Walking by the Spirit
8/14/2024
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
— Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
In our daily walk with Christ, we often face a tension between two forces—the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The "flesh" in this context refers to our natural inclinations, the tendencies that pull us away from God’s will and towards selfishness, pride, and sin. It's the part of us that resists the transformative work of Christ and longs for instant gratification. As believers, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God. But in order to do so, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to overcome the sinful desires of our flesh.
Paul's words in Galatians 5:16 serve as both a command and a promise. He instructs us to "walk by the Spirit," emphasizing an ongoing, active choice to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time decision but a continual journey, where each step we take is aligned with the Spirit’s leading. Walking by the Spirit means allowing God’s presence within us to direct our thoughts, words, and actions.
The promise attached to this command is powerful: “if” we walk by the Spirit, we “will not” gratify the desires of the flesh. This is a guarantee that as we choose to follow the Spirit's direction, the power of sin diminishes in our lives. The desires of the flesh lose their grip when we’re immersed in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
However, walking by the Spirit requires intentionality. It involves daily surrender, prayer, and sensitivity to God’s voice. It means letting go of control and trusting that God’s ways are higher and better than our own.
Walking by the Spirit means being in tune with God's will and allowing Him to lead us in every aspect of our lives. It means seeking His guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
However, walking by the Spirit is not always easy. Our fleshly desires can be strong and tempting, leading us down paths that are contrary to God's will. That is why it is so important to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome these temptations and live in a way that is pleasing to God.
This walk might sometimes feel challenging because the desires of the flesh are persistent, but the more we yield to the Spirit, the more we experience true freedom and peace. But when we do walk by the Spirit, we are able to discern right from wrong and make choices that align with God's truth.
As you go through today, ask yourself: Am I walking by the Spirit? Are my decisions, attitudes, and actions reflecting the influence of the Holy Spirit, or are they driven by the desires of the flesh? Remember, the Spirit is always ready to lead and empower you. All you need to do is invite Him to take control and guide your steps.
Today, I encourage you to reflect on how you are walking in the Spirit. Are you seeking God's guidance in all areas of your life? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist the desires of the flesh? Let us strive to walk by the Spirit each day, trusting in God's strength to help us live in a way that honors Him.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who leads and empowers me to live a life that honors You. Help me to walk by the Spirit each day, making choices that reflect Your will and resist the pull of the flesh. Strengthen my heart to seek Your guidance in every decision, and let my life be a testament to Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
— Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
In our daily walk with Christ, we often face a tension between two forces—the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The "flesh" in this context refers to our natural inclinations, the tendencies that pull us away from God’s will and towards selfishness, pride, and sin. It's the part of us that resists the transformative work of Christ and longs for instant gratification. As believers, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God. But in order to do so, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to overcome the sinful desires of our flesh.
Paul's words in Galatians 5:16 serve as both a command and a promise. He instructs us to "walk by the Spirit," emphasizing an ongoing, active choice to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time decision but a continual journey, where each step we take is aligned with the Spirit’s leading. Walking by the Spirit means allowing God’s presence within us to direct our thoughts, words, and actions.
The promise attached to this command is powerful: “if” we walk by the Spirit, we “will not” gratify the desires of the flesh. This is a guarantee that as we choose to follow the Spirit's direction, the power of sin diminishes in our lives. The desires of the flesh lose their grip when we’re immersed in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
However, walking by the Spirit requires intentionality. It involves daily surrender, prayer, and sensitivity to God’s voice. It means letting go of control and trusting that God’s ways are higher and better than our own.
Walking by the Spirit means being in tune with God's will and allowing Him to lead us in every aspect of our lives. It means seeking His guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
However, walking by the Spirit is not always easy. Our fleshly desires can be strong and tempting, leading us down paths that are contrary to God's will. That is why it is so important to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome these temptations and live in a way that is pleasing to God.
This walk might sometimes feel challenging because the desires of the flesh are persistent, but the more we yield to the Spirit, the more we experience true freedom and peace. But when we do walk by the Spirit, we are able to discern right from wrong and make choices that align with God's truth.
As you go through today, ask yourself: Am I walking by the Spirit? Are my decisions, attitudes, and actions reflecting the influence of the Holy Spirit, or are they driven by the desires of the flesh? Remember, the Spirit is always ready to lead and empower you. All you need to do is invite Him to take control and guide your steps.
Today, I encourage you to reflect on how you are walking in the Spirit. Are you seeking God's guidance in all areas of your life? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist the desires of the flesh? Let us strive to walk by the Spirit each day, trusting in God's strength to help us live in a way that honors Him.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who leads and empowers me to live a life that honors You. Help me to walk by the Spirit each day, making choices that reflect Your will and resist the pull of the flesh. Strengthen my heart to seek Your guidance in every decision, and let my life be a testament to Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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