Spirit-filled living

“When the Spirit has his way with us.”

Gal 5:17 TLB

Always remember that no matter how long you walk with God, your carnal nature never improves. It never becomes more like Jesus, even over time. That’s why we’re told to “crucify” it daily (See v. 24). Even the apostle Paul struggled with his lower nature: “We naturally love to do evil things…opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting…to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures…But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (vv. 17, 22-23 TLB). You ask, “Is such a lifestyle even possible?” Yes, but you must do these four things: (1) Remember that Satan never takes a day off. You’re constantly in his crosshairs, so you must protect yourself with God’s Word and prayer. (2) Identify the sin you’re most prone to. The Bible says, “Lay aside…the sin which so easily ensnares” (Heb 12:1 NKJV). Why? Because the area of your greatest weakness is the one in which you’ll constantly be attacked. (3) Keep your spiritual tank full. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Ro 8:6 NIV). (4) Walk in God’s strength, not your own. Does the fight ever end? No, but God’s power—plus your choice to obey and keep fighting—always leads to clear and lasting victory.

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