How can we live by the Spirit instead of the flesh, per Romans 7:5? Living by the Spirit, Not the Flesh Romans 7:5: “For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.” The Flesh Exposed • “The flesh” is our inherited, sin-bent nature—self-centered, self-reliant, resistant to God (Romans 8:7). • It bears only one kind of harvest: “death”—separation, emptiness, ruined relationships, and eventual judgment (Romans 6:23). • Law alone never fixes the problem; it only exposes it (Romans 3:20). The Spirit’s Liberating Power • Romans 8:2: “For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” • Liberation is not self-help; it is the Spirit’s inward miracle at conversion (John 3:5-6). • Galatians 5:18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Union with Christ—The Starting Line • Romans 6:4: we were “raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” • “In Christ” you are no longer controlled by the flesh’s authority; you are under new management. • Identity precedes activity. We live by the Spirit because we belong to Christ (Romans 8:9). Setting the Mind on the Spirit • Romans 8:5-6: the mindset of the Spirit is “life and peace.” • Practical steps: – Begin each day in Scripture; let God set the agenda (Psalm 119:9-11). – Memorize promises that confront fleshly impulses (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:13). – Reject thoughts that contradict Christ’s lordship (2 Corinthians 10:5). Walk, Don’t Drift • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • “Walk” pictures steady, moment-by-moment dependence, not sporadic bursts of effort. • When temptation surfaces, consciously yield the moment to the Spirit; say yes to Him before the flesh gains momentum (Romans 6:12-13). Spirit-Fueled Disciplines • Prayerful intake of Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Joyful obedience—doing what the Word says (James 1:22) • Fellowship with Spirit-filled believers who exhort and encourage (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Corporate worship that lifts your gaze to Christ (Colossians 3:16) • Confession and repentance when you stumble (1 John 1:9) These are not flesh-powered checklists; they are pipelines for the Spirit’s grace. The Evident Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 lists unmistakable markers: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” • Fruit is produced, not manufactured; it grows as we abide in Christ (John 15:5). • Regularly review your attitudes and actions. Where fruit is missing, return to abiding. Hope and Assurance • Romans 8:11: “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies.” • The same power that raised Jesus sustains daily obedience; therefore failure is never final. • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Living by the Spirit is not an optional upgrade; it is normal Christian life—freedom from the flesh’s tyranny, enjoyment of God, and a harvest of life that lasts. |
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