Paul very clearly wrote: “This I say then, ‘Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18).
So, the question arises; how do you do just that? How does one walk in the Spirit, turning away from sin while at the same time being freed from the law? Do you do that by working hard to constrain your own fleshly desires? Certainly, before you were saved by grace you could not do that on your own. Neither can you of your own volition live a life of righteousness; however, you are no longer on your own if you abide in Christ. In Christ, because of His Completed Work on the Cross and His resurrection, you are freed from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:2). Furthermore, you have the Holy Spirit indwelling you to guide you.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are declared righteous by God. Covered by the blood of Christ, we are cloaked in His righteousness (Philippians 3:9). This is not a righteousness of our own. Unfortunately, the human nature within us yearns toward self-exaltation and pride. Therefore, all too often; we want to prove our own worthiness of this free gift of Grace we were given. We, once more; try to live this Christian life by our own power and therein we fail. If my only hope of Salvation is by grace through faith; so, is my walk.
The Flesh Versus the Spirit
There is a war that goes on within us. Paul wrote in detail about that war in Romans 7. Our only hope to live forth this righteousness which we are so freely given is by yielding to the Spirits control in us, putting to death our own desire to self. We need to realize and embrace this new identity we have been given in Christ Jesus.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:11-17
How do I yield to the Spirit? How do I reckon myself dead to the flesh? I can only do that by spending time alone with God through prayer and trusting Him to complete the work He began in me. The only way is to lean into Jesus Christ, acknowledging my utter helplessness with Him.
Why Walk in the Spirit?
Because the fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22). Isn’t that what our hearts desire? Does anyone want to be known by their anger, frustration, and failures? We want to be loved; but, when our flesh is on the throne, we find ourselves in despair; believing that no one understands us. Then, in our own attempt to win love, we are frustrated. Yet, when we dethrone “self” and place Jesus on the throne, our hearts change from the inside out. As we come to know Him and love Him for all He has done for us, His love and joy fills us. We learn to abide in Him, trust in Him, and our view of the world changes us.
Our view of circumstances changes as we come to “know that all things work together for good for them that love God, for those who are called unto His purpose” (Romans 8:28). No longer are we frustrated, in misery; because, we know that God “is and that He is the rewarder of them who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:8). God is in Control as the great I AM and He has my best interest in mind. Everything, He works together for my good; knowing exactly what is needed to transform my heart and to blot out the dark spots in my heart, so that I can find peace and joy in Him. Dying to self, that He might live in us and through us. Only there do we find our true Being (identity) in Him.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and CREDITS
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