Living by the Spirit

 Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5 

“’Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.’”

Galatians 5:24-26

One of the marks of belonging to Jesus is that we have crucified the flesh with its “passions and desires”. We obey the Spirit living within us as he convicts us of sin and pursues our sanctification. This life in the Spirit requires us to keep in step with the Spirit. The life of the flesh is about comparisons with others and motivated by pride (conceit) which expresses itself in comments which provoke and cause envy. 

Based on how we live, would others say we live by the Spirit, or by the flesh?

Jesus was crucified. We, like Paul, can choose to die to self as we apply Christ’s victory over sin and the devil in our daily battles and temptations. We have the authority and freedom in Christ to say, ‘No’ to sin, and ‘Yes’ to the ways of God.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for providing all I need to overcome sin and temptation. I lift my eyes off of myself and on to you, for your glory.”