A group of youth walking towards the St. George Utah Temple.
Have you ever felt torn between the desire to yield to temptation and the desire to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost to live righteously? The Apostle Paul described the battle that can take place between desires in our mortal, imperfect bodies and the Spirit of God, which persuades us to do good. This lesson is intended to help you become more like Jesus Christ by giving you opportunities to identify ways you can more fully “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16).
Tug-of-war
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Four men pulling a rope in a tug-of-war.
In what ways is your life like a tug-of-war?
In his epistle to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul described two competing forces that can pull us in different directions. Read Galatians 5:16–17, looking for Paul’s counsel regarding these forces.
What competing forces did you identify from these verses?
The “lust[s] of the flesh” (verse 16) are the temptations we experience.
What are some of the physical temptations (lusts of the flesh) that young people experience?
Take a moment to silently consider how this tug-of-war of the Spirit against the lusts of the flesh might be happening in your life. In what ways might you struggle against the lusts of the flesh? How are you blessed as you follow the guidance of the Spirit? As you continue to study, pay attention to spiritual promptings that can help you know of any adjustments you could make that would help you overcome the temptations you face.
Avoiding the works of the flesh
Read Galatians 5:21, looking for why it is important to avoid the lusts of the flesh.
What did you learn about why we should avoid these actions?
What can make it difficult to avoid the lusts of the flesh, even if we know they are wrong?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles official portrait. 2020.
As sons and daughters of God, we have inherited divine capacities from Him. But we presently live in a fallen world. The very elements out of which our bodies were created are by nature fallen and ever subject to the pull of sin, corruption, and death. Consequently, the Fall of Adam and its spiritual and temporal consequences affect us most directly through our physical bodies. …
Because a physical body is so central to the Father’s plan of happiness and our spiritual development, Lucifer seeks to frustrate our progression by tempting us to use our bodies improperly. One of the ultimate ironies of eternity is that the adversary, who is miserable precisely because he has no physical body, entices us to share in his misery through the improper use of our bodies. The very tool he does not have is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to spiritual destruction.
1. Answer at least two of the following questions in your study journal:
What thoughts or impressions came to you as you studied these verses?
What did you learn about how Jesus Christ can help you overcome the temptations you face?
What are some specific things you can do to ensure the Spirit is more fully with you?
What experiences have you had in which following the Spirit helped you overcome temptation? (Be sure to not share details that are too personal.)
Fruits of the Spirit
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Drawing of a tree bearing good fruit
Paul identified many of the blessings that can occur in our lives as we listen to and follow the Holy Ghost. He referred to these blessings as “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22).
Read Galatians 5:22–23, looking for the fruit of the Spirit that Paul identified.
2. Answer one or both of the following questions in your study journal:
Which of these blessings or feelings from the Spirit have you experienced in your life?
What do these blessings help you understand about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? (If needed, see Psalm 25:8–10; Mosiah 2:41.)
Apply what you learned
Jesus Christ, who always did Heavenly Father’s will (see 3 Nephi 27:13), is the perfect example of living in such a way as to overcome the temptation to sin. Although He suffered all kinds of temptations of the flesh (see Hebrews 4:15; Alma 7:11), He “gave no heed unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:22).
Consider for a moment how you will strive to follow Jesus Christ’s example and apply the truths you have studied today. Think about any promptings you have already received, and make a plan regarding what you will do to more fully walk in the Spirit and overcome temptation. Record your plan in your study journal.
Optional: Want to Learn More?
How can following the Holy Ghost help me resist and overcome temptation?
President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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Final official portrait of Elder Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2000. Passed away 3 July 2015.
It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church. …
If you are slipping into things that you should not slip into or if you are associating with people who are pulling you away in the wrong direction, that is the time to assert your independence, your agency. Listen to the voice of the Spirit, and you will not be led astray.
I say again that youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit.
(Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Youth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 18)
To see an illustration of the results of both fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and walking in the Spirit, watch “LDS Addiction Recovery Program: Meet Sidreis” (3:06), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.