GALATIANS 5 v. 16 – 18
‘So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.’
Paul turns now to focus on life in the Spirit. It’s the Spirit of Jesus which enables us to live like Him, equipped by Him, bringing Him into every corner of the earth. We’re urged to learn to be led by the Spirit, and not our fleshly desires (the two are at war with each other). Living life in step with the Spirit is also the key to living from the oppression and condemnation of the law.
PRAYER
Spirit of Jesus,
break me,
melt me,
mold me,
fill me,
and guide and guard
the direction of my life –
my every thought
my every action
today.
AMEN.
CHALLENGE
Note, today, where your fleshly desires may be at odds with the Spirit of Jesus in you.
Take a moment to pause and pray for God’s strength, and the power of the Spirit, to keep you on track.
If you have someone with whom you are happy to be accountable, share this tension with your friend, so that two can be praying (most of us are more likely to ‘get there’ on our journey towards holiness if we share that journey with others).