If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 KJV
Walking in the flesh, we live lives that dishonor God. When we give into greed, lust, or any of our carnal nature, we are living in the flesh. Born in the flesh and natural sinners, we are spiritually dead and subject to the judgment of God. Born-again believers in Christ, however, are forgiven of their sins and pass from death to eternal life, living and walking in the Spirit.
Jesus says in John 3:3, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom. WEB” Born in sin, we need the Holy Spirit of God to overcome our sinful nature. Jesus explains in John 3:6 saying, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. WEB”
The Stains of Sin
We are born again by repentance from sin through faith in Jesus Christ. The bible tells us that even our good deeds are as filthy rags. No matter what we do, we are soiled by the stains of our sin. Our lies, lusts of the flesh, and other immoral actions are in rebellion to the righteousness of God. Believing in Christ, we are forgiven for our sins because he paid the price for them with his atoning sacrifice on the cross.
As new creations in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit of God and are called to walk in the Spirit. This means responding to the good things of the Lord rather than the temptations of the flesh. We follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit like a partner in a dance. Just as temptation leads the flesh into sin, when the Spirit leads us, we conform to the will of God.
The Lust of The Flesh
Paul describes in this letter what it means to live as someone who is free in Christ. This does not mean that we are free to do whatever we want. Rather, it means that we are released from the compulsions of our sinful nature. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. WEB”
We needed Jesus to pay the price for our sins and restore us to right standing with God. Likewise, we need the Holy Spirit to help us live by the spiritual principles of God’s word and not according to the desires of the flesh. We willfully follow the Spirit and Word of God in order to live lives that are pleasing to the Father.
This is a daily practice. We submit to the will of God and agree to be led by the Holy Spirit. Each time we encounter temptation, we can resist and make a better choice. Sincere Christians choose to walk the narrow road, denying the flesh, instead of the broad road that leads to destruction. Walking in the Spirit means living a life that is obedient to the will of God, forsaking the carnal desires of the world.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the help of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for guiding my steps. Help me to live a life that is acceptable to you through the guidance and power of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The House of the Lord
