ESOCS Devotional 6 August
TEXT: GALATIANS 15:13–26
MEMORY VERSE: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” Galatian 5:16–18
Man’s greatest problem is the flesh. Many Christians struggle to stay faithful to the faith and severally find themselves struggling with sin. Many people have make yearly resolutions to lead a godly life, only to go back to doing those things that are carnal and sinful after sometime. It is the flesh at work. St. Paul clearly states that there is a constant struggle in the life of man between the flesh, which is after the things of the world and the Spirit, which is after the things of God. The flesh has its works, which manifests in the life of those who are carnal or yield to its lusts and the Spirit too has its works, which manifests in the life of those who are spiritual and yield themselves to the Spirit of God.
The pull of the flesh is so strong that natural man cannot successfully resist it. But in this text, Paul shows us how to overcome the lust of the flesh. He said in verse 16, walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Every believer is born to be a spiritual being, and called to a spiritual life. It is in this life that the righteousness of God is fulfilled in them. They are given the life of God by His spirit and the same Spirit dwells in them. It is this Spirit of God, which dwells in them that begins to bear its fruit in their lives. These fruits are godly and righteous, manifesting the character of God.
St. Paul tells us that a Christian needs to live like this (in the Spirit) to be free from the lust of the flesh. When you yield your mind to the things of the world, sin will set in and the works of the flesh will begin to manifest. But live the Spiritual life that Jesus gives and you will have victory over sin.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
- How easy has it been for you in living a holy life continuously?
- What is your greatest challenge in being spiritually minded?
PRAYER POINT:
- Father help me in the life you have called me to live. Keep me from the pull of the world and help me to keep my mind and thoughts in you. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Habakkuk 1:1–17; 2:13-31; Mark 12:13-31; 12:32-42
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ESOCS Devotional 6th August
