy Spirit does not equate to true salvation.

"Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
— R.C. Sproul [01:31]

He further critiques the modern concept of the "carnal Christian," arguing that it is a theological error. According to Sproul, anyone truly born of the Spirit cannot remain entirely in the flesh, as the Holy Spirit inherently changes their nature.

"There is no such thing as a carnal Christian in the sense of somebody who's 100% flesh."
— R.C. Sproul [23:30]

The Irony of Carnal Christianity Addressing misconceptions, Sproul discusses the idea of "carnal Christians"—individuals who profess faith but continue to live according to their fallen nature. He underscores that genuine conversion involves a transformation that leaves no room for a purely fleshly existence.

"Anybody who is born of the Spirit of God is a changed person."
— R.C. Sproul [23:45]

Sproul recounts an encounter with a self-proclaimed Christian living a life contradictory to Christian teachings, who attributed his behavior to being "carnal." Sproul refutes this, asserting that true conversion eliminates the possibility of such blatant fleshly living.

The Battle Between the Spirit and the Flesh Drawing from Galatians 5, Sproul outlines the ongoing conflict between the spirit and the flesh. He emphasizes that believers must actively "walk by the Spirit" to resist the desires of the flesh, which encompass more than just physical temptations but also include thoughts, emotions, and actions.

"If you walk in the Spirit, you're not going to gratify the desires of the flesh."
— R.C. Sproul [20:15]

Sproul describes this spiritual warfare as a daily struggle, highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in overcoming the remnants of our fallen nature until glorification in heaven.

Identifying the Works of the Flesh Sproul meticulously categorizes the "works of the flesh" as listed by Paul in Galatians 5. He breaks them down into various spheres of sinful behavior and attitudes that Christians must avoid to remain aligned with God's kingdom.

1. Sexual Immorality

   • "Pornography, adultery, fornication, impurity."

2. Idolatry and Sorcery

   • "Idolatry is whoredom against God, sorcery."

3. Enmity and Strife

   • "Enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger."

4. Drunkenness and Orgies

   • "Drunkenness, orgies."

"These sins are forgivable, but they must be repented of. If your life is characterized by these sins, you're in the flesh."
— R.C. Sproul [22:00]

Sproul warns that pervasive engagement in these behaviors signifies a life dominated by the flesh, thereby excluding one from inheriting the kingdom of God unless genuine repentance and transformation occur.

Contrasting Flesh with the Spirit In juxtaposition to the works of the flesh, Sproul sets the stage for the next segment, which will explore the fruit of the Spirit. He underscores that walking by the Spirit involves embodying virtues that reflect God's character, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of the flesh.

"Walk by the Spirit, that is, by the Holy Spirit, and not gratifying the desires of the flesh."
— R.C. Sproul [23:00]

This distinction emphasizes that the Christian life is a dynamic journey of continual spiritual growth and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome inherent sinful tendencies.

Conclusion and Call to Action Sproul concludes by urging listeners to evaluate their lives in light of the teachings on the flesh. He challenges them to recognize where they stand in their walk with God—whether aligned with the Holy Spirit or still grappling with fleshly desires.

"What side are we on? On the side of God, the Holy Spirit, or on the side of the flesh?"
— R.C. Sproul [24:09]

The episode sets the stage for the following day's discussion on the fruit of the Spirit, encouraging listeners to continue their study and deepen their understanding of living a Spirit-led life.

Additional Resources and Support The host, Sam, promotes further engagement by inviting listeners to support the ministry and access additional resources, such as R.C. Sproul's expositional Commentary on Galatians. Supporters can request a hardcover or ebook edition by donating and visiting the provided links.

"If you'd like to study the entirety of Galatians with R.C. Sproul as your guide, request the Hardcover edition of his expositional Commentary on Galatians..."
— Sam [01:31]

Final Thoughts "Works of the Flesh" serves as a profound exploration of the Christian's struggle against sin and the necessity of living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. R.C. Sproul's insightful examination of Galatians 5 provides listeners with a clear understanding of the inherent conflict between the flesh and the spirit, offering practical wisdom for those seeking to live a life fully committed to God's kingdom.

Notable Quotes:

• R.C. Sproul [00:00]: "A profession of faith never saved anybody. Anybody who is saved is called to make a profession of faith. But just because you make a profession of faith doesn't mean that you possess the faith that you need to have in order to be justified."

• R.C. Sproul [01:31]: "The main use of flesh in the New Testament is not with respect to our physical bodies, but with respect to our fallen human condition, our corrupt nature."

• R.C. Sproul [23:45]: "There is no such thing as a carnal Christian in the sense of somebody who's 100% flesh."

• R.C. Sproul [24:09]: "What side are we on? On the side of God, the Holy Spirit, or on the side of the flesh?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and theological explorations presented in the "Works of the Flesh" episode of "Renewing Your Mind." It provides a clear and detailed overview for listeners and those interested in understanding the Christian struggle between flesh and spirit as articulated by R.C. Sproul.