Today’s Reading, Galatians 4-6
Focal Scripture: Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.”
As believers we are all in a battle everyday of our lives. This battle is not for our personal lives but between our flesh and our spirit. This means that as followers of Christ our flesh desires to live in sin. It desires to rebel against the Lord. Since we will be in our bodies until our death or the Lord’s return, we have to come up with a plan to combat this struggle. Our flesh desires to serve itself and the darkest parts of our thoughts.
In today’s reading Paul is telling the believers that the flesh and spirit are at odds with one another. The flesh is fighting against the spirit to act and live in sin. The spirit is fighting against the flesh to serve and honor God. They are in opposition to one another daily. They have different goals. The flesh seeks self gratification and the Spirit desires obedience. This conflict causes us to make decisions that are not moral, good, or biblical.
Do you experience this struggle? If you do, it is a good indication you are a believer. You understand that following after the flesh leads to destruction. Submitting to it causes pain and frustration, even though it may temporarily grant you happiness. If you have the spirit inside of you, conviction will set in your heart. You will know that you have a battle you can’t win on your own. The spirit is stronger than the flesh we just have to submit to the spirit daily.
My concern comes when people claim to be followers and have no conviction over sin in their lives. They have no struggle between obedience to the flesh and obedience to the spirit. A person who can follow the flesh and have no conviction over their choices is not a believer. I know that sounds harsh but it must be said to confront the reality of salvation.
I want to be clear I am not talking about perfect people who never make mistakes. I am talking about sin being exposed by the spirit. You see that is where the battle between the flesh and the spirit happens. That battle proves you have been born again. The battle confirms you know right from wrong about God’s standards.
So do you experience this battle? If you do I challenge you to know what the Bible teaches. It will help you submit and understand what a Christ demands from you. Not to make you miserable but to make you more holy.
If you don’t experience this battle it is time to ask some difficult questions. Are you truly a believer? Have you repented of your sins and followed the Lord? Are you completely sure of your salvation? If you have any doubt it is time to get that settled today.
The battle believers face between flesh and spirit is sign of a changed heart and a changed life. So are you changed?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ephesians 1-3
