Disciples intentionally immerse themselves in a relationship with God by…
keeping in step with the Holy Spirit
Our devotions continue to focus on living under the Holy Spirit, yielding to His work and ways. The goal is to immerse ourselves in God by submitting to His Spirit. God calls us to live by the Spirit, not the law (rules and regulations). Our primary teacher about God is God himself. Pray that He opens your heart to insights of His Word.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Galatians 5:13-24
Life by the Spirit
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ~Apostle Paul
Galatians 5:16
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
• In Christ, I live and walk by the Spirit.
Pondering Point
According to the bible, there are contrasting or even competing parts within you. Romans 7 describes them as sinful nature vs. inner being, unspiritual vs spiritual, or competing desires to follow the ways of sin or the ways of God. Here in Galatians, Paul uses flesh and Spirit terminology. Some part in you is not going to be happy – either your spirit or your flesh.
God teaches us to live not under the ways of the flesh, nor under the law, but according to the Spirit. When walking in the Spirit we transgress no laws. When walking out of step with the Spirit it is a whole other deal. In fact, any indulgence to the sinful nature – thought, word, deed, or attitude -- betrays that you are drifting from living by the Spirit. Walk in Him and talk in Him. Think in Him and think on Him. Dwell on Him and dwell in Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in my spirit I desire to be like You, to live like You and love like You. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to empower me to do so, producing in me the characteristic fruit You were known for: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I am Your disciple walking with You – by Your Spirit. In Your name Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.