All humans struggle to some extent with the destructive tendencies of the heart and mind. When jobs are lost, homes are broken, and lives are torn apart, we often ask why, but the Apostle Paul teaches that these things happen because of a powerful, spiritual struggle between the flesh and the Spirit of God. He said: I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17 NKJV).
Paul describes the flesh as that which relates to sexual sins, murder and witchcraft, but also to hatred, envy, drunkenness, and so forth. However, the things of the Spirit of God are quite the opposite. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:19-23 NKJV).
Victorious living is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 NKJV). And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32 NKJV).
Jim Roberts
Peace Church
Indiahoma, Oklahoma
www.ok-peacechurch.org
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