In what ways can we align our minds with the Spirit daily? Romans 8:7—The Root Issue “because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” - The “mind of the flesh” naturally rebels. - Only by the Spirit can a believer think, desire, and act in ways that please God. A Picture of a Spirit-Aligned Mind - Submits willingly to Scripture (Psalm 119:11). - Pursues holiness rather than self-gratification (1 Peter 1:14-16). - Enjoys life-and-peace (Romans 8:6) instead of turmoil and guilt. Daily Alignment Habits - Start the day in the Word: meditate on a short passage, letting it shape your first thoughts (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). - Pray as you read, asking the Spirit to illuminate and apply truth (John 14:26). - Walk in conscious dependence: “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). - Memorize a verse each week; recall it whenever fleshly impulses surface (Psalm 119:9). - Speak truth aloud—confession and declaration break the power of hidden sin (James 5:16). - End the day with reflection and thanksgiving, surrendering stray thoughts to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:6). Feeding the Spirit, Starving the Flesh - Choose media that honors Christ; replace cynical entertainment with worship and teaching (Colossians 3:16). - Keep company with Spirit-filled believers; “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). - Serve others regularly; self-giving love quiets self-centered thinking (Philippians 2:3-4). - Fast periodically to remind the body it is not in charge (Matthew 6:16-18). Thought Filters for Every Situation Philippians 4:8 offers a grid: - Is it true? - Is it honorable? - Is it just? - Is it pure? - Is it lovely or commendable? - Is it excellent or praiseworthy? Anything failing the test gets discarded; anything passing it stays. When the Flesh Flares Up - Acknowledge quickly—no excuses (1 John 1:9). - Replace the lie with scriptural truth (Ephesians 6:17). - Yield again to the Spirit’s control; He empowers fresh obedience (Romans 8:11). Encouraging Promises to Hold Onto - Romans 8:14 — “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” - Galatians 5:22-23 — The Spirit produces fruit the flesh never can. - 2 Corinthians 3:18 — We are being transformed “from glory to glory” as we keep beholding Christ. Day by day, choice by choice, a mind once “hostile to God” becomes a vessel the Spirit delights to fill and use. |
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