The true Christian cannot satisfy the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit at the same time; he cannot be under control of both simultaneously. They are contrary to each other, diametrically opposing each other, totally incompatible with each other. The works of the flesh will be obvious in an individual’s life, and their constant practice, with no heart-rooted effort for change, gives evidence one is not a believer. It is deceitful to claim the forgiveness of God, to recognize the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice, to see the depth of the Father’s love in giving His Son, to see the horror of sin before the Holy and eternal God, and do nothing about life practices, sinful behavior, or a wicked heart that took Jesus to the Cross.
Knowing Christ as our Savior makes all the difference. Seeing Christ, we want to change; seeing Him we are compelled to change; seeing Him we must change. This change will be evidenced by the work of the Spirit within us. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5.22-23). Being led by the Spirit means the Spirit will be transforming us to be more like Jesus. We will love the Father in response to His great love for us; we will love Jesus and His redemptive work on our behalf; we will love others Biblically. We will know the joy of our salvation and new life in Christ. We will enjoy peace with God and seek to be at peace with others. We will be patient, accepting God’s timeframe in all things. We will be kind in our relationships. We will seek what is good, having no desire for evil. We will be faithful to God, His Word, and to others. We will be gentle with other people and not harsh. We will be under the control of the Spirit and not our fleshly desires. May this be our prayer, our greatest desire, our earnest resolve, to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (5.24) and to be fully and continually led by God’s Holy Spirit.
Being indwelt by the Spirit – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
