Category: Teen Devotions

Kill the Flesh—Don’t Negotiate With It

“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” — Galatians 5:24 (NASB 1995)

You can’t belong to Jesus and keep pet sins alive. The cross calls for execution, not compromise.

If you’ve been trying to balance Christ and the flesh, today’s verse calls you to decide. Believers don’t tame the flesh—they crucify it.

The Holy Spirit gives the power to let it die and the courage to walk away.

Challenge:
What’s something you’ve been protecting that should’ve been nailed to the cross? Don’t excuse it—crucify it.

Prayer:
Spirit of God, I choose Christ. Kill the passions in me that lead away from Him. Teach me how to truly live. Amen.

Don’t Fake the Fruit—Let It Grow

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB 1995)

Real love. Real peace. Real self-control. These aren’t moods or moments—they’re evidence.

If the Spirit is living in you, His fruit will show. But don’t try to force it. You can’t duct-tape joy onto a branch. You have to abide in Christ and yield to the Spirit daily.

He doesn’t ask you to fake growth. He asks you to remain rooted.

Challenge:
Pick one fruit you struggle with. Ask the Spirit to grow it in you—not for people’s approval, but for God’s glory.

Prayer:
Spirit of God, don’t let me fake holiness. Grow in me what only You can. Make me fruitful in You. Amen.

Call It What It Is

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these…” — Galatians 5:19–21 (NASB 1995)

The world glamorizes what God calls sin. But the Spirit doesn’t blur lines—He brings clarity.

Jealousy, lust, rage, pride, impurity—these aren’t just flaws. They’re works of the flesh. And they grow when ignored.

But here’s the good news: the Spirit doesn’t just convict you, He equips you to overcome.

Challenge:
Name one “work of the flesh” that you struggle with. Don’t justify it—confess it. Then ask the Spirit to help you kill it.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I don’t want to manage my sin—I want to be free. Confront what’s not from You, and lead me in truth. Amen.

Led by the Spirit, Not Stuck in Religion

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” — Galatians 5:18 (NASB 1995)

There’s a big difference between checking boxes and being changed. When you’re led by the Spirit, you’re not bound to a list of dos and don’ts—you’re invited into a real relationship.

The Spirit doesn’t give you a rulebook; He gives you Himself.

He leads with conviction, not condemnation. He shapes your heart, not just your behavior.

Challenge:
Ask yourself: “Am I trying to be good—or letting God make me new?”

Prayer:
Spirit of truth, I don’t want dead religion—I want real transformation. Lead me deeper into relationship with You. Amen.

The Inner Battle Is Real

“For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.” — Galatians 5:17 (NASB 1995)

Let’s be honest: the struggle is real. One part of you wants to stay in the Word, love others, and live boldly for Christ. The other part wants to sleep in, scroll past, and give in.

This tug-of-war isn’t weird. It’s biblical.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t shame you for the fight—He empowers you to win it. You can’t silence the flesh by trying harder, but you can starve it by walking with the Spirit.

Challenge:
Pay attention today to the inner pull. What does the Spirit say? Follow Him—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Prayer:
God, I don’t want to follow my flesh. Spirit, lead my decisions, shape my habits, and help me grow stronger. Amen.

Walk With the One Who Strengthens You

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NASB 1995)

You feel the pull—do what’s easy, blend in, or give in to old habits. But the Spirit offers a better path. Walk with Me, He says, and I’ll give you strength you don’t have on your own.

When you’re Spirit-led, sin loses its grip. When you’re self-led, it gains ground. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about walking closer.

Challenge:
Pause today before a decision. Ask, “Spirit, where are You walking in this?” Then follow His lead.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I don’t want to live in the flesh. Teach me how to walk with You every day, even when it’s hard. Amen.

Untouchable, Unbreakable Love

“…nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:39 (NASB 1995)

In a world full of shifting friendships, silent doubts, and real struggles—it’s easy to feel untethered.

But God’s love? It’s not conditional. It doesn’t rise and fall with your emotions or performance. Nothing in the universe—not height, depth, or anything created—can rip you from Christ’s love.

The Holy Spirit is the daily reminder that you are always loved.

Challenge:
Look around at the chaos and inconsistency in life. Then ask yourself: “What’s stronger—this, or God’s love?” Let the answer shape your day.

Prayer:
Spirit, keep me rooted. Let my identity be shaped by one thing: I am loved by Christ—always. Amen.

Untouchable Love

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers…” — Romans 8:38 (NASB 1995)

Some things in life feel powerful—like fear, failure, or the unknown. But none of them compare to the love of God.

Paul was convinced. Are you?

The Holy Spirit wants to anchor you in that same confidence—so that when life shakes, you stay secure.

Challenge:
Ask yourself honestly: “What am I afraid will separate me from God?” Then speak this truth out loud: “Nothing can.”

Prayer:
Spirit of truth, convince me like You did Paul. Let me be unshaken in the love of Christ. Amen.

You’re Not Just Getting By

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” — Romans 8:37 (NASB 1995)

The world says “survive.” Jesus says “overcome.”

Through Him, you are not scraping by—you are more than a conqueror. That doesn’t mean no battles—it means no battle can win against His love for you.

The Spirit gives you the power to stand, resist, and grow—even when things feel overwhelming.

Challenge:
What’s one area in your life that feels defeating? Invite the Spirit into it. Speak His victory over it.

Prayer:
Spirit, I don’t want to live like I’ve lost. Make me bold in Your strength. Remind me I’m more than a conqueror. Amen.

Faith in a World That Pushes Back

“Just as it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’” —  Romans 8:36 (NASB 1995)

Standing for Christ might make you feel like the odd one out. It might cost you relationships, reputation, or popularity.

But the Holy Spirit empowers you to stay true—to stand when others fall away, and to walk with Jesus even when it hurts.

You’re not alone. You’re part of a generation being shaped by fire.

Challenge:
Think of one way following Jesus has been costly for you. Thank God for the strength He’s given—and ask for more.

Prayer:
Spirit, help me not run from hardship. Make me faithful, even when it costs something. Amen.